printing on balsa

[Rod smartParticipant @rodsmart62545]

Hi all, Just had a go at printing parts of a plan which is then layed over a sheet of balsa,then use a hot iron rubbing across the back of the paper.This should result in the ink printing onto the balsa ready to cut out.

I have had no luck upto now,anyone got any idea as to why its not working.

The Iron was hot and I used my printer with white paper.

Thanks for reading

Rod

[Rod smartParticipant @rodsmart62545]

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

why not just cut around the printed pieces and use them as a template to draw round onto the balsa.

[Carl WalkerParticipant @carlwalker]

Hi, I'm no expert, but i think it depends on the technology you used to print the copy with, I think this technique will work if you used a photocopier or laser printer, but not if you used an inkjet printer, as the ink on an inkjet doesn't rely on heat to set.

I have an inkjet printer/scanner/copier, so I tend ot copy the parts needed and glue them to the wood, then cut out when the glue is dry. Hope this helps.

Ricky

[The Long BuildParticipant @thelongbuild]

Often found not very good results doing that.. Easier just to get the plan copied and cut the copy up and glue to the wood as above.

On that point if the plan is purchased through the plans department I have often thought it would be good if they sold the original plan order at whatever price but then offered a reduced charge for a second copy most I have copied to cut up are about £5-6 pounds so if charged this for a 2nd copy MHS would make a few extra pence + save you having to source someone to copy it for you..

Just a thought..

[TelstarParticipant @telstar]

Hi Rod, It is possibly the type of paper you are using, on 'normal' paper the print sinks into the paper.

However there is specialist paper available for heat transfer (I think it is coated to release the print)

A possabal source

**LINK**

Cheers Tom

[captainslogParticipant @captainslog]

rod i had the same problem. years ago i used to fotocopy plans in work. worked fine. but now it doesnt, i think its the ink, 99% of inks now are waterbased, when the old hot iron system worked the inks were solvent based. I`ve even tried using highstreet fotocopiers but no joy, which is why i think its to do with the inks. now i use the old fashioned carbon paper and draw over the part reqd, instant transfer

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

I use a bradawl and spike through the plan and into the wood underneath……Then play…."Join up the dots"…….lol

It saves spoiling the plan

Bob

[Rod smartParticipant @rodsmart62545]

Hi all,

Just home from Scotland and checking out the forum to see some good ideas to try.I think I may try cutting out photo printed parts then spray tack them on the balsa wood.

Bob Hi I will try pin pointing and cut the parts out.Ps its the Jenny i'm making.

Thanks for all the input Guys will post my first build.

Rod

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