Hoping to Up My Game

[bowwild]

I accumulated three kits over the past few weeks I intend to build; Andrea Gail 1/30, Amati Xebec 1/48, and just this week Syren's Cheerful off the classifieds here. I am going to build them in that order.
Today I ordered the hand-turned disc sander from Ultimation. I would have gotten the the Brynes variable, but it is not available at this time. I have a collection of full-sized wood shop tools including belt/disc sander and WEN Oscillating sander. I wanted more quiet, less dust, and more control which I expect the Ultimation to provide.

I also called Brynes and ordered their table saw with a few accessories. I doubt I'll be using the saw until the Cheerful is on the table as the first two are full kits.

I've been studying these tools and others for months trying to decide what and when to pull the trigger. I feared the Byrnes saw could run into some snags given what they are going through, although I have good to reason they will be as solid as ever shortly. I wanted to get the Thickness Sander, but it isn't available at this time either. Again, I don't need it yet.

I'm thinking I might want a Milling machine with the Proxxon 70 probably more in my $ wheelhouse but for a bit more than double the Sherline and Little Machine Shop mills receive better reviews.

Finally, my son cut down a good size Bartlett Pear tree a week ago. I have a degree in forestry, but don't know much about this wood, just hoping it might be a more affordable version of Swiss Pear? It is free so I will cut some logs, mill them into planks of varying widths, but probable 1-2" thick and stack them in the upper floor of my shop which gets too hot to stand for about 4-5 months of the year. Maybe it will be suitable for replacement or supplemental wood for scratch efforts.

Lot's planned now let's get it squeezed into entertaining 4 grand children in our pool and the daily cleaning required (even with a robot), landscape replacement, mowing...well the routine stuff so many of us deal with. Oh, and I'm an avid tree squirrel hunter and archer so I have to tend to those activities as well.

I learn a lot on this forum. Most of the time I'm encouraged and motivated, while from time to time I'm thinking I'm a couple decades late for getting serious about serious ship models at age 71.

I built this Harvey from a Kit in 1994 when I lived in Missouri. Took me 185 hours. I look at it now and see all kinds of mistakes I made, especially with rigging. The bow sprit has been replaced when it fell off a shelf. It is not to scale as I scratch built one that is too bulky. The ship's boat on the back I built completely from scratch and it too is a bit to large for proper scale. I even sewed the sales with my wife's machine. However, as I look at this ship which was only my 2nd build, I think I can do more.

 

[Corsair]

For a first build, that looks great and you are doing the right thing. It is a learning experience.
As far as your questions about comparing the Bartlett pear wood to the swiss pear, I would drop a line to @Dave Stevens (Lumberyard) to ask your questions. His knowledge on lumber is impresive and lumber for model shipbuilding is a focus for him.
(Sorry Dave, I keep finding things for you to do. But I don't know of anyone else in the forums with your knowledge. )

 

[KAYA61]

Look great and I agree with the master Corsair... master @Dave Stevens (Lumberyard) is really very experienced in this matter.

 

[Rebus]

Welcome aboard! Look forward to seeing your further builds!

 

[Kiwi]

Gee I think your Harvey from 1994 is a beautiful looking vessel. As you say the bowsprit looks a fraction incongruous, but otherwise I wouldn't fault her. I'd be proud to have her on display

 

[Dillan2515]

I accumulated three kits over the past few weeks I intend to build; Andrea Gail 1/30, Amati Xebec 1/48, and just this week Syren's Cheerful off the classifieds here. I am going to build them in that order.
Today I ordered the hand-turned disc sander from Ultimation. I would have gotten the the Brynes variable, but it is not available at this time. I have a collection of full-sized wood shop tools including belt/disc sander and WEN Oscillating sander. I wanted more quiet, less dust, and more control which I expect the Ultimation to provide.

I also called Brynes and ordered their table saw with a few accessories. I doubt I'll be using the saw until the Cheerful is on the table as the first two are full kits.

