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lamarvalley

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Everything posted by lamarvalley

  1. I am at the planking point for the San Fran II. As this is my first planking, and a single hull of mahogany to boot, I am learning as I go. Lots of good ideas here. I bought a 1.5" dia. piece of pvc, 2 ' long and sliced the top third off with a saber saw, fitted the ends with caps and mounted it to a 2x4. It's not pretty but it holds water in a nice neat and small little trough. So far I have found that under 20 minutes won't do for this wood. A slight bend and it snaps so tomorrow a new wrinkle: hotter water, longer time and the can clamping trick. Eventually I'll find the right combo. Never used a curling iron before in my life but I'm about to try one tomorrow too. And yes, it is a cast off that won't be missed so there is no fear for my safety. As a newbie I''ll report back when something works... and doesn't. Randy
  2. Aaron, Regarding the strakes, what's that phrase... 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery' or some such verbiage. Truth is, I like the look too and will probably either stain or switch woods to get the effect. About the link of modelismo... looks like this guy changed all the metal to wood but so much more. His boat is shaped like the SF but WOW. Some things to consider... Randy
  3. Thanks Aaron. Oddly, I remember this company from my old cabinetmaking days. I even have a few of the Veritas and Lee Valley marking tools. Never use them anymore but I got 'em.
  4. Looks good Aaron. Cherry is such a sweet wood and your stain is not too dark to hide the variations of the wood. Nice! Where did you find the wood? It seems like most of the suppliers that I found sell basswood, balsa and maybe some other light woods but no exotics or hardwoods. Randy
  5. Wood glue (titebond) can also be wiped with a damp, not soaking, paper towel or rag. Especially when sanding will follow the slight raise of grain from the dampness is negligible at best. I have never tried the dental probe approach but that makes good sense too. I really do like wood glue more than the CA for most applications. I once did furniture/cabinetmaking and wood glue was used 99.99% of the time with a CA glue, Hotshot by brand, we used for that rare moment of needing it fast. Plus I think titebond creates a stronger bond than CA due to absorption into the wood fibers. Both have their place tho.
  6. Thanks for the subject Larry as glue is a huge part of the process and is not really discussed much that I could find. I use toothpicks and super cheap paintbrushes that I found from Hobby Lobby (30 for $2) to spread the glue and I like the forked needle approach with the CA as I tend to wear too much of it when I use it. Wax paper is an essential for both wood glue and CA. I am just at the point of planking my first model and was wondering whether most use CA or wood glue. For me, CA is great for the quick attachment of some items but the open time to readjust is non-existent. I don't get good results under those circumstances so I suppose wood glue and downtime for drying will be my choice. Rather that than butcher the assembly with CA on everything including me. Randy
  7. msberkman, We're building the same kit, SF II, but I am far behind from where you are. Yet another one to learn techniques and get ideas from. Gotta love this site. Plus, from what I see, I'm betting your next build will be a scratch build. I think you have the skill and imagination. Impressive, especially for a first build. Randy
  8. Looks real good Eric. You're way past me as I am just about to start planking within the next day or so. A lot of SF builders to watch and learn from. All good. Randy
  9. Garward, Your attention to the details is stunning. You certainly give me a lot to shoot for. Incredible. Thanks for sharing. Randy
  10. Little brothers eh? Is that how they are referred? I like the game but I don't live and die by it. Back to building... gotta find some balsa to continue. Randy
  11. Oh, I know. The sun is a memory this time of year for me too but every now and again we get a glimpse. Still, just for yucks, if that old yellow orb makes an appearance try the tape thing. Do it in stripes or something, it's pretty cool. Btw..?? Steeler fan? I live in Cinti. Randy
  12. Good idea Aaron but if I may make one suggestion... before you decide to stain let the ship sit in the sun for a little while. If you do, move it for even exposure but first do a test. Cherry is very interesting in that it deepens with exposure to sunlight. To test it, take a piece of your scrap or extra wood and cover several sections with masking tape while letting other parts get a 'tan'. It won't take long if the sun is bright to deepen and it will also continue to do so somewhat after staining...unless the stain is really dark. This way you can sort of dial in your color with the natural hues plus the stain. Randy
  13. Looking good Aaron, nice and neat. While I'm not there yet I wonder about staining too. Only advise I can give as a one-time cabinet-maker is test, test test on samples. Easier to throw away a sample that displeases than strip the finished product. Trust me... I know from experience on this one. Randy
  14. Wow. Aaron's right on two counts; there are a bunch of us doing the SF II and your planking is great. I am almost to the planking stage, need to update my log, but I can only hope mine turns out as nice. Did you dark stain some mahogany, or walnut or is that a different wood? On the ship it looks like ebony but laying flat it shows a grain. Randy
  15. Good day Garward, I am doing the same model but just began. I like the wooden mast tops versus the ones in my kit of metal. I might try to make my own when I get there. How long have you been working on this model? She is beautiful. Randy
  16. Good day, I'm doing the same model but just started and are far behind you which is good for me - lots to learn. I am still on the deck and am doing the single hull. We'll see how that goes but you're making great progress. Love the hinge discussion although that won't happen for awhile Randy
  17. This is my first build of a sailed ship and my first build log. I am sure help will be needed along the way. Randy
  18. What a great idea. Painting for me, especially lettering, has always been a challenge and a great way to mess up quickly. This idea is gold! Thanks.
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