Straightening the center keel.

[Jahno]

I am beginning my build of the Fair American from Model Shipways. I removed the center keel from the bullet and noticed it was not completely straight. I have a weight on it for now but I wonder if I should soak it and let it dry weighted down on a flat surface?

 

[paul ron]

soaked n weighted till dry will probably do the trick. only way to find out is by trying.

 

[Y.T.]

It is unlikely that you will be able to make it straight. You may have to make a new one.

 

[neilm]

I am beginning my build of the Fair American from Model Shipways. I removed the center keel from the bullet and noticed it was not completely straight. I have a weight on it for now but I wonder if I should soak it and let it dry weighted down on a flat surface?

No harm in trying. Spray the concave side and weight it . That side will expand a little and hopefully straighten it when dry.

 

[Corsair]

Careful putting water on plywood. You would really be in trouble if it delaminates. if you are following the instructions and if the warp is slight, you should be able to take it out when you install the temporary strips at the top of the bulwarks or the temporary waterway. If it is a major warp, contact Model Expo and have them send another. Their customer service is quite good.

Jeff

 

[neilm]

Careful putting water on plywood. You would really be in trouble if it delaminates. if you are following the instructions and if the warp is slight, you should be able to take it out when you install the temporary strips at the top of the bulwarks or the temporary waterway. If it is a major warp, contact Model Expo and have them send another. Their customer service is quite good.

Jeff

Don’t soak it completely, a few light sprays may be enough to help.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

As said by others, contact Model Shipways/Model Expo, they are good about sending out replacement parts.

 

[Jahno]

Well, after my trying to straighten the center keel, I failed miserably. I came out worse than when I started. I have since ordered a new one from model expo. Thank you for your help and we'll see how it goes fro here.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Let us know how and when it gets resolved, we all want to see you sailing down the straight and narrow keel way!

 

[Jahno]

Absolutely!

 

[ilanortho]

Model Expo is outstanding in their customer service; contact them for a replacement if it doesn't straighten out.

 

[Martin By Eye]

I have never had a straight keel. I think that is part of working with wood.The deck and crossframes act as braces as you build and sometimes you may need a temporary wale or strip in the center of the frame curve to hold things while you get the planking started . Slight twists usually show up in the prow or stern and can be corrected by sanding before fitting either the deck or planking, depending on the severity. Leave drilling of mast holes till late on when everything is stable as they will show up twists more than anything else will.

 

[paul ron]

PLYWOOD?

i thought we were talking about solid wood for the keel.

 

[Corsair]

PLYWOOD?

i thought we were talking about solid wood for the keel.

Its the false keel on a POB kit that all the bulkheads attach to. The kit instructions call it a "center keel" I believe.

 

[Natxosailor]

I am beginning my build of the Fair American from Model Shipways. I removed the center keel from the bullet and noticed it was not completely straight. I have a weight on it for now but I wonder if I should soak it and let it dry weighted down on a flat surface?

Lay keel in a flat surface with some weight and blow hot air on it, back and forth…slowly. Wood keeps generally some moisture so you may not need to soak it. Give it a try, good luck.

 

[Uwek]

I am beginning my build of the Fair American from Model Shipways. I removed the center keel from the bullet and noticed it was not completely straight. I have a weight on it for now but I wonder if I should soak it and let it dry weighted down on a flat surface?

Hallo @Jahno
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

i realize the original post was back in May but i thought i might post a solution to a warped profile piece or center keel for anyone who encounters the problem.
you can force it straight by adding supports. i do not suggest wetting plywood.

top drawing, if the center piece has a warp what i do is to glue in the two center bulkheads or glue in two bulkheads skipping one in between. Glue these at 90 degrees to the center piece regardless of the overall warp

the next drawing shows the two bulkheads will not be perpendicular to one another caused by the center piece being warped.

bottom drawing, take a measurement from the center of the two bulkheads and cut two pieces of wood the same length, wedge these between the two bulkheads. Because the two bulkheads are glued to the center keel it will force the center keel straight. Now you can build off the two center pieces doing the same thing with pieces of scrap wood between the bulkheads.

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

using filler blocks will also workas long as they are cut square