Let me introduce myself

Frowsy Woodworker

Frowsy Woodworker

Joined
Apr 19, 2025
Messages
5
Points
23

Good morning, thanks for adding me to this group. My name is Rick Karniej, I am a Secondary School Woodshop teacher in Burlington, Ont. Canada. I just recently turned a milestone, 60 years old and as I've gotten older (perhaps not necessarily wiser)... I find model ship building to be incredibly therapeutic. Since I was a child building plastic kits of all types; land, air and sea, I've always been fascinated by the detail and the process. I've converted my garage into a hobby shop complete with a CNC Router, Laser Engraver and 3D printer, and am still acquiring tools specific to wooden model ship building. When I was asked for birthday gift ideas I immediately requested a mini hobby table saw for fine details. My family couldn't understand why I needed a second table saw until it was delivered. My wife, God Bless her is very supportive, as I am literally MIA in my shop on most weekends and some evenings... we literally could go a couple of days without any interaction.
I am more interested in scratch building or modifying my own fixtures and parts to kits. Over the last 10 years, I have built a number of various models but have yet to see them through completion, perhaps now I can revisit those builds. My Victory build is an inexpensive kit, however all the others including the canoe are completely scratch built, even material for decking and planking. I am currently working on a 4' large scale model of the Black Pearl. The build began 5 years ago when I began a Model Ship Club at my school. After a promising start, the club faded out after students realized that this hobby requires patience and attention to detail, something very much lacking in teenagers these days.
Let me add, I am in awe of the craftsmanship found on this site. Your work is astonishing and continues to inspire me. Thank you for indulging me in this long-winded post.
I have attached photos of my ongoing builds, please enjoy1000003128.jpg1000003131.jpg1000003132.jpg1000003129.jpg1000003133.jpg1000003125.jpg1000003124.jpg1000003126.jpg1000003123.jpg1000003127.jpg
 
Welcome to the forum! Nice looking models. You've got the technique down for the canoe, now you're just a few board feet of cedar away from a full scale boat! I've built two - very rewarding - especially the oohs and aahs you get while out paddling!
 
RussF said:
Welcome to the forum! Nice looking models. You've got the technique down for the canoe, now you're just a few board feet of cedar away from a full scale boat! I've built two - very rewarding - especially the oohs and aahs you get while out paddling!
Click to expand...
Hey Russ, I have helped build a 16' Peterborough but never had the chance to get the oohs and aahs... but I could imagine.
 
Hi Rick. Welcome to the SOS group. Your models look great, and your introduction reminds me of a high school teacher I had back in the early sixties who's professional teaching position was in wood working shop and drafting. He also had an interest in model ships and was in the process of building an operational model submarine at the time of my graduation and moving on with my life. I truly admired that gentleman and wish today that I could go back in time and discus model ships with him once again.
Jim
 
Welcome as the 51st state!!! OK, that was a joke. I live in Arizona, the 48th. Your work is outstanding. You should take pride in it. WARNING..This is NOT a troll, not a Troll. OK?
 
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