Balsa stringer
Andy C | 19/06/2022 09:24:06 |
![]() 478 forum posts 120 photos | Hi all Finally building something again. Mr Tom from SLEC. Nice little model, instructions could be better, but it’s coming along. Now need to fit the stringers along the top and bottom. These are balsa and the instructions call for them to be soaked to make the more pliable. Not done this before so no idea how long they need a soak for. Any guidance, as a, much appreciated. Andy. |
Dave Cooper 6 | 19/06/2022 10:19:17 |
375 forum posts 38 photos | Hi Andy, I think it depends on the degree of curvature and the pliability of the wood. (Balsa comes in various densities, so it really depends on what they've supplied in the kit). A good test is to hold one end of a length and see how 'whippy' it is.... On the Pilot Cutter - they are 42" long with a scarf joint around 'mid-span'. I made a test piece and this curved quite nicely in the dry state, so, I didn't bother with soaking. For a smaller hull, you may find that especially around the bow area, with tighter curvature, you need to give it some extra 'persuasion'. Happy modelling, Dave
Edited By Dave Cooper 6 on 19/06/2022 10:23:28 |
Andy C | 19/06/2022 12:27:34 |
![]() 478 forum posts 120 photos | Thanks Dave. |
Ray Wood 2 | 19/06/2022 13:25:23 |
![]() 2838 forum posts 988 photos | Hi Andy, I think steaming is more suitable for proper hardwoods, I would soak the balsa and tape it round a large radius cake tin or similar and let it dry over night and repeat if you need a tighter curve. Balsa comes in many grades some are brittle Most of the old plywood designs had substantial breast hook and similar for the chine at the bow this reduces the need to bend the strip at the bow, Not familiar with Mr Tom design, but would be interested in a shot of the drawing ?
Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 19/06/2022 13:27:01 |
Andy C | 19/06/2022 15:21:44 |
![]() 478 forum posts 120 photos |
Not sure what this particular balsa is, but after soaking and leaving to dry a little the super glue did hold it around the breast hook. |
Andy C | 19/06/2022 15:22:26 |
![]() 478 forum posts 120 photos | Looks like I need to tidy up the very front part but happy enough so far Andy |
Dave Cooper 6 | 21/06/2022 16:18:54 |
375 forum posts 38 photos | Just to echo what Ray says - steaming does work as does making shallow 'nicks' every few mil's along the length of the strip. (More than one way to skin a cat !). If in doubt, make a test piece first... Regards, Dave |
Andy C | 21/06/2022 19:03:11 |
![]() 478 forum posts 120 photos | Thanks Dave. Steaming will be my next step. |
Ray Wood 2 | 21/06/2022 19:34:59 |
![]() 2838 forum posts 988 photos | Hi Andy, As I have seen from other build blogs on line the stringers are only 1/8" square strip !! this is a very small boat, you may have more luck using 1/16" X 1/8" strips and laminating the stringers, I'm guessing the ply skins are 1/16" ply ? good luck with that I'd use 1/32" ply for a 16" model. Keep us posted as you go along. Regards Ray |
Andy C | 25/06/2022 13:47:42 |
![]() 478 forum posts 120 photos |
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