False Hull Fillers

[achuck49]

Ahoy

 

There is absolutely no rush in any comments (if any are provided), as it will be at least a month before I will again attempt to not ruin a boat.

 

I have been reading a lot in the past couple of months, and have concentrated on filler blocks for the fore and aft portions of the false frame prior to planking.  I have observed several different methods, and now wonder what is the easiest method of carving and shaping these pieces?  I totally understand that the size and shape might affect the final product, so I am looking for a middle of the road solution that will pretty much cover all circumstances.

 

We are in the process of moving to Topeka, Kansas so, again, no need to stop what you are doing and comment.

 

I bow in envy to the master craftsmen.

 

Chuck A

[Jaager]

What power tools are available to you?

[CaptainSteve]

I just cut balsa blocks to the correct width to fit between the bulkheads ...

 

These were very roughly cut to shape before gluing into position ...

 

After the glue had set, a detail sander was used to trim the filler blocks back to the bulkheads ...

 

Sandpaper was then used for final shaping ...

 

Hope that was what you were asking.

[CaptainSteve]

What power tools are available to you?

 

If you have a chainsaw, there are other options ...

[EJ_L]

Rough cutting the shapes of your blocks and then using a power tool such as a dremmel for sanding will help it go quickly. Otherwise combinations of carving tools, saws and lots of sandpaper is what you will need.

 

I don't know if the is a easy method for all uses mostly due to the differences in ships hull design each model will have different shapes that will be needed. However as all you are doing is following the lines of the bulkheads it is a fairly easy process if a little time consuming. If you are looking to make the process faster then only worry about fillers at the bow and maybe one or two spaces back and at the ster plus one or two spaces.

 

Unfirtunately, like most aspects of model ship building it is a lot of handwork and time. It is worth it though as this sets up the rest of the project so care should be given to make it right.

 

Good luck when you finally get settled in and can start on your build.

[Ulises Victoria]

I use balsa wood blocks, cut them to size to fit between frames then shape with sandpaper glued to a wooden block.

 

 

 

 

 

[GuntherMT]

I found that balsa is easier to shape to fit, but it doesn't give much (or any) grip for pins for actually helping hold the planks.  It's good to shape the planks, but not hold them.

 

For the areas where I want to do a filler where it will actually give me something I can pin into, I use the same techniques as already suggested, but use basswood instead of balsa, as it's hard enough to accept pins/nails to secure planks.  It's also a good surface to glue to as well.

[mtaylor]

If you use balsa for the blocks, hit them heavy with PVA and water mix or even thin CA.  It'll toughen the surface up a bit.    

[achuck49]

Thanks so much

 

Question completely answered