Rubbing Stracke’ss

[Roger SimmondsParticipant @rogersimmonds35858]

  What do other modelers use for the rubbing stracke’s on their fishing boat hulls, I need to get a 5/16 strip and just wondered what you use.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi roger

I use steamed hardwood such as mahogany or oak.

I machine the wood to the required profile and make it slightly longer than required then I put it in a home made steam chest that is powered by a wallpaper steamer, this heats the wood up enabling me to bend it without it splitting.

Its a very old fashoned process but it works very well.

If you want more technical details then please let me know.

All the best

Paul

[Roger SimmondsParticipant @rogersimmonds35858]

  Hi paul

               I guessed that you said it right, it is an old method and of course the proper way that traditional boats and ships were built.  I was more or less thinking on any new ways that people have such as rubber (don’t think this would look right) or plastic or any other material that they use.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Roger

You could always use silicon rubber (bath sealent) if you squeeze out a length on a piece of glass then use a former / template cut to the right shape to make the silicone the right profile.

Let the silicone set then remove it from the glass with a sharp blade you will then have a perfect rubbing strake. It sounds a bit "Heath Robinson" but it does work very well. If you dont have a suitable piece of glass (I use the back door) you can use a piece of kitchen worktop

I sometimes use industrial door seals as rubbing strakes for example on my Trent Lifeboat (have a look on my gallery)

Paul

[ManxmanParticipant @manxman]

Hi Roger,

The way Paul mentions is ideal, I’ve used this method myself, plasterers also use this method to make coving.

A very good site for any kind of seal or strake is …. http://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/

they make rubber extrusions of all shapes and show how to make a non standard profiles from standard ones.

Cheers – Ken

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Ken

How is the latest matchdtick model getting on I have looked for progress photos but alas I have not seen any.

Thanks for the endorsement on the rubbing strakes the method sounds daft when you write it down but as you say it works a treat.

Have you had your day out with our teacher Vinnie yet?

All the very best

Paul

[ManxmanParticipant @manxman]

Hi Paul,

Yeah – but SWMBO wasn’t too happy – I used a bedroom window ! – but I did clean it before and after use. – Silicone – best filler/adhesive around, I’ve used so much of this I swear if you were to pick the house up and drop it – it would bounce!

 ‘Pacific Light’ – has come to a stop for the time being, though I have finished the aerial bridge along with the small mast, fire monitors and railings that go on it, just no pictures as of yet – busy working on the house in preparation for selling (hopefully moving to warmer climates in Crete toward the end of 2oo8)

I have 2 weeks off over Christmas, and if SWMBO thinks I’m refitting the kitchen then, then somebody’s going to be disappointed ! – I’m locking myself in the shed (with a bottle of Teachers) for the duration ….

Cheers – Ken

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Crete sounds fantastic but will you have to change your tipple to uzzo??

[Sam VimesParticipant @samvimes38365]

Roger

Paul showed me how to steam timbers when he was working over here, it is a very simple process (but very hot) and the results are really very good.

Sam

[Roger SimmondsParticipant @rogersimmonds35858]

  I will have to try this silicone method it sounds as if it has a lot of uses. thanks for replies chaps.

[Roger SimmondsParticipant @rogersimmonds35858]

[Author]

Posts