mobbsie

Hi Kevin,
 
Big improvement mate, serving's not easy but it does get easier with practice, the trick is to keep an even tension and keep the turns tight on themselves.
 
Looking at the 4th picture you seem to have some major furry going there, could you try some beeswax to reduce it, rather than redo.
 
Just an idea mate.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

Hi Gents,
 
Thanks very much guys comments and likes are all appreciated.
 
Carl, By all means mate, pull up a pew. your always welcome here, I shall be using mikeaidanh's log as a reference quite a lot. His build is superb and definitely one to follow. One thing I do like about this kit is that there is a lot of scratch building to be done although the plan drawing leave a lot to be desired.
 
Frank, Cheers buddy, one more planking to go, she's triple planked. Final planking will be Pear when it arrives.
 
Wayne, Thanks mate for your confidence in my planking efforts, I am learning and the final planking will be better.
 
Ken, Thanks mate, If I were you I'd wait for me to finish the planking before hoping your turns out like mine, good luck with yours mate.
 
Mark, Thank you very much mate for sharing your wisdom. It does sound complicated but I'm beginning to get my head around the process and the mist is beginning to clear. we'll see.
 
Thanks Grant, stay tuned mate.
 
Thanks again guys.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

Hi Gents,
 
It's been while since my last post and a lot has happened.
 
Thanks guys for all your comments and remarks and for hitting the like button, it means a lot.
 
I've completed my trails on the Ebonizer with mixed results and not all good. I put some Pear and Lime in the solution and gave it a 40hr soak to find out the depth of penetration, the results I admit are disappointing, penetration was no more than if it had been soaked for 2hrs, the surface area built up with stain and started to crystalize, when rubbed with a finger a dirty brown stain remained. Not a good result at all.
 
Best results came from soaking in Tea for approximately 2hrs, allow to dry then soak in the stain for a further 2hrs, allow this to dry and apply a Wipe on Poly to finish. All work that needs to be done must be before staining as the base wood will show through if done afterwards.
 
I do have a picture of the Sheer Rails after they have been treated, I'm happy with the results for these.
 

 
Next up is the update on the Launch.
 
Second planking is now complete, although this is a lot better than the first planking there is still a lot of room for improvement.
 
The planks are a lot tighter together due to bevelling the edges but I still had trouble with getting a smooth bend on each of the lower strakes around the bow section. Although the strakes were measured at the Bow, Midships and Stern there is some a lot more that can be done and so I've put myself on stand-by to do this properly, if anybody would like to pop round mine and give me a practical demonstration of how to do this please feel free, I have seen the tutorials so feel a little better but putting it into practice is a whole different ball-game.
 
The final planking will be Pear with the waterline in Holly, the top of the hull will have decorations on top of Red Heart, hopefully this will be a paint free zone but we will see, never say never.
 
The Pear has been ordered from C.M.B. but is still in tree trunk form and is waiting to be cut, I've ordered Strips and Sheets so hopefully will have all angles covered, I really must get a Thickness Sander, it will save me money in the end, I just need to persuade the boss.!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
 
Sorry about the quality of the pics, I promise to do better next time round.
 
Half way through and not looking to bad

 

 

 
The 2nd planking is now complete, somehow a rogue plank has infiltrated.

 

 

 

 
So there we are guys, your up-to-date with where I am, Hopefully I will have an update sooner rather than later.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hi Gents,
 
It's been while since my last post and a lot has happened.
 
Thanks guys for all your comments and remarks and for hitting the like button, it means a lot.
 
I've completed my trails on the Ebonizer with mixed results and not all good. I put some Pear and Lime in the solution and gave it a 40hr soak to find out the depth of penetration, the results I admit are disappointing, penetration was no more than if it had been soaked for 2hrs, the surface area built up with stain and started to crystalize, when rubbed with a finger a dirty brown stain remained. Not a good result at all.
 
