Tools of the Trade

Dan McLeod Balsa Stripper

Dan McLeod hand crafts this balsa stripper from birch plywood and mahogany. By sliding the forward diagonal plate with the mahogany handle, then relocking it with the star knob, different cutting widths can be easily set with great accuracy.
The second mahogany handle is fitted to a thin plywood plate, the underside of which has a piece of sandpaper, making a nifty push block for sliding your balsa stock through the blade. The tip of the blade is anchored in a small brass tube for stability while cutting firm stock. Teflon tape on the base minimizes the friction as you make a cut. The second blade holder is beveled to incline the blade 15 degrees for cutting planking strips.
Contact Dan via email at mcgdci@adelphia.net to order one of your own. In November 2006 the price was $60, delivered within the continental U.S.
This precision balsa stripper is beautifully made, and a treasured addition to my tool collection.

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