dvm27

The disk sander (Byrnes) is the most commonly used power tool in my workshop. It'll save you hours of manual labor.

I omitted those hanging knees, Maury as I felt they would look odd hanging off the end. I do like Druxey's idea of adding it as a thin wafer!

We're glad you had a positive experience Alan. For anyone wishing to take the two day course we are offering it one more time in Baltimore, MD, December 12-13. A few seats are available. Details on our website http://www.admiraltymodels.com. Or you may contact me at dvm27@comcast.net.

Well, since you asked, the cross and corner chocks are mortised into the carlings.

For what it's worth here is a photo of the main mast partner of Pegasus, based on David Antscherl's illustrations. Yet to be added are the holes for the chain pump return tubes. I did not mast her so the opening is left hexagonal.

While not directly related to clipper ships the following passage from The Wooden World, by N.A.M. Rodger, proves interesting. "Men at sea, like men on shore, did not drink water, which was unpleasant and unsafe. The ships carried a great deal of water, but if possible it was used only for cooking. On long passages and on foreign stations men drank watered wine (in the proportion of 8 to 1) or watered spirits (in the proportion of 16 to 1) but in home waters they drank beer alone." I highly recommend this paperback for a fascinating look at life in the Georgian Navy.

David Antscherl has given me permission to post a couple photos of his lovely Comet here. The model is not finished - it is in the process of being fully rigged.

I've never seen a tabled joint on a model, Remco. Extraordinary work! It's a shame no one willd ever know as you can't see both sides at once.

Great videos, Paul. Very instructional (as others have noted). Watching your video on scribing panel lines reminded me a great deal of installing treenails, where the effect should barely be noticeable.

They look great Remco and I really admire you're doing them at this stage, when you don't have the option of removing the sternpost.

There will be Echos at Mystic next year! As for that gap, you could have used small shims on either side to close the gaps so long as the frame ends up centered on the keel. But redoing it correctly is always the better option.

Comet's plans are drawn to the scale 1:48, or 1/4" = 1'.

The hance work, with their volute scrolls, always captures my attention on my visits to the Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis. Your illustration is brilliant. Have fun turning it into reality! Photo from one of my favorite models Royal George, 1715.

Kevin, Proxon makes a thickness planer which is very good. But you cannot plane the wood below 1/8" without putting it on a sled. Jim's product is well worth the money and you can get planks whisker thin.

That's a great way to protect and stabilize the hull while planking, Toni. I haven't seen that before.

Welcome aboard Jason. A build with the SMSNJ is a terrific idea for a group project and with Jim's help you should have no problems. Jeff is indeed generous with his wood package and you could probably squeeze out two Echos with it. You're off to a great start!

Beautiful work and workshop, Albert. Looks like you've a couple of other framed projects on the shelves. Are you taking a pause from them?

Beautiful work, Chuck. Love the ease and perfection of the rabbet.

Beautifully cast hanging knees, Alex. I shall try to emulate you panel making on my next model - it's wonderful

Safe if you don't have cats, Doris! Wonderful to see your progress whenever you find the time to post.

Here's a perfect example of tool overkill. Recommended for only the most serious tool-aholic! The piece created is the top of the brake pump, based on the illustration of David Antscherl in The Fully Framed Model (vol. 2). The piece is hexagonal with a tapered cylindrical head, a central bore and a discharge tube. Here's how I made it: 1. The hexagonal shape was laid out using the 7:10:7 technique. 2. The hexagonal shape was created using the Byrnes disk sander with the table top tilted at a 45 degree angle 3. The piece was transferred to the Sherline lathe where a center bit was used to start the bore. 4. A drill bit was used to enlarge the bore to it's final diameter. 5. Thin strips of 180 grit and 320 grit sandpaper were used to taper the head to a cylindrical shape. 6. The piece was transferred to the drill press where a center bit was used to mark the opening of the discharge tube. 8. The discharge tube was drilled using the appropriate bit. 9. The piece was transferred to the Byrnes table saw where the final sloping outboard face was created using the fence set at the correct angle. 10. An over-sized cylinder was created on the Sherline lathe for the discharge tube. 11. A center bit and drill bit were used to create the inner diameter for the discharge tube. 12. The outer diameter was then shaped using a cutting bit on the lathe. 13. The discharge tube was parted at it's correct length and glued into the pump tube. While this is a very small piece there are many angles involved, not to mention a bore which needs to be perfectly centered and a very thin walled discharge tube. Could I have made this piece using only chisels and a Dremel drill? Yes. In fact I did so, but discarded the effort because the machined version was better. Would I buy all the equipment just to make this piece? Certainly not. But I have had these tools for many years and they have paid for themselves many times over. Total time to make this piece using the above method was twenty minutes. The less successful hand produced version took over an hour. Those of you who love their power tools (Is Norm Abrams from This Old House present?) will totally get it. The rest of you will think I've gone off the deep end. I respect all views!

Unfortunately, Preac is out of business. Perhaps they're still available on the secondary market. I do still have and use a Preac. I'll have to try that blade sharpening trick Kurt, although I can honestly say I never thought the saw was under powered. I do note a Preac video available on eBay. Has anybody seen it and does it cover what Kurt is describing? It's pretty pricey. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Miniature-Table-Saw-Featuring-the-PREAC-Precision-Miniature-Table-Saw-the-DVD-/251222098513?pt=US_DVD_HD_DVD_Blu_ray&hash=item3a7e010251

Might you be able to provide a link?

The perfect recipe for a workshop for scratch or semi-scratch builders: 1 part Byrnes table saw 1 part Byrnes thickness sander 1 part Byrnes disk sander After simmering, add in 1 part Sherline Mill and 1 part Proxxon planer Finish with Sherline lathe and mini drill press The above recipe will require a large portion of lettuce (green) but the finished product should last a lifetime

There's nothing crazy about talking to your dog, Chuck. The problem arises when they answer you!