Tony H

Really useful, thanks for the tips

Found this excellent video tutorial, well worth a look

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMmGFWJhi8E

Interesting article, not just with regard to shellac, but alternatives too.  Will bear this advice in future, horses for courses!

interesting, have to take a look, they do have the odd decent tool now and again

Did a test run using Shellac, put a coat down and allowed to to dry, used a 1500 grit paper to break the surface, then applied two more coats of Shellac, got a lovely finish, exactly what I was looking for.  In my humble opinion, I would say the finish looks more authentic than modern cellulose varnish, and its looks realistic.

Thanks for that

Just got back to modelling after a long break, and am currently preparing for a build.

Would appreciate opinions and recommendations sandpaper grit grades, when and where to use different type's of grit for rough and finishing.

Looking forward to your views

From what I've researched Keith Julier in his book 'Period ship a builders manual', he suggests that 'Shellac'serves well for a finish, bringing out the true colour of the wood, and when applied and rubbed down with really fine abrasive paper (1500 grit) it produces a truly flat and hard surface.  Further research stated that this finished surface is susceptible to damage, but can easily be repaired, whereas cellulose based finished surfaces can prove difficult to repair.

Shellac is used in french polishing, and was popular, up until the 1930's, when other products proved quicker and required less effort.

Hi all

What are your views with regard to Shellac, I'm considering using this sanding sealing product, hopefully to bring out the woods natural colour.  Would enjoy considering all those experienced views.

I like this, makes loads of sense, thanks for the advice.

Just ordered an in-expensive set, do you dampen the wood prior to exposing it the the heated tongs?

Hi Ken

Beautiful model your building, just checked out images at http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/caldercraft_hms_diana.html Hope to progress to something of that nature in the future, she's a beauty!!!!

Started work on Constructo's 'Emma' a Baltimore Clipper Sidmouth 1815, she's an older model 1:50 Scale, and what may I ask is your current project?

Was a busy builder 20 - 30 years ago.  Spending most of my time building up my tool chest, lost and mislaid most of my kit, but I guess I'm 75% stocked up again.

Seems were local Ken, I'm up in Formby, thanks for the advice

Thanks Anja, much appriciated

Hi all,

Just recently started ship modelling after a long lay off, interested to know of any UK or European based outlets where I can acquire planking screws,  have tried various methods and am keen to try this one.

Tony