For these builds I did select the sheet balsa which was cut into strips with a slitting tool. However, the selection of balsa is not so great, so finding a soft, medium or hard sheet isn't always possible.
This is one reason I ordered some paulownia. Has anyone else here heard of it or tried it? It seems like a perfect choice for using with balsa in a build.
http://www.worldpaulownia.com/html/p...warehouse.html
"Lightweight
Paulownia is about 2/3 the weight of the lightest commercial wood grown in the US. It weighs an average of 14 to 19 lbs per cubic foot. Paulownia is almost 1/3 the weight of Oak (44 lbs p/cubic ft) and half the weight of Pine (30 lbs p/cubic ft).
The specific gravity of Paulownia ranges between 0.23 to 0.30 (23 to 30% of the density of water).
Strength
Paulownia has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of any wood.
Strength modus of rupture MOR (psi) of Paulownia is 5740".
Balsa has a modulas of about 3200 and this means paulownia is about twice the strength.
http://www.paulowniasupply.com/paulownia_vs_balsa.htm