Coring Question

[dmese]

This may be a ridiculous question but: Does anyone have any theories or definitely know why Seacrafts were cored using numerous squares? Why not use larger pieces? Thanks

[Caymanboy]

They work with the curves better, less filling, taste great!

[dmese]

Makes sense and funny too!

[RS]

It's not just Seacrafts, it's all balsa coring. It's stiffer and resistant to water saturation orienting the grain perpendicular to the floor (endgrain). Basically it's like cutting a 4x4 in slices like a loaf of bread.

[dmese]

Roger, What you have to say also makes sense. What I was dealing with appeared to be plywood squares. I chissled out the bulk of it then ground out the rest. I noticed it was plywood. Is replacing it with solid 4 ft. sections of penske board a bad idea? I can't see how it would be but somebody that knows more might. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[Islandtrader]

You can buy penske board that is scrimed and scored. If the area you are replacing is not completely flat or you do not fair it true, you could have voids in the surface thus causing a oil can effect. By using the S/S material it will conform and make life easier.

[gofastsandman]

It was done for a couple of reasons. 1 is to save production cost by utilizing more product. Another is to limit water intrusion to a small area by sealing the end grain. Don`t forget to number your squares when you do your mock up. Tracker didn`t seal them with flash coats so that trick was lost and I recored my coffin cover.
GFS

[bobbert]

Main reason for the roughly 4 x 4 squares is the the balsa in now used on end grain which greatly increases it's strength.

[Caymanboy]

I would tend to get away from the balsa, if it get's water in the sandwhich it becomes pulp, there is composite material that is in 1" or 2" squares with a membrane on one side, you can the lay it in and it will conform to slight curves, then lay your glass on top and thats it, obviously you have to glue the coring to the other surface, it is light, stong and easy to work with, kinda expensive.