Ichthus Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 I'm not sure if this has been brought up before but where do you guys get your bass and balsa wood and what sizes do you guys buy them in. I've been carving pine, but it's a little too hard for putting fine details in and the grain is pretty hard and makes for inconsistent carving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohawkman Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 I buy mine at Michaels. I think it's called a whittler's kit. 8 or 10 pieces in a bag for a few bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohawkman Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 Just did a quick search. This site looks reasonable and they'll make custom sizes. http://www.heineckewood.com/blockwood1.htm1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ichthus Posted February 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 Any in big enough sizes to cut out on a bansaw? So I could cut out the shapes of cranks or swimbaits on the bandsaw and sand them out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
token12 Posted February 14, 2015 Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 (edited) I ordered my basswood from http://www.dickblick.com/items/33302-8518/ . This is the size I ordered last year. I haven't had a problem with it. I believe they also sell balsa wood. Just go here http://www.dickblick.com/itemgroups-w/woodblocks/ if you want to browse around there selections. Edited February 14, 2015 by token12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoonpluggergino Posted February 14, 2015 Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 check out Hobby Link, saltwaterplugs.com and hobby lobby has balsa wood Gino 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ichthus Posted February 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 Thanks guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLT785 Posted February 14, 2015 Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 I buy Balsa at Keim Lumber in Charm, Ohio, they usually carry it in 4x4x6 feet for around $50-$60. Check any lumber, hardware or woodworking store near you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt M Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 I get balsa from a Hobby Shop. The place specializes in remote control cars and planes. They have Balsa in stock in all diffrent sizes for guys to make components for the RC air planes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geomech Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 You can purchase basswood from carving suppliers. i carve decoys as my primary hobby and have purchased basswood out of Michigan from The Duck Blind. Top quality wood and people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ichthus Posted February 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 Thanks! I've also been trying to track down that Azek decking but only a few Home Depots carry it and theyre not local. I figure balsa and basswood are my next best bets as far as ease of use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 Careful with the balsa, to get something dense enough for the job. The stuff that the aircraft modellers is super light and would require through wiring. The denser balsas will take a screw eye. The light stuff makes good lures too, but just be aware of its limitations. Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoonpluggergino Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 Ichdus check out your local outdoor deck builders, that is how I found my PVC deck board, other brands will also work Gino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoonpluggergino Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 I forget to mention that for your balsa baits I recommend to use propionate to seal the bait. Usually they make two batches of propionate a very thin so it willsoak in the balsa wood to give strength and a thicker solution, the first dipping you I let the bait soak for 3 hours after that I dip and take out, because the solution use acetone it evaporates very quickly. I make balsa muskie twitch baits and on the balsa bait I make a wire harness that I installing the belie of the bait and I use epoxy to secure the wire, that is how Crane Baits do their baits. If you go to tacklemaking.com they have all the instruction on the propionate and they have a link to e-bay where to purchase the plastic pellets, acetone you can get at Home Depot Hopefully this helps Gino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Moreau Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 I order mine from a few retailers online it just depends on the price. I get balsa in 3in*3in*12in... then I cut on a table saw into width i need. Many retailers will pick either dense or light for more $$$ if you request it. I usually order 6 or so pieces at a time and then weigh them. Really light pieces I use for making master blanks to mold... and the denser chunks i save for cranks. If you want i can get the last place I ordered from but i just search on line and pick the best price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 (edited) I source basswood local now but best bet is to order from respected carving places or have found some good dealers on ebay off and on. You can get it at craft stores but they price it like it is gold. Now the last stuff I got was free and should last for one or two cranks (the boy is standing on two of the pieces and two more the same size next to it). Edited February 15, 2015 by Travis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ichthus Posted February 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 Now that's a lot of wood! I will probably try all of the above ways and see which one works better for me. I always appreciate the feedback I get on this site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 There are several places where you can get balsa or basswood online. Just do a search for "balsa suppliers" or "basswood suppliers". There are several different grades (weights per cubic foot) of balsa and just be forewarned that you will pay extra for specific grades since it has to be hand picked. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wchilton Posted February 22, 2015 Report Share Posted February 22, 2015 In your area I'll bet you can find a local lumber yard that carries bass. Look for HARDWOOD suppliers and just give a quick call to see if they carry it. Hobby shops often have smaller pieces for carving. Also, woodworking stores like Rockler (a big chain) usually have some on hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Thanks! I've also been trying to track down that Azek decking but only a few Home Depots carry it and theyre not local. I figure balsa and basswood are my next best bets as far as ease of use. You can ask your local Home Depot if they can order some for you. Try their trim board, if you can get it. There are other brands of PVC decking and trim board that will work, too, but I don't know their names. Just don't use Trex...it sinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
