Follow up and other questions

[JDModel]

My previous post asked about what glue to use to glue planks to the deck. The consensus seemed to be Elmer's glue. This is what I thought would be the right choice. I have four decks on my paddle wheeler. I decided to plank all of the decks first then place them when the time came to do so. The first and fourth decks stayed flat. The middle two decks warped in both directions to the point of being unusable. I tried a few ways to flatten them to no avail. They are now fire wood for the next camping trip. I purchased a six pack of 1/8" x 12" x 24" birch plywood with the hopes of using the originals as templates and make new decks. Now for more questions.

- If the template works I need to get more planking stock .6mm x 5mm or something similar? The stock used on the original model is sycamore (lime wood) and sapele mahogany. I guess any light colored and dark colored wood will work. Where can I purchase planking material? I looked at Model Expo and Micro Mark.

- What are the best brands of kits?

- What are the best brands of mills, lathes, saws, band saws, etc? I have the MicroLux table saw. It works fine but I think there could be better options. I have looked at the Proxxon line of tools but they seem pricey.

- How many of you simulate the caulking on the decks and any cabin walls? How is this done? I have made some sample decking with scraps. My attempts have been unsuccessful. I have used a pencil and a 0.3 marker. Neither gave me a very solid line.

- What kind of finish is the best for a clean appearance? Spray can. Air brush. Rub on. Do you leave the wood in it's natural form, light sanding to remove splinters or sand it smooth?

Feel free to respond to any or all of the inquiries.

Thanks

 

[Rob444]

I suggest you peruse the forums, especially this area

Beginners Corner - How to Get Started

Beginners Corner - How to Get Started

shipsofscale.com

Many of you questions can be answered there. There are also a number of you tube videos that are helpful.

I wold suggest you try Tightbond glue, I find it a bit better than Elmers. CA glue also has its uses in building.

Rob

 

[Roger Pellett]

The best model maker’s table saw is made and sold by Byrnes Model Machines.

The best lathe and milling machine is made and sold by Sherline.

All of these tools are made in the USA and are made to hold high tolerances, are rugged, dependable and free of most plastic parts. I have and regularly use these tools.

Roger

 

[Corsair]

For lumber, I recommend you contact Dave Stevens at this link:
The Lumberyard
He is a huge help and a great sponsor of our forums !

The best brands of kits is many different things to different people. It depends on what you feel makes a kit the best. Some people want a kit to be the most accurate (there is no kit I've seen that is 100% accurate). Some want it to be the least expensive. Obviously, you can't have both.

The same answer for the best tools.

To simulate the caulking, try using a charcoal pencil on one side of each plank. The other option is putting some black paper between each plank.
Try it on a few test pieces.

Best of luck !

 

[Kurt Konrath]

For gluing planks to solid decks, try contact cement. I bit of mess and Pain in Bottom, until you get used to it, but no water so very little chance of warping wood.

There are several venders of wood, depending on what and where you are located.