HMS Serapis - Scratch Build [COMPLETED BUILD]
- Thread starter BradNSW
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- 1782 completed build serapis
Also lowered the "knee" above the stern gallery windows and planked the tricky curved knee. Next step will to plank the rest of the stern and add cannon holes.
Moved the workshop to WY (2nd photo). In between trout fishing on the Green River, I managed reshape the stern, plank the exterior, and drill pilot holes for the cannons. I got some carving tools and pearwood, while visiting my daughter in CO so I did my first carving. Not perfectly symmetrical but as I add more decoration, I think these will blend in and work (1st photo).
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.Getting a little more experience with the carving tools and micro-files, as I tackled the stern cannon port surrounds. I used pearwood, which accepts the WATCO dark walnut stain nicely. Below picture show the raw oval and a completed surround. Once I get them mounted over the cannon ports, I'll post a picture of the finished product. My workshop is currently at a rally, in Idaho, with 54 other semi-trucks that tow big trailers (see picture 2).
Wow mate, thats coming along nicely. 
First attempt at figures for the stern. Once I finish both of them, I'll post a picture of how the stern is coming along. First one took over 7 hours to complete. The plans show cute and innocent cherubs but mine turned out more like evil minotaur's. We'll see how they look, once mounted. Workshop relocated to the banks of the Columbia River on the border of Washington & Oregon (2nd pic).
Stern modification coming along well. A few carvings and it is starting to pop. First picture is how she sits now. Second picture shows a montage of the modifications I had to make, as I was building off plans for Roebuck (lead ship of the class), when Uwek let me know plans of Serapis, as built, were now available. Carving tools and files I just recieved are working well, unfortunately, I'm finding out figures/bodies are harder to carve than flowers/fluer-de-lis!!
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Finished the stern figure of The Greek-Egyptian Bey Serapis: Deity of the Sun and originally a god of the underworld. He is usually represented as a robed and bearded figure regally enthroned, his right hand resting on Cerberus(the three-headed dog who guards the gate of the underworld), while his left held an upraised scepter. Left photo is my attempt at carving him. Center is a photo pulled from the internet. Right photo is what he looks like on the Serapis plans. Bottom photo, shows him mounted on the stern.
Spent the last 10 days working on the HMS Serapis figurehead. Have it roughed in and fitted. From the time spent to get to this point, I think it will be another month till I get it to a point I'm satisfied. Thought I'd share where I'm at and look for encouragement, as it is going painstakingly slow!
Figurehead update and any advice? I think I've reached the limits of my tools (tiny needle files and micro chisel set). I tried dong hair on a test piece it doesn't look very good. (see bottom photo). The head hair currently looks like a bowl. Should I: 1) try using a thin pointed razor? 2) Leave it as is? 3) Keep on practicing with the tiny needle files?
Great job carving, I would definitely add hairs, but needle files are too big for a given job. I would try the needle bur, similar to this, with a very fine point.
...or the smalles 'ball' bur would be iven better, IMHO.
Thanks for the tool examples. I'm ordering more tools to broaden my options!
Let me guess, it was an AliExpress? Link, please.
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ball cutter:
nl.aliexpress.com
but these are useful to to do carving on a small scale, I used them to make the sheaves on the topsail yards. You gonna need a steady hand to do that. But it works to ad small details
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nl.aliexpress.com
but these are useful to to do carving on a small scale, I used them to make the sheaves on the topsail yards. You gonna need a steady hand to do that. But it works to ad small details
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6.04US $ 30% OFF|40 Pcs 3mm Schurende Buffs Polijsten Buffing Wheel Set Kit voor Dremel Rotary Tool Slijpen Accessoires|Sieraden Hulpmiddelen & Uitrustingen| - AliExpress
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these I use when I finished the job to polish the work. You can also get them for 2,35 shank. Just search for it
Thanks Steff and Jimsky! I ordered some small rotary bits and they beat the needle files for sure!! I also just ordered some of the sanding balls Steff. I think I'm at 90% and should be finished next week. I love this forum and really appreciate everyone telling me to go for more detail and pushing my horizons/abilities! Once complete, he will add immensely to my build.
Nice work. Try asking you dentist for used bits