Instead of the strips of balsa I use a 2x2 inch block 12 inch long from the hobby store. If I want pencil poppers I cut a 3 inch length from the 12 take my brass tube of whatever dia I want and use a golf ball to push the tube thru the length of balsa. Use a pencil sharpener to trim one end. Get about 10 bodys from each 3 inch peice. You can use any dia tube and any length of balsa for poppers,size 12 on up. The golf ball is placed on the push end of the tube to help the palm of your hand. I use artist sealer paint for the first coat then either model store paint or spray. BILL