Let me just say that planking has been a struggle for me. This project is a double plank hull which I did not know when I bought it but now I think was a very wise choice for me. The first planking if felt was a struggle and many mistakes were made and probably too much wood filler had to be used....
I watched probably 5 videos on how to plank and saw 8 different ways.....I used a soldering iron for bending and I would say I have gotten much better at bending after this first build. Definitely a learning curve....
I can't say with experience, but I felt like the Beagle is a tough ship to plank because the hull definitely has some curves to it. I decided to do hull without nails because I didn't want to deal with them in sanding process....not sure if I should have.... Anyway, first layer went on, I really underestimated the effect of tapering and the importance of planning out my planks.....I need more experience and advice in planking....
After alot of sanding, wood filling, and more sanding, the 2nd level of planking went on. Planks are super thin, and I had to be very careful with glue but I felt I did a much better job on this outer planking. It was much easier to cut the planks and I did not try to force so many full length strips. I felt I made a mistake in the first planking of trying to curve too many long pieces and force it....I should have cut some strips short and fill in with pieces....I hope that makes sense....anyway we march on.
Much happier with my 2nd planking. Another lesson learned....patience....do not try to finish something when you are tired or not really into it. Walk away and come back later......
Some tricky spots on this mode. You experienced guys may laugh, but the stern was terrifying.....alot of sanding and it may not be pretty, but I got the basic form right. Again, very happy this was a 2 planking hull.
I did not take a lot of photos of planking process, it was just so hard for me and time consuming that taking photos was not on my mind. I will try to take more photos as i go.
