Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page. Here you will find answers to our most common inquiries regarding our kits, custom cutting capabilities, and ordering policies.
If you have a question that isn't answered below, please feel free to contact us directly. We also invite you to visit our blog page for building tips, flying techniques, and model aviation insights.
General & Support
Can you help me learn how to build balsa planes?
Yes, absolutely. This website was founded to help modelers learn and master the art of building balsa aircraft. We are passionate about supporting builders who are striving to achieve their project goals.
Please note that while we provide extensive guidance, the ultimate learning process in model aviation involves hands-on problem-solving. We can suggest suitable aircraft, offer building and flying advice, and assist with design concepts, but the final decisions and construction are yours. Ask us any questions you have, but sooner or later, the best way to learn is to glue the parts together and take to the skies.
Where are you located?
We are proudly located in the USA, where all of our kits are manufactured and shipped.
How can I contact you? Why isn't there a phone number listed?
As a specialized, one-man operation, our time is split between precision manufacturing, order fulfillment, and customer service. To keep production moving efficiently, we handle all inquiries via email rather than by phone. Please send us an email, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
What is your email response time?
You can typically expect a response within 1 to 3 business days.
About Our Kits
What exactly is a short kit?
A short kit is a partial kit designed to save you hours of meticulous hand-cutting on a scratch-build project.
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What is included: Our short kits typically include precision laser-cut fuselage formers, wing ribs, and a set of full-sized printed building plans.
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What you need to source: You will need to supply the remaining materials required to complete the model, such as balsa sheeting, strip wood, spars, stringers, and hardware.
Note: If you have a question about specific included parts for a particular model, please reach out to us before ordering.
Do you include plans with your kits?
Yes, always. Every kit we sell includes full-sized plans printed on high-quality paper.
Be cautious when shopping around; many low-cost "kit cutters" or free internet sources do not provide plans, or they distribute low-quality, unauthorized copies that may not match the cut parts accurately. We guarantee our plans match our cuts.
Can you provide a Bill of Materials for a short kit?
Some of our kits include a Bill of Materials, but most require you to study the plans to create your own wood list.
Compiling your materials list is a traditional and rewarding part of the scratch-building process. Because creating a comprehensive BOM for every aircraft requires a significant amount of time, we cannot offer them for every kit in our catalog.
Can I specify a particular grade or density of balsa for my kit?
We use high-quality commercial balsa stock, but we cannot accommodate requests for custom weights or hand-picked wood grades.
Modern balsa sourcing does not allow for individual grading by hardness or weight. However, we strictly inspect our inventory, and our wood quality has proven excellent across years of manufacturing without complaint.
Custom Cutting & Modifications
Can you turn a short kit into a full kit for me?
Yes, we can. We offer short kits by default so you have the freedom to source your own wood and save on costs. However, if you prefer the convenience of a complete package, send us a message and we will gladly provide a custom quote for the additional wood sheets and sticks.
Can you cut parts from files that I provide?
Yes. We can cut precision parts from your provided aircraft plans, PDFs, or vector files (such as DXF or DWG format).
Can you rescale a plan (e.g., shrink it to 50% or enlarge it) and cut a kit?
Yes, we can reduce or enlarge any plan or kit. We will automatically adjust the part slots and material thicknesses to scale appropriately.
Keep in mind that when building a rescaled model, you must take physical measurements directly from the newly printed plans rather than relying on any written text dimensions on the original drawing. Any necessary structural or engineering changes required by the new scale will be the responsibility of the builder.
Do I need to mail you a physical plan to get a custom kit cut?
You can mail us physical plans, but shipping costs will be your responsibility. To save time and money, we recommend sending us a digital photo or scan of the plan along with the desired wingspan first. With that information, we can usually provide an accurate production quote.
Inventory & Shipping
Is the specific model I want in stock?
All of our kits are cut to order. We do not maintain a shelf inventory of pre-cut kits. If there is a specific model you are looking for that is not currently listed on our website, please send us a message and we will look into adding it to our catalog for you.
What is your turnaround time after placing an order?
Our standard handling time is 1 to 3 weeks. Because every kit is cut to order, jobs are placed into a production queue and processed in the order they are received.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. If our online shopping cart does not automatically calculate international shipping for your location, please message us with your address for a custom shipping quote. Please note that international shipping for large model aircraft boxes can be relatively expensive.