Wood
In this section we will be looking at the Aesthetic, functional and mechanical properties, application and advantages/disadvantages of the following woods for the creation of models and prototypes:
HARDWOODS - (defined by boiological classification rather than hardness)
usually slow growing from broad leaf deciduous trees, taking a long time to grow. From rainforest areas.
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Jelutong - A very large tree about 65 metres tall and a girth of up to 8 metres. The trunk may be straight and clear for 90 feet. The wood is plain and straight grained and used by many wood carvers. The texture is fine and even and is very easy to work, although it does not polish easily.
Balsa
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Despite being a hardwood, Balsa is very light. Balsa wood is the "miracle material" of the hobby world. It has the best strength-to-weight ratio of any other readily available material. Not only is it known for its high strength and low density, it can be easily shaped, sanded, glued, and painted. It is also non-toxic, biodegradable, and absorbs shocks and vibrations well. It is quite often used in model aeroplane modelling.
SOFTOODS - Faster growing from needle bearing evergreen trees, quicker to grow. From cooler areas.
Pine - A readily available wood that is fast growing (pine tree) and as there area lot of branches coming out all the way up the trunk there are a lot of knots. This wood is a general purpose construction material.