Bomb Ketch Salamandre 1:48

dockattner · Saturday at 8:10 AM

BradNSW said:
The Sherline mill made this fairly straightforward, but still time consuming.

I read in another thread that the builder was looking forward to using his new mill because it was going to save him so much time. I have found the opposite to the true. The set-up for the mill takes far longer than it takes to make the part. But the precision!

For what it's worth - I have patched up pieces in every one of my builds.

BradNSW · Saturday at 9:19 AM

dockattner said:
I read in another thread that the builder was looking forward to using his new mill because it was going to save him so much time. I have found the opposite to the true. The set-up for the mill takes far longer than it takes to make the part. But the precision!

For what it's worth - I have patched up pieces in every one of my builds.

How true! Especially as I'm still trying different tactics and techniques, suggested by folks on this forum, on every piece.

If I had to develop or learn these on my own, I'd be trashing twice as many pieces in twice the time!

THANKS to all who share their experiences, tips, techniques, etc for us learners!!

BradNSW · Saturday at 9:23 AM

Herman said:
It looks great Brad, but as always, the builder ihimself s his own biggest critic.

GrantTyler said:
True story. I only have admiration for Brads work.

CLB said:
Brad - I re did this assembly probably a half dozen times on my build. Heres what worked for me. I added all the transom bars first and then fine tuned them for a flush fit with the fashion piece which was then installed.

If I had to build my ship again I would have completed both the bow assembly and stern assembly outside of the construction site on separate jigs. Maybe on the next build...

Keep up the good work !

Thanks for the kind words and feedback.

CLB, I can see how much easier your idea of bow/stern first would be much easier! Like you say live and learn for "next time"!! Your build is looking awesome and still providing inspiration.

OlivierF · Saturday at 9:26 AM

I have a friend who is a machinist in a commercial shop. He often tells stories of taking days to set up a project for a 15 minute cut. So don’t feel bad about the setup taking longer than the actual machining… Explosion

drop the mike! ROTF

BradNSW · Sunday at 1:30 PM

Spent the morning milling the three perpendiculars fashion pieces. I'm getting used to setting up jigs on the Sherline Mill. A very accurate angle finder had me mill all the interfaces at 12.2 degrees and from what I can see the interfaces are perfectly flush from every angle!!!

What a pleasure to incorporate this tool into the build. Several pictures below.

dockattner · Sunday at 2:01 PM

Pretty fancy, Brad! Way to go!

GrantTyler · Monday at 3:29 AM

Good morning Brad. That some fine work. Your joins in difficult places are mighty fine. Cheers Grant

BradNSW · Monday at 11:10 PM

Help: Transom Counter Timber question????

Boudroit doesn't show the Stern counter timber/Wing Transom joint (red circles in below diagram). Should the counter timbers be recessed into the wing transom???

Some models show these counter timbers just resting on the wing transom:

Others clearly show them fitting into recesses on the wing transom, which I think is the stronger and more accurate joint:

Any thought or feedback is appreciated.

CLB · Tuesday at 4:05 AM

Hi Brad,
Certainly every monograph I own shows a recesses for these timbers on the wing transom including on my current build La Renommee. I would add them - easy enough with your new mill

BradNSW · Tuesday at 7:20 PM

Completed and glued the Stern Cant Frames, Transoms, and Wing Transoms.

1. I added small 12-degree spacers at the top of each Cant Frame, for strength, then flush sawed them.

2. A view from the bow:

3. A view looking forward:

4. A view that shows the recesses for the Counter-Timbers, even though I can't find them on the Boudroit plan set. Thanks Chris, Olivier, and Paul for encouraging me to mill them!

5. Finally, a view showing the 1st half of the hull, which is now completely faired. I placed the Keelson, to see what it will look like.

dockattner · Tuesday at 7:24 PM

BOOM! Looking fantastic, Brad!

Magic Mike · Tuesday at 7:32 PM

BradNSW said:
Completed and glued the Stern Cant Frames, Transoms, and Wing Transoms.

1. I added small 12-degree spacers at the top of each Cant Frame, for strength, then flush sawed them.
View attachment 562737 View attachment 562738

2. A view from the bow:
View attachment 562739

3. A view looking forward:
View attachment 562741

4. A view that shows the recesses for the Counter-Timbers, even though I can't find them on the Boudroit plan set. Thanks Chris, Olivier, and Paul for encouraging me to mill them!
View attachment 562742

5. Finally, a view showing the 1st half of the hull, which is now completely faired. I placed the Keelson, to see what it will look like.
View attachment 562740

Nicely done Brad! Magic Mike

Herman · 2025-12-10T03:40:46-0600

It looks great Brad, well done.

Namabiiru · 2025-12-10T06:02:30-0600

Immaculate construction!