Balsa Wood Idea

Okay, I originally wanted to buy a 4 sided paddle strop and use the following diamond pastes 3.0, 1.0, .5, and .5 Chromium. I had this wild idea that I could use a 3X3X12 Balsa Block and paste the sides with the above pastes. Is this a viable option since I have access to Balsa blocks, or should I go with a smaller piece of Balsa glued to a harder wood like you typically see? Is there a downside to a solid block of Balsa for pasting? I am trying to save some $$ so I am going the frugal route. Thanks in advance


Billy

I don't know as I've ever gotten to play with a three inch thick piece of Balsa wood. I figure if yuo can smoosh the surface up with your finger or will chip the heck out of the edges I'd glue it to a backer but if it remains solid, go for it. I think that is the main benifit of the backer, to protect the honing surface from dings and such at least when we are talking about something that will hold its own flatness like balsa or thin glass.

That sounds fine, I doubt the 3x3 block would deform enough to make a difference between being used plain or with a backing.

I'd rather see you pick up a barber hone (or something) instead of using that 3 micron paste. It is not a very commonly used paste and from the few reports I have heard, it is not very usable (for razors), but your results may vary.

Thanks for both of the replies! Decision decisions LOL

Actually, I've found that 3 micron paste can help out if you have a tricky to hone razor. That being said, it is a pretty aggressive paste, and you don't want to over-do it on the 3um...

First, a thumbs up on 3 micron paste. I still consider it one of the optional choices though but it is very handy and for me a must have choice. I can stay away from a hone for a long time if I use it once in a while.

Now, on to balsa! I think the 3 x 3 x 12 is a fine way to go especially if you don't have the tools/means to make another type of paddle. All you really need is to be sure each side is flat, specifically side to side. While a delicate material in the sense it dings and dents easily it can also quickly be fixed once again by sanding and new abrasives applied. I think I'd leave it as a bench hone myself with a bit of no-slip pad underneath instead of adding a handle as the bulks is rather large.

I say go for it!

Tony

I think I am going to wait until TM opens back up and purchase a 4 sided paddle strop from him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Huskysibe

I think I am going to wait until TM opens back up and purchase a 4 sided paddle strop from him.

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Why?

Sounds like you just got a great endorsement from that man himself.


I'd save the $$$ and get yourself another razor or two and some really good soap to enjoy.

LOL I need a few more razors, I am down to 2 and getting ready to sell 1. I am just not a real handy man, I am not sure I wanna deal with all the sanding etc etc. I live in military housing and have nowhere to perform craft type things. I am opting for the easy route on this because I know I will get a quality product out of the box and just have to paste it up and let it dry for a day or 2.

Husky,

You comment that you are in military housing. Is this on a base which may have some shops available to base personnel? When I was in Vietnam, the Air Force base in Nha Trang had a wonderful woodshop. When I, with the 10 or so guys I was living with, were moved to different quarters we had a wide open barracks and everyone wanted their own rooms. I scrounged the materials and built the rooms, but couldn't find any doors. Well the wonderful AFB woodshop had a chainsaw mortiser and tenoner. So I made about 10 doors. If your base has a craftshop, adjusting that chunk of balsa should be a piece of cake.

Good luck, good scrounging,

About half the bases I have been stationed at have both woodshops and auto shops, sadly in New Orleans we only have an auto shop. I guess if I wanted to get really creative I probably could go buy the tools to properly smooth out the wood and ensure it was square. Problem is, I would probably never use these items again LOL.

Billy

I did a quick search on Woodworking Clubs in LA. and came up with these three:

Lake Charles Woodworkers Club, Inc.
1139 Green Road
Lake Charles, LA 70611
Email: barryhumphus@hotmail.com
Web site: www.lcwoodworkers.com
Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild
312 Octavia Street
New Orleans, LA 70181
Phone: 504-866-1515
Email: GREYDUCK97@AOL.COM
Shreveport Association of Woodworkers (SAW)
145 Ockley Dr.
Shreveport, LA 71105
Web site: groups.yahoo.com/group/shrevesaw

You might contact one of them and see if they could help you out along that frugal route. If they have anyone that has a lathe you might be able to get a brush, bowl , etc done..:D

Bob