I've been studying these tools and others for months trying to decide what and when to pull the trigger. I feared the Byrnes saw could run into some snags given what they are going through, although I have good to reason they will be as solid as ever shortly. I wanted to get the Thickness Sander, but it isn't available at this time either. Again, I don't need it yet.

I'm thinking I might want a Milling machine with the Proxxon 70 probably more in my $ wheelhouse but for a bit more than double the Sherline and Little Machine Shop mills receive better reviews.

Finally, my son cut down a good size Bartlett Pear tree a week ago. I have a degree in forestry, but don't know much about this wood, just hoping it might be a more affordable version of Swiss Pear? It is free so I will cut some logs, mill them into planks of varying widths, but probable 1-2" thick and stack them in the upper floor of my shop which gets too hot to stand for about 4-5 months of the year. Maybe it will be suitable for replacement or supplemental wood for scratch efforts.

Lot's planned now let's get it squeezed into entertaining 4 grand children in our pool and the daily cleaning required (even with a robot), landscape replacement, mowing...well the routine stuff so many of us deal with. Oh, and I'm an avid tree squirrel hunter and archer so I have to tend to those activities as well.

I learn a lot on this forum. Most of the time I'm encouraged and motivated, while from time to time I'm thinking I'm a couple decades late for getting serious about serious ship models at age 71.

I built this Harvey from a Kit in 1994 when I lived in Missouri. Took me 185 hours. I look at it now and see all kinds of mistakes I made, especially with rigging. The bow sprit has been replaced when it fell off a shelf. It is not to scale as I scratch built one that is too bulky. The ship's boat on the back I built completely from scratch and it too is a bit to large for proper scale. I even sewed the sales with my wife's machine. However, as I look at this ship which was only my 2nd build, I think I can do more.

I’ve been following this thread and totally relate to wanting to “up your game.” One thing that really helped me improve my attention to detail (especially with rigging and painting) was practicing with smaller, low-risk hobbies to build focus. Surprisingly, trying out online games with a strategy element helped too. I found useful information on this page — it offers no-deposit bonuses, so I could test things without spending anything. Gave me a break from the bench while still keeping my mind sharp. Balance is key!

I am trying to improve my skills across many different areas this year. Small consistent progress is what matters most. It is not always easy but very rewarding. In the evenings I like to unwind by playing multi hot 5 download. It helps me disconnect from daily tasks.

 

[CANGETOF]

Look great and I agree with the master Corsair... master @Dave Stevens (Lumberyard) is really very experienced in this matter.















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Good!

 

[Saftention]

I accumulated three kits over the past few weeks I intend to build; Andrea Gail 1/30, Amati Xebec 1/48, and just this week Syren's Cheerful off the classifieds here. I am going to build them in that order.
Today I ordered the hand-turned disc sander from Ultimation. I would have gotten the the Brynes variable, but it is not available at this time. I have a collection of full-sized wood shop tools including belt/disc sander and WEN Oscillating sander. I wanted more quiet, less dust, and more control which I expect the Ultimation to provide.

I also called Brynes and ordered their table saw with a few accessories. I doubt I'll be using the saw until the Cheerful is on the table as the first two are full kits.

I've been studying these tools and others for months trying to decide what and when to pull the trigger. I feared the Byrnes saw could run into some snags given what they are going through, although I have good to reason they will be as solid as ever shortly. I wanted to get the Thickness Sander, but it isn't available at this time either. Again, I don't need it yet.

I'm thinking I might want a Milling machine with the Proxxon 70 probably more in my $ wheelhouse but for a bit more than double the Sherline and Little Machine Shop mills receive better reviews.

Finally, my son cut down a good size Bartlett Pear tree a week ago. I have a degree in forestry, but don't know much about this wood, just hoping it might be a more affordable version of Swiss Pear? It is free so I will cut some logs, mill them into planks of varying widths, but probable 1-2" thick and stack them in the upper floor of my shop which gets too hot to stand for about 4-5 months of the year. Maybe it will be suitable for replacement or supplemental wood for scratch efforts.

