Best way to cut Scrimmed Balsa coring to shape?

[crufone]

If I want to cut my balsa coring to specific shapes to recore my deck what is the best method so that I do not mess up the scrim backing? Also Tim mentioned 'washing' prior to adding more epoxy/glass laminates. Washing with what? soap and water to remove the amine blush or some type of solvent to promote furthure adhesion?
Thank you,
Michael Typhoon #161

[Tim]

Balsa cuts easily with a sharp utility knife.

When I say "washing" I mean a plain water wash with Scotch-Brite pad to remove potential blush formation. No soap! Just water.

[Zach]

I use a fillet knife.

Make a line with a sharpie, lay your fillet knife down... hold hand on the back, rock it and it shears off 6 or 8 inches.

Edit: This means you use less epoxy, as you can cut the balsa on angles other than the square blocks on the scrim. After the balsa is cut, I flop the stuff over on its edge, and run the filet knife between the gap and cut through the scrim from the bottom up.

Zach

[crufone]

Tim and Zach,
Thanks for your tips and clairification on 'washing'.
Michael