BALSA STRIPPER 3113

Balsa Stripper 3113

What is a Balsa Stripper used for?

A Balsa Stripper tool is a device used in woodworking, specifically in the creation of models, prototypes, and hobby projects using balsa wood and many other materials. More specifically, it is designed to accurately and efficiently cut thin strips from various soft materials such as foamed PVC, plastics, cork, and foam, making it versatile for diverse crafting needs.

The precise strips you can create allow for smooth and accurate assembly, ensuring components and materials fit together seamlessly. The maximum allowed thickness would be 6mm and the width 1mm to 25mm.

These strips are often used in various hobbies and crafts, such as:

• Model Making: Creating lightweight and accurate components for model airplanes, boats, miniature bricks, and other miniature constructions.
• Architectural Modeling: Constructing miniature models of buildings and other structures for design and presentation purposes.
• Arts and Crafts Projects: Creating decorative elements, accents, and other details for various artistic creations.
• DIY Projects: Cutting strips for various applications, such as making frames, spacers, or other custom small parts.

How does a Balsa strip cutter work?

The Balsa Strip Cutter utilizes a screw that runs vertically through the tool, its sole function being to set the cutting width of the blade to a specific position and to gain precise control over the cutting process. The different width options are indicated in millimeters and inches.

It has a slide on the front which holds the standard blade. It has 2 positions to place the blade, one for left-handed and one for right-handed. You should place it in the most suitable position for your cutting style. When positioning the blade, ensure the blade tip is flush with the hobby cutting mat where you are working. If set too high, cuts may be incomplete, requiring multiple passes on both sides of the material to be cut.

A wheel in the tool head allows the slide to be locked or unlocked to adjust the width to be cut. This is a simple but effective mechanism. It works like a faucet, but by holding the center parts of the tool, it fixes the cutting edge and provides stability.

Embossed markings in millimeters and inches allow for precise selection of the width to be cut, enabling hassle-free use across different metric systems. The grey color of the tool makes the markings easy to see.

The long support line with a total length of 15 cm helps you to keep materials flat and slide comfortably. This extra-long part allows you to make cuts without bending the blade at the end of each cut.

Versatility: The ability to handle different soft materials such as foamed PVC, plasticard plastics, and cork makes it a multipurpose tool for various crafting needs.

How to use a Balsa Stripper?

Here is a general guide on how to use it:

• Secure the material: Place what you want to cut on a flat and stable surface. Use clamps or double-sided tape if necessary to secure it.
• Set the desired width: The user sets the guides to the desired width for the strips they want to cut. To do this, simply move the blade to the raised marking in millimeters and inches and tighten the locking screw. This ensures precision in determining the thickness of the strips. Then, place the material with the blade aligned to the starting point of the cut. Make sure the direction is correct based on the desired strip length.
• Rest material: Place what you want to cut flat on the long support line. This support line provides stability and straightness of the material during the cutting process.
• Cut the strip: While the material is firmly in place, pull the tool towards you along the long support line, applying gentle and consistent pressure. The blade cuts through the wood, creating strips of consistent width, as determined by the previously set cutting width. The screw mechanism ensures that the blade maintains the set width during the cut.
• Repeat the process: If you need multiple strips of the same width, reposition the stripper and repeat steps 3 and 4, creating multiple uniform strips from the soft material you are working with.

What's in this set:

• 1x Balsa strip tool
• 10x blade #11
• Screws