Lot's planned now let's get it squeezed into entertaining 4 grand children in our pool and the daily cleaning required (even with a robot), landscape replacement, mowing...well the routine stuff so many of us deal with. Oh, and I'm an avid tree squirrel hunter and archer so I have to tend to those activities as well.

I learn a lot on this forum. Most of the time I'm encouraged and motivated, while from time to time I'm thinking I'm a couple decades late for getting serious about serious ship models at age 71. By the way, while taking a well-deserved break from the intricate workshop planning and yard work, if you ever want quick access to your account for some effortless online entertainment on your phone, you can easily use the https://mostbetbd.asia/login/ page to jump right back into the action.

I built this Harvey from a Kit in 1994 when I lived in Missouri. Took me 185 hours. I look at it now and see all kinds of mistakes I made, especially with rigging. The bow sprit has been replaced when it fell off a shelf. It is not to scale as I scratch built one that is too bulky. The ship's boat on the back I built completely from scratch and it too is a bit to large for proper scale. I even sewed the sales with my wife's machine. However, as I look at this ship which was only my 2nd build, I think I can do more.

View attachment 518357

ChatGPT сказал:​

That's quite a lineup! Andrea Gail, Xebec and Cheerful should keep you busy for a while. And honestly, having three kits waiting in the wings probably isn't a bad thing — you can be working on one while thinking about the next instead of feeling like you have to rush a build.

At 71, I certainly wouldn't say you're a couple of decades late. If anything, it sounds like you've reached the point where you have the tools, space and experience to really enjoy the hobby on your own terms. The 185-hour Harvey from 1994 is pretty good evidence that you already had the patience for it. And the fact that you can look at it now, recognize the mistakes and immediately see how you'd do things differently is exactly what experience is supposed to give you.

The Bartlett pear is interesting too. I'd definitely save some of it. Even if it doesn't turn out to be a direct substitute for Swiss pear, free, well-seasoned timber that you can experiment with is hard to beat. I'd probably mill some thin test pieces as well rather than making everything 1–2" thick, just so you can see how it behaves as it dries.

As for the equipment, I think you're taking the right approach by buying as you actually need it. It's very easy with this hobby to accumulate tools faster than you accumulate finished models.

 

[Roger Pellett]

Way back in the 1970’s I was given some pear logs by someone clearing land for a new house in southern Ohio. I had them sawn into planks, and let them dry. I then sawed them into billets. I still have some. I have no idea what species of pear they are. Anyhow, it’s very nice wood. If you have some I wouldn’t quibble about Swiss Pear.

Roger

 

[duke4]

I accumulated three kits over the past few weeks I intend to build; Andrea Gail 1/30, Amati Xebec 1/48, and just this week Syren's Cheerful off the classifieds here. I am going to build them in that order.
Today I ordered the hand-turned disc sander from Ultimation. I would have gotten the the Brynes variable, but it is not available at this time. I have a collection of full-sized wood shop tools including belt/disc sander and WEN Oscillating sander. I wanted more quiet, less dust, and more control which I expect the Ultimation to provide.

I also called Brynes and ordered their table saw with a few accessories. I doubt I'll be using the saw until the Cheerful is on the table as the first two are full kits.

I've been studying these tools and others for months trying to decide what and when to pull the trigger. I feared the Byrnes saw could run into some snags given what they are going through, although I have good to reason they will be as solid as ever shortly. I wanted to get the Thickness Sander, but it isn't available at this time either. Again, I don't need it yet.

I'm thinking I might want a Milling machine with the Proxxon 70 probably more in my $ wheelhouse but for a bit more than double the Sherline and Little Machine Shop mills receive better reviews.