Best results came from soaking in Tea for approximately 2hrs, allow to dry then soak in the stain for a further 2hrs, allow this to dry and apply a Wipe on Poly to finish. All work that needs to be done must be before staining as the base wood will show through if done afterwards.
 
I do have a picture of the Sheer Rails after they have been treated, I'm happy with the results for these.
 

 
Next up is the update on the Launch.
 
Second planking is now complete, although this is a lot better than the first planking there is still a lot of room for improvement.
 
The planks are a lot tighter together due to bevelling the edges but I still had trouble with getting a smooth bend on each of the lower strakes around the bow section. Although the strakes were measured at the Bow, Midships and Stern there is some a lot more that can be done and so I've put myself on stand-by to do this properly, if anybody would like to pop round mine and give me a practical demonstration of how to do this please feel free, I have seen the tutorials so feel a little better but putting it into practice is a whole different ball-game.
 
The final planking will be Pear with the waterline in Holly, the top of the hull will have decorations on top of Red Heart, hopefully this will be a paint free zone but we will see, never say never.
 
The Pear has been ordered from C.M.B. but is still in tree trunk form and is waiting to be cut, I've ordered Strips and Sheets so hopefully will have all angles covered, I really must get a Thickness Sander, it will save me money in the end, I just need to persuade the boss.!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
 
Sorry about the quality of the pics, I promise to do better next time round.
 
Half way through and not looking to bad

 

 

 
The 2nd planking is now complete, somehow a rogue plank has infiltrated.

 

 

 

 
So there we are guys, your up-to-date with where I am, Hopefully I will have an update sooner rather than later.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hi Guys,
 
Thanks for your comments and likes gents, very much appreciated.
 
As I have already said in my last post that I was experimenting with an Ebonizing solution and I would like to share my findings.
 
The solution is as easy as breathing to set up, there are two parts which make up the process, firstly there is the Tea, this is a standard tea mix and either loose or tea bags can be used.
 
My made my Tea using 4 x Teabags put into an old coffee jar and hot water from the tap, this was then set aside to brew giving an occasional shake up.
 
The Ebonizer is a solution made from Distilled White Malt Vinegar and fine Wire Wool, place a good quantity of the wire wool into a jar and fill with the Vinegar,  after a couple of hours bubbles start to form within the wire wool, this is the start of the chemical reaction, don't worry it's not explosive and although a gas is produced it's totally harmless. Set the solution to one side and forget for a couple of days.
 
It is possible to speed the process up by removing the wire wool after a couple of days, place some old rags in an old ice cream tub and cover with paper, place the wire wool onto the paper and let it oxidise ( rust ). When a good covering of rust has formed replace the wire wool back into the solution and allow to steep for another five days or until the wire wool has disappeared.
 
Your solution will now have become brown in colour, it is now ready for decanting, using the neck of a plastic bottle, another jar and a coffee filter, place the filter into the top of the plastic bottle and put it into the jar, pour the solution into the filter and allow to drain.
 
Your Ebonizer is now ready to use but it will mature over the next few days. Depending on the amount of Tanning in the wood you want to stain you may have to soak the wood in the tea, if this is the case allow a day for the tea to soak in, remove and allow this to dry. To Ebonize the wood pour the solution into a tub and place the wood into it. The depth of colour depends on what you are after and the time left to soak, a longer soak will result in a darker colour.
 
If you want an aged look to your wood just soak without the tea until you achieve the desired look.
 
It is recommended that all work on the wood be completed before staining as the stain is very much on the surface, I'm now doing a check to see what the penetration is after a few days of soaking.
 
I hope that you can understand the process and that my explanation is clear, if you have any questions please ask.
 
I have a few pictures with my results.
 
The first picture is of the solution after six days, the wire wool has all but disappeared

 
Both the Tea and Ebonizer with some examples

 
Samples, the three pieces on the left have not been soaked in tea and the Tanning is quite low
Far Left to Right= Lime, Walnut and finally Swiss Pear.

