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Cutting gun ports in solid hull

First time builder looking for best options for cutting gun ports in solid hull?
I use a 1.5 mm chip drill bit to cut through the gun ports. With the help of a diamond disc, I made a slot so that two teeth turned out at the end of the drill. Such an improvised milling cutter cuts wood quite smartly.

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If you know where they belong before you start the planking, there are two option I have seen used.

1. Plank over the location and drill out with bit smaller than hole so you can carve or file to final shape and location.

2. If you have wood template with openings as you plank over them, as plank reaches a port hole, cut out half of the hole in first plank, and then when you add the next row you can then cut out the other part of the opening with exacto blade.
 
If you know where they belong before you start the planking, there are two option I have seen used.

1. Plank over the location and drill out with bit smaller than hole so you can carve or file to final shape and location.

2. If you have wood template with openings as you plank over them, as plank reaches a port hole, cut out half of the hole in first plank, and then when you add the next row you can then cut out the other part of the opening with exacto blade.
You missed the bit where it says solid hull.
 
First drilling with a small drill some holes and clean and finalize with a sharp chisel
Take a look also at Olhas actual posts - sweep port or gun ports are the same (in principle)
 
You can put a collar or a piece of tape on the drill bit to give you an indicator of when to stop drilling so you can make them a uniform depth. :)
I got "wheel collars" from an RC plane store. They are made in several sized by Du-Bro.
 
Suggest
1. Make a plug (gun opening - depending if lined or?)
3. Mark out gun ports.
4. Get comfortable - it’s a grinding process
5. No easy ways
6. Drill / cut / file

Some have tried mill cutter

Just remember if bulk head go all way in to back for dummy gun barrel
If this method you need template with centre point ( so you can drill through centre of port each time).

X marks the spot but template is best - if go wrong fill in / start again …. Painful but better than looking at the model with a loop-sided run or blemish.

Final planking must be tight with matching lids / gun port shutters.

Scale must be observed but when impossible always undersize then look and make bigger.

I now build plank on Pre cut ie thin ply cut with planking outside, if needed inside. Planking can be thinned.

Sometimes just be creative - it’s easier if you build framing with gun ports.

Very time consuming, hard on head and eyes.
Never built a 100+ gun with all ports open.
74 gun with 60% was enough for me.

Best of luck

Oh
All tools must be razor sharp at all times.
 
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