Thanks for taking the time to have a look at my build log. Still lot's room in the first row.
Jan
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Pavel Nikitin - Santa Maria
- Thread starter Pathfinder65
- Start date
- Watchers 19
Jan
The main deck build continued:
I spent a great amount of time watching Pavel's videos for this step, looking at the build instructions, re-watching the video, etc.
After a lot of diddling, fiddling and procrastinating I got to this part.
The first three deck planks set to the center line of the keel. I'm happy with the alignment and will start the gluing process tomorrow.
I also managed to cobble together two small jigs while avoiding working on the above project.
Their function will be revealed when I get to that build step.
Jan
I spent a great amount of time watching Pavel's videos for this step, looking at the build instructions, re-watching the video, etc.
After a lot of diddling, fiddling and procrastinating I got to this part.
The first three deck planks set to the center line of the keel. I'm happy with the alignment and will start the gluing process tomorrow.
I also managed to cobble together two small jigs while avoiding working on the above project.
Their function will be revealed when I get to that build step.
Jan
The main deck build continued:
My progress report, the middle sections planks placed and glued.
Looking at the build instructions this part looks to be straight forward. But looking at Pavel's Video there was just a tiny step that needed
some work. He trims about 5mm off the end of the longer planks.
I'm using one of my favorite tools for the process.
There's also a small wrinkle in the placement of the planks, one of them didn't quite match up.
Jan
My progress report, the middle sections planks placed and glued.
Looking at the build instructions this part looks to be straight forward. But looking at Pavel's Video there was just a tiny step that needed
some work. He trims about 5mm off the end of the longer planks.
I'm using one of my favorite tools for the process.
There's also a small wrinkle in the placement of the planks, one of them didn't quite match up.
Jan
This weeks progress:
The main deck planking is completed. Another 220-320 grit sanding marathon.
I'm now trying to decide the next build step. Follow the paper instructions or follow Pavels video sequence
The next build step following the paper instructions:
The next step in Pavel video (#12) is this build step.
It adds the side boards before any of the other decks are started.
@lakedaisy mentioned in his log that the paper instructions are out of sequence.
The istruction page for the side board build step is many pages after the main deck planking instructions.
The main deck planking is completed. Another 220-320 grit sanding marathon.
I'm now trying to decide the next build step. Follow the paper instructions or follow Pavels video sequence
The next build step following the paper instructions:
The next step in Pavel video (#12) is this build step.
It adds the side boards before any of the other decks are started.
@lakedaisy mentioned in his log that the paper instructions are out of sequence.
The istruction page for the side board build step is many pages after the main deck planking instructions.
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Looking good, Jan.
Good morning Jan. That’s how it goes, one plank, one block, one nail, one stroke of sanding……..we must be mad
. And then a beautiful deck suddenly emerges. Looking good. Cheers Grant
I am exactly in the same situation ; bought in december 2025; marked as " paid " and 3 messages told me that he sends me the boat : last one two days ago, and he doesn't write again ( boat was in his car, sent to the post office, and I shall receive the same day a tracking number
so far, two days later, big silence again ! I now begin to think that there is something wrong : so far, no message again ; if the boat is sent by the post office, why I didn' t receive a tracking number as he said ?
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Hi Jan. Not many of these builds about. You’re doing it justice along with a well put together, interesting log that’s making me want to follow.
Yup, fit-sand-fit-sand-fit-sand-glue-repeat, one piece at a time.Good morning Jan. That’s how it goes, one plank, one block, one nail, one stroke of sanding……..we must be mad
Jan
Sorry to see that your kit is arriving late. Hopefully you can post a ship date later on in the week.
Jan
Forgot my manners. I thank all of you following my log for your likes and comments.
Jan
Jan
BTW, I ment to mention a wee problem that occurs when working with planking the main deck.
Sanding off the char and then adding a bevel to each plank removes a bit of material. For one plank it's a minor amount, but for twenty plus planks it adds up.
Depending on the side (Port or Starboard) there is a 3 to 5mm gap (Blue Arrows) that needs to filled in. Pavels video #11 shows his method of doing so. There is no mention of this in the paper instructions.
Jan
Sanding off the char and then adding a bevel to each plank removes a bit of material. For one plank it's a minor amount, but for twenty plus planks it adds up.
Depending on the side (Port or Starboard) there is a 3 to 5mm gap (Blue Arrows) that needs to filled in. Pavels video #11 shows his method of doing so. There is no mention of this in the paper instructions.
Jan
Es cierto lo que dices, sucede con los modelos de Pavel Nikitin. Terminé el San Bartolomé y recuerdo haber pasado muchas horas lijándolo; hay que lijar muy fino para no perder demasiado material. Sin embargo, no recuerdo que el lijado fuera demasiado tedioso; sin duda fue un proyecto divertido. Me da la impresión de que tú también estás disfrutando del Santa María. Disculpa mi mal inglés.
"It's true what you say, it happens with Pavel Nikitin's models. I finished the San Bartolomé and I remember having spent many hours sanding it; you have to sand very fine so as not to lose too much material. However, I don't remember that sanding was too tedious; it was certainly a fun project. I have the impression that you are also enjoying Santa María. Sorry for my bad English."
It is a fun project that I'm thoroughly enjoying. Thanks for looking at my log.
Jan
Very nice work on the deck Jan. As I've often stated 'sandpaper is my favorite tool' it seems to bring out the beauty.
Thanks for the comment. As for the sandpaper I've been getting a steady supply from Amazon.
Jan
OOOPS, I've reached one of those moments, "Cut, Trim and hope for the best" or ask for some advice.
I'm working on the inner rails and things just don't seem to line up correctly.
@lakedaisy, do I cut off and trim the excess to get a good fit, both Port and Starboard have the same problem.Did I make an error assembling these???
Jan
I'm working on the inner rails and things just don't seem to line up correctly.
@lakedaisy, do I cut off and trim the excess to get a good fit, both Port and Starboard have the same problem.Did I make an error assembling these???
Jan
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