 
Second Part, the three samples on the right have been soaked in tea so the Tanning is higher
Far Right to Left= Lime, Walnut and finally Swiss Pear.

 
The next picture is Swiss Pear after about a four hour soak, very little penetration.

 
So there we are, an alternative to Ebony, some experimentation on your part will be required to meet your needs. The finer the Wire Wool the better it melts and it can be washed in soapy water to remove it's preservatives to also help to speed up the process.
 
I will pass on my result for the long soak when their ready.
 
Give it a go gents, it's safer than using Ebony and you'll be helping safe the planet.
 
Be Good
 
 

Hi Guys,
 
Its been a while since my last post but thankfully the festivities are almost over and I am able to get back into it.
 
All problems are solved on the domestic front, cars fixed, toilets working again, TV's all sorted so the boss is happy again and that makes me a happy chappie.
 
Since my last post the first planking is now done, I didn't post any progress pics mainly because I was so embarrassed with the result, it honestly looked like a real dogs dinner with so many patches and fill-ins, believe me it was a mess. I have filled and sanded down and given a single coat of diluted PVA, so as far as the second planking is concerned and although it's only Lime I will be using it to practice on in readiness for the final planking which will be Swiss Pear.
I am studying Keith Harris's tutorial on planking and am determined to get it right so Wayne, I'm coming your way.
 
 
I was given a link into ebonizing wood by Grant and so am in the process of making up an experimental batch, I want the Sheer Rail to be Ebony and I want it in one piece, but as Ebony is the devil to try and bend and I would be trying to bend a 10mm x 4mm piece, it's not going to happen so an alternative is needed.
 
OK, I have some pics, they are of the completed 1st planking with filler, except for inside the boat which will be in full view once the bulkheads are removed. As I have said guys, apologies for not posting progress shots. 
 
The first two pics are of the inside of the boat which as you can see is looking ok.
 

 

 
Now we come to the dogs dinner, almost more filler than wood.
 

 

 

 

 
So thats it for now, next job is to put a couple of rows of planking at the top and the Garboard planks then take a few measurements, my heads starting to hurt already.
 
Sorry it's not much gents, hopefully it will get better.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie
 
 
 

Hi Guys,
 
Well here we are, back on familiar ground with a kit build although there is an awful lot on this boat that needs to be scratched. 
 
The Armed Launch was used by different navies during the 19th century, approx. 10 metres in length it was armed with different size guns, one large cannon at the bow and two small swivel guns at the stern.
 
These boats were used for coastal patrols or in escort services, they also demonstrated their wartime capabilities in surprise actions by attacking craft in trouble, anchored up or in the roads. 
 
The model is triple planked with the first planking on full show on the inboard, this planking is Walnut, the second planking is for strength and is Lime, the last planking should be Walnut but I want to change this to Swiss Pear, I want a bare wood finish if possible and I want to keep the paint away from the main parts of the boat.
 
I started with the keel by cutting two 3mm rabbits, I'm not too sure if this was the right thing to do but it's done and so I have to make it work.
 
With the rabbits cut I dry fitted the bulkheads, the top 2/3rds will be removed when the planking is completed, these were then glued into place and the alignment deck put in position, this deck plays no part in the final boat, it's purely to keep the bulkheads square whilst planking.
 
I started the first planking (Walnut) and have so far got just about halfway and so it continues, care has to taken as this first layer is on full show apart from the bow section.
 
I hope all that follow this build will enjoy the trip and please feel free to offer any advice / comments along the way.
 
Some pictures
 
First up the obligatory kit shots 
 
 

 
The Keel in my clamp showing a Rabbit

 
Bulkheads dry fitted

 
Bow block attached and alignment deck in place

 
The first three rows on both sides

 

 
Not very exciting at the moment is it.
 
