Rich_engr

Larry, I'm using the provided basswood- all materials are what was in the kit (exceptions may be somw wire and rigging later on). I'm still working on the deck stain issue- I'd like to have it done in a week or so... And yes, I'm happy with how the deck planks tapered using my jig- perhaps I can try to improve on it when I do my 2nd build later on... . I'll see if I can get some pics of how I did the full-length tapers.

Ahhh, that definitely helps! When making my samples, I noticed it looked best after I applied the conditioner (w/o staining). I'll try some different grades of sanding with just conditioner and see how that goes. Thanks for the post!!!

Tried staining some deck samples this weekend- may have to try mixing some paint in to get the right color (one looked too yellow, the other too dark/brown)... So we'll see...

Ken, That's what I kind of want to do- keep it light, yet bring out some color in the wood. I just made some test pieces to try with Minwax Golden Pecan, so after dinner I'll try the conditioner, sand, then add the stain.... we shall see~~~ -Rich

Yes, I agree with the planking- each and every single piece is custom-made. As a newbie, it took me foreverrrrrrr to plank the hull, but my patience was rewarded, as yours will be too! Before you know it, you'll be on to the deck and then masts & rigging!!! Very fine work indeed!!

Larry, that is one of the lessons I keep getting pop-quizzed on- sometimes it's super hard to wait, yet we must slow down a little to get the results we want. . She's coming along nicely there- you're about ready to plank the hull (which I found intimidating at first). Good luck and keep it coming... Steady she goes.

Ah, 8oz or 16oz is ok- just didn't need a gallon. I'll check Lowes or Michaels this weekend.

Awesome advice guys! Thanks! I'll give that a shot on some test decking first. Q: Does Minwax have their prestain conditioner and stains in a small (8oz or less) size?

Thanks Russ. If I want to stain it a color, is there any kind of sealant or basecoat I need to apply? I've never worked with stains before...

I'm new to the world of staining, and I need some info on how best to approach this. I am ready to stain the deck on my Niagara, and was wondering what tips/process and product(s) would work. The wood is typical basswood and it's 90% sanded. Some pics are in my build log. Any info will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! -Rich

Yes, it does feel great to be back and at it once again. I'm slowly setting up my shop after having packed everything up for the 3rd time (everything was collecting too much dust and cat hair since I wasn't working on it enough). Now I'm just trying to find the right balance of time between my Niagara and other duties at home...

I still need to finish sanding the deck before staining it. Grates and their coamings are just placed into their slots (will paint prior to installing).

Here are some pics of the deck. All strakes run the full length (from nib to stern), and were all tapered uniformly the entire length. To do the tapers, I lifted dimensions from the plans and used two pieces of flat bar aluminum as a clamp over the full length of the plank, with a piece of wood inbetween that replicated the angled taper. I placed my wood to be cut into the aluminum "vise" and then just used a blade to cut the edge. All planks came out very even over the length of the deck.

Patrick, Thanks for joining! I'm glad to see the Niagara Club up- always motivational and inspiring to see how everyone is progressing. Your build is going along very beautifully, and she looks very clean and sleek- hopefully I can do a tenth as well on mine! Now about those pictures of the deck I promised............

I'll try to get some pics of the planked deck up this weekend.

Here are some of my nibbing strake (with nibs taken directly from the plans):

Ok. Here some older pics I took of the completed hull planking:

Greeting everyone! Yes, I'm back with the Niagara-anonymous Club (we should prob have our own forum for this, but everyone is welcome in this house of solitude). Since I did not save a copy of my old log, I'll basically start with a brief intro/summary of my build, then jump into where I am now. As before, I apologize in advance if I don't make frequent updates on my progress, but I will reply to questions/comments as they come up. This is still my very first wooden/POB build (I'm not counting my 60+ plastic fleet that's it's own navy), so needless to say I felt like an orphaned deer in headlights when the Great Crash of '13 happened. I would not be anywhere near where I am nor confident in my abilities without the help and support of the passionate craftsmen and women of MSW!!! So I salute all of you!!!! To summarize: Began the kit in March 2009 (got her for $145, which is a steal) Purchased some small tools (probably less than $200 in tools to work with- doing this "on the cheap") Framing of hull completed in summer, 2009 Inner bulwarks planking complete in Dec 2009 Hull planking completed in May 2012, shortly after joining MSW 1.0 (took 2.5 years due to my hectic work schedule and a year's hiatus from the build) Deck planking completed in Sept 2012 (unstained as of yet) Completed deck gratings and their coamings Where am I?: Began work on the carronades (batch of 6 at the moment) Just received my Ropewalk from ME (after being backordered for 3 months)- tried my 1st attempt to get a feel for the thing last night Anxious (scared?) to use the Blacken-it I received from ME (halfway considering stripping the guns that are painted and blackening them for more even color) What's my ever-evolving plan?: Finish sanding and staining deck & install hatches only Complete all carronades and long guns & their tackle Build all deck structures and misc deck fittings (fife rails, pin rails, install all deadeyes & rings, etc.) Bowsprit, lower masts (wood fabrication and some standing rigging) Tops & topgallants, followed by yards Finish standing rigging Running rigging Ship's boats and cutters I'll also try to work on my photography skills so I can show my work and oopsies. Thank you all who visit and I'm glad to be sharing my experience with you, and vice versa! -Rich

Well, finally assembled the ropewalk from ME. Tried my first ropes on it- ok for first time... not bad way to "wind down" before bed~~~

Mike, Yes, I will re-create my Niagara build log and will get some pics up (blackened metal, deck, hull). I tried painting the parts, but that was an ugly mess (may be tempted to strip the paint off the guns and dip them in the solution for more even coloring). I'll let ya know when I try it out! -Rich

I just received my Blacken-it from ModelExpo here in the US, and I'm going to start with the carronade hardware on my Niagara... hopefully it's not too tricky to work with. I know it's very toxic and you gotta be careful! -Rich