New boat builder…

[the converterParticipant @theconverter]

HI

just starting with boat building now have some free time .starting of with my first project the mantua model kit mincio at scale 1:20 full length at 450mm.started the 1st planking this weekend can any one give me some advice on how to get the plankes to bend without breaking and best glues to use.trying pva glue at moment but with little successe (keep coming un stuck).instructions that came with kit unclear and not very helpfull.

many thanks    

[ManxmanParticipant @manxman]

Hi Ronald,

PVA glue is fine, try to use a "weatherproof" type though, problem will be you are not allowing sufficient drying time. PVA glues will dry in about 2hrs but don’t reach full hardness for 24hrs.

Bending planks: use steam – I assume you do not have a steaming tube so make fill the old electric kettle and hold each plank in the steam, move back & forth and rotate the plank for a bout  30 seconds. You should now find it will bend more easily. If bending is still a little difficult put it back in the steam.  DO NOT GLUE the planks yet.  try and fix in place using clamps of some sort – sml bulldog clips, pegs, elastic bands etc. and leave for a couple of hours to dry.  (If you use pins to fix them in place take care as they can split the plank)  Remove the clamps, glue and re-clamp.  Remember to build up each side evenly with say 3-4 planks each side.  Do not finish one side first, if you do you will build a warp into the hull.

WARNING:  Steam burns – so take care.

You could also use plank bending pliers, they have a flat bed on one side and a blade on the other.  The idea is to put a row of notches on one side of the plank, as you do so the plank bends.  I use this type to bend my matches.  There are also rollers and soldering iron type benders available.

Cheers – Ken

[the converterParticipant @theconverter]

hi ken

thanks for that will give that a try later.do you know of any good suppliers of tools on the web,

many thanks

ron 

[ManxmanParticipant @manxman]

Hi Ron,

The web is a great place for buying almost everything,  the problem is you can’t see or feel the quality before buying.  What looks good in a picture can turn out to be rubbish when you get your hands on it.  You need to see the item you want in a shop, then find it on the web.  Look around your local shops,  B&Q, model shop, £1 shops, markets and even charity shops, you can pick up some good quality tools and a bargain at the same time.  One example is craft knives, these are available in B&Q for £9, Ebay for £3+p&p, but are in the bargain shops for just £1.  If funds allow then buy the best quality you can afford, they will last much longer and serve you better.

Best advice I can offer, make a list of what you need now,  look at them in the shops (if the price is good then get them there and then) then just Google them on the web – remember to take into account the postage charge.

Cheers – Ken

[the converterParticipant @theconverter]

hi ken

thanks for that  got most of the basics tools (drills,knives,clamps,files etc..)but still getting my feet wet when comes to tools for modeling.mainly looking at building plank on timper boats from kits and may be after got some experiance under my belt looking into paddle steamers from scratch built.(well thats my dream any way.)would be grateful of any advice on what boats would be good to build or any other advice you can give me.

thanks again

ron

   

[Mike WingfieldParticipant @mikewingfield34114]

Hi Ron

Best tool for bending the planks is probably an Amati plank nipper, great , use mine all the time, any of the period ship mail order firms do them try Model Dockyard or Westbourne Models have used both excellent service from both max 3 days from order to delivery.

Regards

Mike

[the converterParticipant @theconverter]

…needs a little help

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