- Joined
- Jan 21, 2022
- Messages
- 397
- Points
- 238
I wanted to take a break from planking my ship so I thought I would share what tools I use to plank! I know there are many tools, many technics, and a number of ways to plank a hull this is what I use! take it for what
t it is worth!! The Picture below is what I use. Left to right top to bottom
1 Sanding Vise: used to taper your planks to desired widths: you can purchase these in many lengths I decide to make my own purchase of some hardwood a couple of screws and you are in business
2 Metric scale: self-explanatory! Just purchase a good one!
3 Miter saw: great tool!
4 Small Plane: I can not tell you how important that tool is in conjunction with the sanding vise!
5 assorted sanding blocks when making them use stiff foam to attach your chosen grit paper to it is light and easy to attach your paper
6 Assorted small files
7I purchased a small power belt sander to bevel my edges of the planks "well worth the Money"!!
8 Dremel and a set of Micro bits
9 A set of non Magnetic tweezers
10 plank attaching screws These I use during my second finish planking I make my own holders out of bamboo strips the sets come with metal clamps I found Bamboo works much better
11 Micro Screws I use these to attach the base planking to the ribs works Great!!
12 Thumb Tacks I use to wedge the planks in tightly next to each other
13 Assorted clamps
13 Wood Filler: I spend some time on this finding a color that is close to matching the wood planks I am using. don't just purchase a filler that says it is teak or walnut, an example I am planking in Black walnut and I am using Teak color filler: on this subject, I also use the dust from my belt sanding and make a mixture of my chosen filler I use water base filler and mix the sanding dust into the mix and apply where needed, again there are many ways to do this is my way!!
14 I use wood glue to attach most everything on my kits wood glue works great on planking I use Elmer's dries clear!! I have found that is it flexible I can move the plank if I need to and also sets fairly quickly! I purchased the applicator listed in the picture below and it works great. I would also have some good CA glue and the accelerator around does come in handy!
As with anything, especially tools!! everyone has their favorites! You can spend lots of $$ in this area, there are tools galore for sale out there!! and I have many of them that just collect DUST!! I have found that if I just thought about what the tool will do and can I make my own examples of Plank Benders I have a few of those collecting Dust! Plank bending Forms!! Plank Beveling tools you name it and it is out there for sale, I have found that most planking you will use can be formed by using steam and hot water and clamped on a form you make or find around the house. also, a hairdryer and elect. the hot water heater is very important to have around!! again this is my way and everyone has their own system. But as far as I am concerned electric heat-type plank benders are a waste of money!!!
Everyone on this site has their own methods, tools, and technics to construct their kits this is mine in the area of Planking. I know I have forgotten some things no doubt! To me, the hardest, most changeling and most rewarding parts of a model ship are the Hull construction Planking and the Rigging of the ship Hope this will help those of you who are just starting out.
t it is worth!! The Picture below is what I use. Left to right top to bottom
1 Sanding Vise: used to taper your planks to desired widths: you can purchase these in many lengths I decide to make my own purchase of some hardwood a couple of screws and you are in business
2 Metric scale: self-explanatory! Just purchase a good one!
3 Miter saw: great tool!
4 Small Plane: I can not tell you how important that tool is in conjunction with the sanding vise!
5 assorted sanding blocks when making them use stiff foam to attach your chosen grit paper to it is light and easy to attach your paper
6 Assorted small files
7I purchased a small power belt sander to bevel my edges of the planks "well worth the Money"!!
8 Dremel and a set of Micro bits
9 A set of non Magnetic tweezers
10 plank attaching screws These I use during my second finish planking I make my own holders out of bamboo strips the sets come with metal clamps I found Bamboo works much better
11 Micro Screws I use these to attach the base planking to the ribs works Great!!
12 Thumb Tacks I use to wedge the planks in tightly next to each other
13 Assorted clamps
13 Wood Filler: I spend some time on this finding a color that is close to matching the wood planks I am using. don't just purchase a filler that says it is teak or walnut, an example I am planking in Black walnut and I am using Teak color filler: on this subject, I also use the dust from my belt sanding and make a mixture of my chosen filler I use water base filler and mix the sanding dust into the mix and apply where needed, again there are many ways to do this is my way!!
14 I use wood glue to attach most everything on my kits wood glue works great on planking I use Elmer's dries clear!! I have found that is it flexible I can move the plank if I need to and also sets fairly quickly! I purchased the applicator listed in the picture below and it works great. I would also have some good CA glue and the accelerator around does come in handy!
As with anything, especially tools!! everyone has their favorites! You can spend lots of $$ in this area, there are tools galore for sale out there!! and I have many of them that just collect DUST!! I have found that if I just thought about what the tool will do and can I make my own examples of Plank Benders I have a few of those collecting Dust! Plank bending Forms!! Plank Beveling tools you name it and it is out there for sale, I have found that most planking you will use can be formed by using steam and hot water and clamped on a form you make or find around the house. also, a hairdryer and elect. the hot water heater is very important to have around!! again this is my way and everyone has their own system. But as far as I am concerned electric heat-type plank benders are a waste of money!!!
Everyone on this site has their own methods, tools, and technics to construct their kits this is mine in the area of Planking. I know I have forgotten some things no doubt! To me, the hardest, most changeling and most rewarding parts of a model ship are the Hull construction Planking and the Rigging of the ship Hope this will help those of you who are just starting out.