HMS Jalouse - Caldercraft by Ted

Some our best solutions are the ones we invent on our own. I just think back to what the artisans of old might have done and I am convinced they found their own solutions much like many of us have done.
My solution to tapering and also bevelling planks was to make wooden jig with stops in a groove to hold the plank while I plane it with a little Veritas block plane. Worked well for me... Nuestra_257.jpgNuestra_256.jpgNuestra_255.jpgNuestra_253.jpg
 
Planking coming along pretty good despite wild variances in thickness. This is mostly solved by clamping current and previous planks between the frames. Show in previous entry. Had my first tear out. This is my second attempt at First layer of double planking. Also did single layer planking on one side of the Bluenose. I could use some suggestions on what to use a a filler for low spots. The lightweight stuff I used last time didn't like acrylic paint.
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Planking coming along pretty good despite wild variances in thickness. This is mostly solved by clamping current and previous planks between the frames. Show in previous entry. Had my first tear out. This is my second attempt at First layer of double planking. Also did single layer planking on one side of the Bluenose. I could use some suggestions on what to use a a filler for low spots. The lightweight stuff I used last time didn't like acrylic paint.
View attachment 503397View attachment 503400View attachment 503401

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Ted, I found a wood filler at my local Woodcrafft store and have have really good results with it. It stays really moist in its container, dries quickly and sands easily. And it takes acrylics well too. I found it just now on Amazon. (I think its a product from Australia)Screenshot_20250225-160943_Chrome.jpg
 
Ted, I found a wood filler at my local Woodcrafft store and have have really good results with it. It stays really moist in its container, dries quickly and sands easily. And it takes acrylics well too. I found it just now on Amazon. (I think its a product from Australia)View attachment 503410

I support what Phil says, great filler.


 
Here's the problem I m having. The next plank doesn't want to lie flat on the frame if put upright to the frame shown is the position where it lies flat.do I try to wrap the plank upward to continue current layout or so I add Steelers etc 17407710024223103191165548446954.jpg
 
Perhaps the toughest area to plank for a lot of modelers including myself is a short radius rounded bow. You might try using shorter planks say from the stem post to the 3rd or fourth bay, be sure to alternate lengths.
 
For the most part you cannot edge bend planks at the bow without them lifting. The best way is to spile the planks. A very close second, after they are tapered in width is to pre-shape around a form using water and/or heat. I have done this at room temperature, but it takes a few hours on a hot day so using a hot air gun reduces the time to a few minutes. You have probably seen these methods posted here at SoS including photos and videos. The best video that I have seen is probably Chuck Passaro's four part video or variations of his methods. If the plank is spiled or otherwise properly pre-formed, no nails or clamps are needed. Finger pressure for a minute or so with PVA, or even less time if you like CA glue, is all that is needed.
Allan

The photo below shows a wet plank that was bent to the curve needed and held flat with clamps. The heating was with a soldering iron, but I have since gone to a cheap industrial hot air gun from a local hardware store with is easier to control and is faster.

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You can see in the below that the wood is nearly dry compared to the first photo. Once dry the clamps are removed and the plank will hold its shape.
I bend in the other axis is easy to do with a hot iron, plank bender, or jig and hot air gun.
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I got them with the torch and blackened. Some are still shiny. Will sort and reprocess.
Anyway didn't have to dump the entire batch.
I think have enough good ones to continue with making the cannons.
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Ted, if you ever need to make your own eyebolts again, get some 28 and 24 gauge annealed steel wire. It's already black and will save you a step or two.
 
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For the most part you cannot edge bend planks at the bow without them lifting. The best way is to spile the planks. A very close second, after they are tapered in width is to pre-shape around a form using water and/or heat. I have done this at room temperature, but it takes a few hours on a hot day so using a hot air gun reduces the time to a few minutes. You have probably seen these methods posted here at SoS including photos and videos. The best video that I have seen is probably Chuck Passaro's four part video or variations of his methods. If the plank is spiled or otherwise properly pre-formed, no nails or clamps are needed. Finger pressure for a minute or so with PVA, or even less time if you like CA glue, is all that is needed.
Allan

The photo below shows a wet plank that was bent to the curve needed and held flat with clamps. The heating was with a soldering iron, but I have since gone to a cheap industrial hot air gun from a local hardware store with is easier to control and is faster.

View attachment 503823
You can see in the below that the wood is nearly dry compared to the first photo. Once dry the clamps are removed and the plank will hold its shape.
I bend in the other axis is easy to do with a hot iron, plank bender, or jig and hot air gun.
View attachment 503824
I accomplish edge bending on a pin board after steaming the stock. (soaking in hot water works too)
 
I accomplish edge bending on a pin board after steaming the stock. (soaking in hot water works too)

I used to do that as well, but I would get little dents in the edge that were visible, even with Castello and other tight grained hardwood.
Is this ever a problem for you Phil?
Thanks
Allan
 
I used to do that as well, but I would get little dents in the edge that were visible, even with Castello and other tight grained hardwood.
Is this ever a problem for you Phil?
Thanks
Allan
Yep. But I plan for it and use a rotary drum on a Dremel to sand the edges down to my marks. Because I steam my planks, they bend easily though....
 
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