I'm not right upto-date with the pictures but they would only be more of the same planking so that it for now, I will post again when I have more progress, that will be a bit slow due to the time of year and the Admirals just do jobs.
 
Please feel free to make any comments guys.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie
 
 

Hi Gents,
 
It's been while since my last post and a lot has happened.
 
Thanks guys for all your comments and remarks and for hitting the like button, it means a lot.
 
I've completed my trails on the Ebonizer with mixed results and not all good. I put some Pear and Lime in the solution and gave it a 40hr soak to find out the depth of penetration, the results I admit are disappointing, penetration was no more than if it had been soaked for 2hrs, the surface area built up with stain and started to crystalize, when rubbed with a finger a dirty brown stain remained. Not a good result at all.
 
Best results came from soaking in Tea for approximately 2hrs, allow to dry then soak in the stain for a further 2hrs, allow this to dry and apply a Wipe on Poly to finish. All work that needs to be done must be before staining as the base wood will show through if done afterwards.
 
I do have a picture of the Sheer Rails after they have been treated, I'm happy with the results for these.
 

 
Next up is the update on the Launch.
 
Second planking is now complete, although this is a lot better than the first planking there is still a lot of room for improvement.
 
The planks are a lot tighter together due to bevelling the edges but I still had trouble with getting a smooth bend on each of the lower strakes around the bow section. Although the strakes were measured at the Bow, Midships and Stern there is some a lot more that can be done and so I've put myself on stand-by to do this properly, if anybody would like to pop round mine and give me a practical demonstration of how to do this please feel free, I have seen the tutorials so feel a little better but putting it into practice is a whole different ball-game.
 
The final planking will be Pear with the waterline in Holly, the top of the hull will have decorations on top of Red Heart, hopefully this will be a paint free zone but we will see, never say never.
 
The Pear has been ordered from C.M.B. but is still in tree trunk form and is waiting to be cut, I've ordered Strips and Sheets so hopefully will have all angles covered, I really must get a Thickness Sander, it will save me money in the end, I just need to persuade the boss.!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
 
Sorry about the quality of the pics, I promise to do better next time round.
 
Half way through and not looking to bad

 

 

 
The 2nd planking is now complete, somehow a rogue plank has infiltrated.

 

 

 

 
So there we are guys, your up-to-date with where I am, Hopefully I will have an update sooner rather than later.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This is my favourite part of a build, I do like the fiddly bits which test your patience.
 
Your doing grand job so-far Peter, keep it up mate.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

Lovely work again Jason, only to be expected really.  
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

Morning Jack,
 
Let me add a little to the discussion regarding the colour of the sails.
 
In general each region of the country had a slightly different colour scheme, if you take my neck of the woods ( East Anglia ) East Coast of the UK, the sails on working boats were generally coloured Red with slight variations within,  by working boats I refer to Thames Barges, Fishing Smacks, Bawley's, Norfolk Wherries  etc.
 
On larger sailing craft the sails were kept white or thereabouts.
 
The sails were maintained by an annual service and treated with ground fish and a turpentine like solution, the colour also helped to identify what region a boat came from along with slight variations with rigging techniques should the boat be sunk.
 
In your case the colour is down to you, your the builder and owner and as such you must go with what you like.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

I only asked about stability Denis, I never expected you to change the roof.
 
It does look better though.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

Really sweet John, lovely.
 
I am sorry to hear about your scare John, I do hope it doesn't become a nuisance mate.
 
Please pass our regards onto Pam and tell her were both sorry to hear of her injury and hope that it soon mends.
 
Take better care you two.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

I only asked about stability Denis, I never expected you to change the roof.
 
It does look better though.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

Nice and neat Kevin, and the boat aint bad either.  
 
Vic's looking great mate.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

I only asked about stability Denis, I never expected you to change the roof.
 
It does look better though.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

I only asked about stability Denis, I never expected you to change the roof.
 
It does look better though.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

Really sweet John, lovely.
 
