Balsa wood - not just for kids

Bill Ellis

How many of us remember balsa wood airplanes when we were kids?

Well, balsa wood is not just for kids.

South American Indians used it for bridges and rafts. Both the Maya and the Inca used balsa for practical purposes.

Balsa is one of the lightest woods in the world. Balsa wood is used mostly in model airplanes and boats, but it is also used as a core material for real boats and airplanes.

The boat-building industry uses balsa wood laminated with fiberglass for motorboats and sailboats. Old model surfboards are also made of balsa wool.

The military uses balsa wood for cargo containers and for chemical tanks. Balsa resists corrosion better than steel.

Balsa was also used in the moon-landing vehicle. It is used for floors in aircraft, overhead compartments and cabin partitions.

Since balsa reduces vibrations and is a good insulator, it is also used in theaters and studios.

Other of its uses include wind turbines blades and storage tanks.

Wado



Easy Campfire Corned Beef Hash

Fry two slices of chopped bacon with a chopped onion until the bacon is almost done. Add two cans of sliced potatoes and let simmer. Add one can of broken up corned beef. When the meat is warmed thoroughly, serve with eggs and toast. Wrap this mixture in a tortilla and you have a real good taco.