Help - Tools for shaping solid wood hulls

[Rwalter46]

Hello. Having completed my Occre Ulysses, plank on frame, I grabbed a very old Marine Model Co. “Liberty Ship” - solid hull - off of EBAY. It will require plenty of shaping and sanding, including carving down the bulwarks to 1/16th of an inch. My question is “what kind of tools would be best to accomplish this task…..as well as other tasks necessary when building solid hulls?” Thanks.

 

[rtibbs]

I’m a hand sanding kind of guy so although I have many power sander’s in my shop for my large woodworking projects my go to sanding tools for my model building are Permagrit
https://www.permagrit.com/ (also available thru Amazon)
They are a little pricey for most people however they last forever and they have an extensive selection of shapes and grits available.

 

[donfarr]

I SECOND RTIBBS ASSESMENT GREAT TOOLS. GOD BLESS STAY SAFE ALL DON

 

[Rwalter46]

Thanks for the tip. r

 

[Rwalter46]

I’m a hand sanding kind of guy so although I have many power sander’s in my shop for my large woodworking projects my go to sanding tools for my model building are Permagrit
https://www.permagrit.com/ (also available thru Amazon)
They are a little pricey for most people however they last forever and they have an extensive selection of shapes and grits available.

Thank you. I’ll give Permagrit a try

 

[WilliamM]

Hello. Having completed my Occre Ulysses, plank on frame, I grabbed a very old Marine Model Co. “Liberty Ship” - solid hull - off of EBAY. It will require plenty of shaping and sanding, including carving down the bulwarks to 1/16th of an inch. My question is “what kind of tools would be best to accomplish this task…..as well as other tasks necessary when building solid hulls?” Thanks.

I use the Craftsman 3-D 3 headed sander for helping me get the shape I want, as well as a Dremel cutter heads for removing the extra material around the bow and stern. The sander is also great for reducing the bulwarks, while the cutters are useful for hollowing out the hull as necessary. Simple tools with great results!

 

[Roger Pellett]

Most of my models have been built by carving either laminated or solid blocks of wood. I make these hulls as a pair of half models with the keel sandwiched between once the hulls have been carved. I like this system as the flat backside of he half hull laid on a flat surface becomes a datum as carving progresses.

I have a bandsaw that I use to cut the sheer profile and maximum half breadth before carving begins. If I were starting with a kit supplied pre carved hull I would consider first cutting it into a pair of half models using my bandsaw.

Once I have removed the “big chunks” with my bandsaw I use only hand carving tools; chisels gouges, spokeshaves, wood rasps, files and finally sandpaper.

Roger

 

[Pepite 1/60]

I agree with Roger. Just add elbow grease, lots of it.