Planking repairs

[bluenose2]

Hello Les here. I have another question about ship building tools. Once again it seemed a good idea at the time. I recieved my  Mantua plank bending tool. I'm saving time now.  Tried it out, seems interesting but, it crushes the wood on the inside so you don't get a smooth curve on the outside. You get kind of get a 20 degree bend? For 1st planking it might be okay as you can sand out the abrupt bends on the outside. Any input on this magic tool?

[kurtvd19]

The only thing magical about that tool is it's ability to steal money year after year from unsuspecting modelers.

Kurt

[tlevine]

I bought one of these magic tools many years ago.  It actually is useful for a down-n-dirty first planking with a soft wood such as basswood.  But if you are careful with the tool and make many small impressions rather than a few large ones the outside of the plank should be reasonably smooth.  

[bluenose2]

Hello Les here. Ok, I have a new one for you guys. I purchased the Amati electric plank bending tool. It supplies a jig for forming curves. Have tried it out on the long boat for the Endeavour. Works great. Have used the forward portion of the decking to make a template for the planking. If you cut a form with your bandsaw it could potentially work for some compound curves. So do I need to hide under my desk in shame on this one or did I get it right?