I am sorry to hear about your scare John, I do hope it doesn't become a nuisance mate.
 
Please pass our regards onto Pam and tell her were both sorry to hear of her injury and hope that it soon mends.
 
Take better care you two.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

I only asked about stability Denis, I never expected you to change the roof.
 
It does look better though.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

I only asked about stability Denis, I never expected you to change the roof.
 
It does look better though.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

hi there Piet.......I'm glad you like it     stanchions.........you know I did think of that.   I went down to the local Home Depot and bought a roll of wire.......a bit late,  but I did.  don't know if the wire will fit in the Billing's stanchions......gotta check to see if I have any first.   If I don't,  I guess I'll be ordering some........need some for the syborn,  my trawler.   there's always the Christmas tree boat  
 
anyway,   I did a bit more refinement on the upper deck.   figured I'd better get a front bulwark up and done  
 

 
I even set up the stair well.   I didn't even give these post time to become loose.........on went the planking.
 

 
it didn't take long...........all that's left now,  is to build up one of the inner stairwell walls
 

 
I finally took care of that short crack line on the floor.
 

 
...and then the cutout for the stairwell.
 

 
flipping it over,  the opening was beefed up and the front cap was laid down across the underside......all this does is prevent it from sliding back and fourth on the structure.   the borders around the sides and this cap are the locator  'bracketing'.
 

 
at the moment,  the front wall is getting shingled up..........it's late though and I'm beginning to poop out

Really sweet John, lovely.
 
I am sorry to hear about your scare John, I do hope it doesn't become a nuisance mate.
 
Please pass our regards onto Pam and tell her were both sorry to hear of her injury and hope that it soon mends.
 
Take better care you two.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

thanks Patrick........I appreciate your kind words.   not to worry........there's still a lot of insanity left in these 'ole bones  
 
I fully intend to go stark raving mad with this build......even if it kills me  {well,  maybe a slight fever....anyways}   :D  I promised you folks an update.......trouble is,  real life is playing with me.  but I got a plan of action......I had to work Monday evening at the airport,  after leaving Wally early to accommodate it.   I had to work today.......and tomorrow for my boss over there.....he wanted the time off.   {can't blame him}.   so I'll work these two days,  and Saturday at Wally......and then take Sunday and Monday off {at Wally},  to give me a nice long week end!   I may have to work a few hours here and there,  but I'll have plenty of play time  in the meantime  
 
anyway.......the stern came out alright......and I was almost done with the port side.
 

 
the bottom was laid down for the front wall.........this is going to be tough because of where it is...the deck side.
 

 
while I was letting the last of the shingles dry on the port side,  I thought I'd cement the windows together.   they will need some touch ups when dry
 

 
I have some plastruct 1/4 molding.......the joints in the windows were grooved with a triangular file.   the molding will be cemented in these grooves to make the gaps disappear.
 

 
when done,  they look like this
 

 
so,  in place,  now that the clamps are gone,  the port side looks like this.
 

 

 
I did get a start on the revised roof.   again......please don't think that I troubled by anything that is said.......far from it.
      I see the key words........I'm not daunted by them........I use them.   they gave me this wonderful idea......too good not to at least give it a try.   it's going to add so much more to the build.     it started by getting a tracing of the roof.   I also have to take into account that the structure has a slight warp to it.......I got rid of it with the roof.......now I will do it with the new roof.  it is lined with 5 mm planking strip........I goofed slightly with the width,  so I slid it back about 5 mm and gave the stern window a roof edge.  you'll see when it is in place.
 

 

 
the edging will lap over the structure,  and hide the warp.   more as I get further along.

as mentioned......the shingles are going to be a slow mover.   I did complete the stern wall though,  and made it half way up the port side wall.  here is the stern wall.
 

 
and with the window...haven't done anything with them yet.
 

 
I hope to get the port side done tonight.......and maybe get a start on the front wall.

Lovely work again Jason, only to be expected really.  
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie