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Bluenose Schooner 1921 - Model Shipways 1:64 by TexBilly

Close call - I remembered last minute to prepare the bow for the bowsprit, just in case my buffalo rail might get in the way. After briefly thinking about cutting the tip out completely and installing a block (much like the Hunt practicum), I took a few measurements and convinced myself I could form a hole below the upper edge. This was my inspiration:

BN Bowsprit Junction.png

After first marking the approximate dowel center from the deck with a standard wood pencil (about the same diameter as the 1/4" nominal dowel), I hand drilled a pilot hole. From the outside, I hand drilled progressively larger holes and got up to 1/8" before the exposed bulwarks got too flimsy.

IMG_2004.jpeg IMG_2007.jpeg

I then switched to small reamers, round files and curled up sandpaper and eventually got it large enough.

IMG_2009.jpeg

Per the bowsprit profile, I planed a flat on a section of my dowel and gave it a successful test fit...then exhaled because nothing broke! I may need to find a clean way to close some of those gaps but I'm pretty pleased overall.

IMG_2011.jpeg IMG_2012.jpeg
 
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TexBilly said:
Close call - I remembered last minute to prepare the bow for the bowsprit, just in case my buffalo rail might get in the way. After briefly thinking about cutting the tip out completely and installing a block (much like the Hunt practicum), I took a few measurements and convinced myself I could form a hole below the upper edge. This was my inspiration:

View attachment 638478

After first marking the approximate dowel center from the deck with a standard wood pencil (about the same diameter as the 1/4" nominal dowel), I hand drilled a pilot hole. From the outside, I hand drilled progressively larger holes and got up to 1/8" before the exposed bulwarks got too flimsy.

View attachment 638479 View attachment 638481

I then witched to small reamers, round files and curled up sandpaper and eventually got it large enough.

View attachment 638482

Per the bowsprit profile, I planed a flat on a section of my dowel and gave it a successful test fit...then exhaled because nothing broke! I may need to find a clean way to close some of those gaps but I'm pretty pleased overall.

View attachment 638483 View attachment 638484
Click to expand...
Great work!

Rob
 
TexBilly said:
Close call - I remembered last minute to prepare the bow for the bowsprit, just in case my buffalo rail might get in the way. After briefly thinking about cutting the tip out completely and installing a block (much like the Hunt practicum), I took a few measurements and convinced myself I could form a hole below the upper edge. This was my inspiration:

View attachment 638478

After first marking the approximate dowel center from the deck with a standard wood pencil (about the same diameter as the 1/4" nominal dowel), I hand drilled a pilot hole. From the outside, I hand drilled progressively larger holes and got up to 1/8" before the exposed bulwarks got too flimsy.

View attachment 638479 View attachment 638481

I then switched to small reamers, round files and curled up sandpaper and eventually got it large enough.

View attachment 638482

Per the bowsprit profile, I planed a flat on a section of my dowel and gave it a successful test fit...then exhaled because nothing broke! I may need to find a clean way to close some of those gaps but I'm pretty pleased overall.

View attachment 638483 View attachment 638484
Click to expand...
With some study, measuring and fitting, you finally got a nice fitting bowsprit, Bill. And for drilling in a painted hull you need to bring down your nerves.
Regards, Peter
 
DocTom said:
Nerves of steel! Bill, you are raising the bar very high for all of us future Bluenose builders.
Click to expand...
Tom, hope you're doing well and thanks for your kind support. Once I realized my planning error, I didn't have much choice but every turn of the drill or stroke of the file felt like walking a tightrope! :p
 
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