SLEC Mr Tom

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.

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

Thanks Dave.
the front is quite a severe bend, and not much give in the balsa. The rest is a pretty straight line. I did a test fit and it will break if I force it. Wondering if I can steam just the part that actually bends rather than trying to soften the whole thing.
Andy

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 Thats why I use Obeche most of the time it's great !

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 ?

Regards Ray

Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 19/06/2022 13:27:01

Thanks Ray

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.

Looks like I need to tidy up the very front part but happy enough so far

Andy

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

Thanks Dave. Steaming will be my next step.

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

tome for the hull sides. Looks like I need to shape the stringers to give something to add glue too. Any suggestions, I was thinking just sandpaper. I have permagrit sanding blocks, but what sort of angle am I looking for.