Finally, my son cut down a good size Bartlett Pear tree a week ago. I have a degree in forestry, but don't know much about this wood, just hoping it might be a more affordable version of Swiss Pear? It is free so I will cut some logs, mill them into planks of varying widths, but probable 1-2" thick and stack them in the upper floor of my shop which gets too hot to stand for about 4-5 months of the year. Maybe it will be suitable for replacement or supplemental wood for scratch efforts.

Lot's planned now let's get it squeezed into entertaining 4 grand children in our pool and the daily cleaning required (even with a robot), landscape replacement, mowing...well the routine stuff so many of us deal with. Oh, and I'm an avid tree squirrel hunter and archer so I have to tend to those activities as well.

I learn a lot on this forum. Most of the time I'm encouraged and motivated, while from time to time I'm thinking I'm a couple decades late for getting serious about serious ship models at age 71.

I built this Harvey from a Kit in 1994 when I lived in Missouri. Took me 185 hours. I look at it now and see all kinds of mistakes I made, especially with rigging. The bow sprit has been replaced when it fell off a shelf. It is not to scale Delta Executor fix guide as I scratch built one that is too bulky. The ship's boat on the back I built completely from scratch and it too is a bit to large for proper scale. I even sewed the sales with my wife's machine. However, as I look at this ship which was only my 2nd build, I think I can do more.

View attachment 518357

Whether it is developing new skills, becoming more productive, or taking on new challenges, progress comes from consistent effort and a willingness to step outside the comfort zone.

 

[Rob444]

Welcome aboard from Connecticut!
Rob

 

[duke4]

I accumulated three kits over the past few weeks I intend to build; Andrea Gail 1/30, Amati Xebec 1/48, and just this week Syren's Cheerful off the classifieds here. I am going to build them in that order.
Today I ordered the hand-turned disc sander from Ultimation. I would have gotten the the Brynes variable, but it is not available at this time. I have a collection of full-sized wood shop tools including belt/disc sander and WEN Oscillating sander. I wanted more quiet, less dust, and more control which I expect the Ultimation to provide.

I also called Brynes and ordered their table saw with a few accessories. I doubt I'll be using the saw until the Cheerful is on the table as the first two are full kits.

I've been studying these tools and others for months trying to decide what and when to pull the trigger. I feared the Byrnes saw could run into some snags given what they are going through, although I have good to reason they will be as solid as ever shortly. I wanted to get the Thickness Sander, but it isn't available at this time either. Again, I don't need it yet.

I'm thinking I might want a Milling machine with the Proxxon 70 probably more in my $ wheelhouse but for a bit more than double the Sherline and Little Machine Shop mills receive better reviews.

Finally, my son cut down a good size Bartlett Pear tree a week ago. I have a degree in forestry, but don't know much about this wood, just hoping it might be a more affordable version of Swiss Pear? It is free so I will cut some logs, mill them into planks of varying widths, but probable 1-2" thick and stack them in the upper floor of my shop which gets too hot to stand for about 4-5 months of the year. Maybe it will be suitable for replacement or supplemental wood for scratch efforts.

Lot's planned now let's get it squeezed into entertaining 4 grand children in our pool and the daily cleaning required (even with a robot), landscape replacement, mowing...well the routine stuff so many of us deal with. Oh, and I'm an avid tree squirrel hunter and archer so I have to tend to those activities as well.

I learn a lot on this forum. Most of the time I'm encouraged and motivated, while from time to time I'm thinking I'm a couple decades late for getting serious about serious ship models at age 71.

I built this Harvey from a Kit in 1994 when I lived in Missouri. Took me 185 hours. I look at it now and see all kinds of mistakes I made, especially with rigging. The bow sprit has been replaced when it fell off a shelf. It is not to scale as I scratch Dana Games built one that is too bulky. The ship's boat on the back I built completely from scratch and it too is a bit to large for proper scale. I even sewed the sales with my wife's machine. However, as I look at this ship which was only my 2nd build, I think I can do more.

View attachment 518357

Whether it involves sports, gaming, work, or a personal hobby, steady practice and a willingness to learn can make a meaningful difference.