• Win a Free Custom Engraved Brass Coin!!!
    As a way to introduce our brass coins to the community, we will raffle off a free coin during the month of August. Follow link ABOVE for instructions for entering.
  • SUBSCRIBE TO SHIPS IN SCALE TODAY!

    The beloved Ships in Scale Magazine is back and charting a new course for 2026!
    Discover new skills, new techniques, and new inspirations in every issue.

    NOTE THAT OUR NEXT ISSUE WILL BE MARCH/APRIL 2026

Le Rochefort build log by OlivierF

I completed the main deck beams IMG_9069.jpeg
IMG_9070.jpeg

I also made the mast wedges and shellacked them. They’ll be put aside until needed.
IMG_9067.jpeg

Now I need to determine next steps. Do I make the waterways and inner wales or do I start on planking the hull?
Decisions, decisions…

Maybe I’ll have a beer and think about it.
Cheers all!
 
I decided to complete the waterways and the inner bulwarks. I needed to figure out a way to mill a 30° angle on the waterways. I said, “self, simple is always better.” So, I tilted my Proxxon FET saw to 30° and tried to rip the strips. Complete and absolute failure! :mad:
Next, I cut a 30° piece on my full size table saw and double stick taped it to my mini mill and then CA glued a fence to that piece.
IMG_9071.jpeg

This allowed me to use the mill like a router and feed the strips through this fence assembly.
IMG_9072.jpeg
I took multiple small passes so the wood wouldn’t chatter and try to kickback.

IMG_9073.jpeg
Success!

IMG_9075.jpeg
I’ll take a sanding block and smooth them out a bit but otherwise I’m happy.

Now on to the next step…

Cheers everyone!
 
Wow, it’s been over a month since my last update. But, there are other things to do in the winter. Like skiing!
IMG_9083.jpeg

However, I have made a little progress on the waterways.
IMG_9093.jpeg
I used a dental tool (someone else will need to provide it’s correct name. :cool:) to scratch the underside of the planks to get an accurate line for milling the grooves.

IMG_9090.jpeg
IMG_9091.jpeg

Seemed to work well for me.
IMG_9092.jpeg

Now on to the planks for the center of the deck!

Maybe after another ski day or two… :eek:ROTF
 
Last edited:
Wow, it’s been over a month since my last update. But, there are other things to do in the winter. Like skiing!
View attachment 573724

However, I have made a little progress on the waterways.
View attachment 573728
I used a dental tool (someone else will need to provide it’s correct name. :cool:) to scratch the underside of the planks to get an accurate line for milling the grooves.

View attachment 573726
View attachment 573727

Seemed to work well for me.
View attachment 573729

Now on to the planks for the center of the deck!

Maybe after another ski day or two… :eek:ROTF
Clever idea!
 
Ski season may be over for me for a couple of reasons.
1. I have an appointment later this month with an Orthopedic surgeon to see how badly my knee is wrecked.
2. The snow is melting way too fast for this time of year. The 4+ feet of snow we had in the yard a week ago is completely gone!

Anyway, I’ve been making small progress on this project. I’m completing the inner planking on the bulwarks.
IMG_9102.jpeg
It’s slow going as I only have so many clamps!

One side is complete and ready for the gunwale.
IMG_9103.jpeg

In the interim while glue dries I roughed out some of the deck furniture that I will install after the hull is planked.
IMG_9097.jpeg

Happy sailing my friends…
 
Back
Top