: Ewan,

: Yes, you could do it that way and yes, there would be issues with doing it
: that way. But you could work around the issues. As Simeon pointed out, end
: grain balsa is better suited for use as a core. You could replace the
: balsa with Core Mat or foam and still do hand lay-up. Or you try the balsa
: and just live with it if the core fails in shear. Maybe use Core Mat for
: the bottom panels and balsa for the sides... Lots of options and room to
: experiment.

: One caution - cutting the panels. Carbon wears out saw blades as fast or
: faster than glass. I'd suggest experimenting with a bonded grit blade and
: recommend wet cutting and wet sanding whenever possible.

: Sam

Actually don't think that sheer will be a problem with flat sawn balsa, rather the big problem is water migration thru the entire panel if you get even a small leak, easy to happen at the joints. With end grain balsa it doesn't wick like it does with the grain running the other way.

Bill H.