Hello I need help!

[Bob Ellis]

Boxwood is NOT good for long, narrow applications, as it tends to "wander" as it ages. Longridge's "Victory" had many examples of this. Boxwood is very hard, and is best used for carvings ,blocks . etc.

Hello.
Are you referring specifically to planking and/or masts and spars? Historically it's considered one of the best timbers for planking, Both European and Castelo (or lemonwood as an equivalent in the US)
Looking at NMM contemporary models most, or at least a large proportion are planked with 'English' box.
I plan to use it on my next hull instead of pear.

 

[AllanKP69]

Alaskan cedar is a good substitute if the buxus is hard to find and/or too expensive. I agree with Bob that Castelo is a great wood for planking and even carving and turning.

Lemonwood? Got to give that a try if I ever run out of Castelo.

Allan

 

[Bob Ellis]

Thank you for responding to my post I did look into Model exp's 3 part learners series. But I got basswood a while back and am wondering If I should make a scratch build the only hard part has been researching something to make. I've found the Royal museum of Greenwich https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/ to be an good site for Information and one to one examples of every thing ships. I recently got more supplies like a zona saw and some clips but I have most of the other supplies except any thing fancy like a bandsaw.

And Go Red sox!

It looks like a fairly simple kit is the best direction. I usually recommend a revenue cutter, English or American instead of a ship's boat, then you have something that makes a better display, and they won't cost much. Either way, things like planking are a skill you must learn. Most of us have planked numerous ships and are skilled to varying levels.
Kits are cheap, learn the basics, the pitfalls and your strengths and weaknesses before you go scratch. You might even be able to scratch a second build depending on how you get on. But...it's doubtful I'm afraid. You seem to want to charge like a bull at a gate. With scale building this approach won't work, patience is essential here!
BTW, you mention a bandsaw, very few of us uses one (although I'm one of them) most find a table saw more suitable.
You say you got basswood (planks or thicker sheets?) You can keep this in a stock of timber, it's useful for internal work but it's not a good finishing timber (nor in my view is walnut or mahogany) Again, more research and preparation required.

 

[Bob Ellis]

Alaskan cedar is a good substitute if the buxus is hard to find and/or too expensive. I agree with Bob that Castelo is a great wood for planking and even carving and turning.

Lemonwood? Got to give that a try if I ever run out of Castelo.

Allan

It's intensely irritating that we can't get any of this stuff in the UK. We used to be covered in forests but if I want any timber like you have available we have to import it, even Swiss pear! I get my supplies from Estonia but now that we're not in Europe postage has shot up. (it should be normal when the EU evaporates and punitive policies stop whipping us for naughty Brexit!!)
Oh...Psst, I hear that somebody over here is selling cherry, but I don't believe that for a moment!!