Hi friends,as a newbie  I want to know what r all the necessary tools required to build a model from balsa without using laser cutting machine, and that too available in India..Pls mention each n every tools,it'll be so much useful for all..Thank you..

Please shoot off a PM to Saikat, he will be one of the best people to guide you.

See the first photo attachment in this post a list of tools used by a master balsa builder. 

http://www.rcindia.org/gas-glow-nitro-planes/gloster-gamecock-latest-project/msg18339/#msg18339

Quote from that post :

If Mr.Saikat mention the tools here in public means it'll be useful for everyone..

For everyone's interest i would like to share site having lots of information for model builders and those who appreciate the art of model building.
http://www.airfieldmodels.com/index.html

Attaching a pic of basic tools

the flat pcs are tungsten carbide
permanent sanders of various grits - google permagrit to know more
replaces sandpaper

the rest should be evident from the pic

Does anyone know the phone number for RC for all in Chennai?

go to rcforall.in web site and you have there

Contact Details
09380577074/09381437643

Mr.Saikat pls mention the names of the tools also..

Hello Saikat,
Where do you source the baldes for the David plane you have there is picture? I had a couple of blades which rusted and dulled over time and I cant find replacments anywhere except abroad.

Thank you Mr. Singh!
Highly appreciated!

Hi

Last batch I got from Mike Wodehouse at Free Flight Supplies.

I don't know of any local source

Thanks a lot, I guess it is time to spend some....   

It seems tat I can't buy the tools in India?

Relax! Almost everything is available in India. Start off with the simpler tools in the picture. Old time modellers (like Saikat and I  ) worked with a Razor Blade, wooden scale and sand paper. Most of what Saikat has shown you is available from any good hardware store. Permagrit can be substituted with sandpaper in 80,100,150, 200 and 400 grades.

What you definitely need:

Hacksaw, Pliers, Measuring tape, Sand paper / Black Emery paper, Steel Scale, Modelling knife, Surgical Blades (Any big medical store has them), steel files - straight/ cylindrical/rat tail, tweezers.

AFAIK, this is enough to start building. You can add to your inventory as you go along. Balsa Planers and Strippers can easily built at home with a bit of ingenious research! People like Saikat are always there to guide you.

Please note, Saikat is a person who has honed the art of scratch balsa building over 20 years or more. He has graduated to this standard after years of practice. Please don't expect to reach his level of perfection immediately, it takes a lot of effort and passion.

All the best  ,

VC

Thanks a lot vc.!

One thing will they sell surgical knife to anyone who is not a doctor?

Yes they will. I buy my supply from my neighbourhood pharmacist. Great for working on Depron. For balsa, the modelling knife is enough, you don't need surgical blades.

I'll try to get the surgical knife tomorrow..

can u post the pic of a #11 hobby knife?

do a search on google images

Is it available in all hardware stores or stationary stores?

#11 is nothing but the no. of the blade used...simply go to your nearest Chemist and ask for #11 Surgical blade....you will get at max Rs.10
the only thing you have to buy is the bladed holder which will get for max Rs.50/-

Sandeep

The surgical #11 blades are different from the Xacto type #11 blades (tower hobbies and HK has cheaper clones). These are stiffer than the surgical blade. Also it is held more securely to the handle which helps when cutting hard materials.

Can we use the hobby blades in surgical knife handle and vice versa?

You can use the 11 blades in a No 3 surgical knife handle .
Also the surgical number ones are much thinner material and hence eminently suited to much more delicate work and I prefer these over the No 11 hobby blades which are stiffer and thicker material.

If you go around in a good stationery shop you may be able to source Olfa brand handles and blades these are again superb equipment and easily availble.

But as suggested by others you can start with the 11 blade and No 3 handle

Thanks
 

xxkrishxx,

Is it just me or have any others called you a question bank 

One can develope his knowledge by asking questions..I'm searching the answers by myself and from others too..If u take a kid it'll ask u so many questions to know about anything..I'm also like a kid's stage in rc world..

Just inquisitive, xxxkrishxxx, how old are you?

Don't take it the wrong way, I meant no offense, just a bit curious/amused since I have seen this in multiple threads.

I'm 23 year young kid..no pbs rotor :-)

xxxkrishxxx,

you remind me of an old MGR song "Een Endra Kelvi Ketkamal Vazhkai Illai" 


Sanjay

oh yeah Sanjay..I thought of mentioning tat here but only tamil ppl can understand tat na so I didn't do he he..

so Sanjay r u a tamil guy? once I visited Jakkur field but returned with a bad experience..

What sort of bad experience ?  There are lots of helpful folks there.  Many regular members of this forum fly there, you can arrange to meet up with them.

What is the connection here between being Tamil and Having a bad experience at Jakkur?

Hey cool guys its not related with the fliers..Past is past..Well i'm very much interested to visit jakkur again but i'm not livin at bangalore..I think i've to take one day leave n come to bangalore to purchase the tools..Hope i can get all of em at SP road.. 

Hey Guys, can anyone guide regarding "Balsa Cement"? Does it have a generic name? Though I have built many Balsa gliders, I always used what came with the box. Now need to buy it besides the kit. Any pointers??

"Balsa Cement" is basically a Nitro Cellulose adhesive. Available under the label "Quickfix" and possibly more.

Please note that this attacks plastics.

This is the reason why I have included a tube of Quickfix with every balsa glider kit that I have sold. With the next lot, I also want to include some plasticene, but I am not able to procure it in Guwahati.

VC sir platicine is nothing but modelling clay.....(Play douh)   .......u can use puteen also for that....purpose

surgical blades are very sharp and dull after a single use. They are held securely enough. After all the stakes are far higher when they are used to the intended purpose.
The best option is to buy a small and a large hobby knife at the nearby staitionary store. they will last much longer and work as well. when you need a really sharp edge, snap of the tip.
regards,
Avijit

Never knew that with some xp into balsa gliders and aeromodelling these models can be prepared at home , using budget tools (without lasers and all)

this was a very helpful post...i believe we have almost everything sorted out here....all one needs is to search and study....