Hulls planking

[Fowler57]

When building a wooden ship model, one of the more challenging tasks is bending the planks. A method that has made this process easier for me is soaking the planks first. I found a wallpaper trough from my local Ace store, which measures 33 inches long and about 5 inches wide—just the right size to soak an entire plank.

I also use an electric plank bender from Model Expo, which has made bending much quicker and more accurate. By soaking the planks and then applying heat from the iron, combined with the shaping jig that comes with the bender, the process becomes more manageable.

For those new to ship modeling, this technique might be helpful. Just remember, when things get frustrating, it’s best to take a step back and return later with fresh eyes. Most importantly, enjoy the journey!

 

[AllanKP69]

I also use an electric plank bender from Model Expo, which has made bending much quicker and more accurate.

The trough idea is great. Another cheap and effective method is filling water into a piece of plastic pipe capped on one end. Takes up less room as it can be stood up in a corner (or laid down if both ends are capped during the soak. )

Are you spiling the planks or are you tapering and edge bending before doing the broad bend? It is easier to do the tapering and edge bend shaping before making the broad bend with your iron bender. Making the broad bend as you are doing is easy enough but the edge bend and avoiding lifting is more difficult for most of us.

Allan