Roadking Posted January 10, 2017 Share #1 Posted January 10, 2017 As a new builder I didn't realize that I was using the bending heat tool incorrectly all along. This video demonstrates a method that really works very well. I wet the plank briefly and start bending and it is amazing how easily the plank forms to whatever shape you need. Of course i learned this when I was 3/4 done. Aghhh! Hopefully this may help others new to building. coxswain, Mike Dowling, sferoida and 8 others 11 Sirene: 1775 French Frigate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louie da fly Posted March 11, 2017 Share #2 Posted March 11, 2017 What is that amazing tool? It seems to be an attachment for a soldering iron? If so what is it called and where can I get one? thibaultron, Canute and mtaylor 3 It's not really a ship model unless you've bled on it. CURRENT BUILDS Golden City - Ballarat paddlewheeler La Lomellina - Theoretical Reconstruction of a Genoese carrack sunk in 1516 FINISHED Venetian merchant Ship from Basilica of San Marco Australian couta boat RMS Titanic HMVS Cerberus 11th century Byzantine dromon Winchelsea Nef - Late 13th century Mediaeval ship Henry Grace a Dieu - Rebuild of 1:200 model I started in 1967 Mistydeefer - restoration of decor model yacht Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartinB Posted March 11, 2017 Share #3 Posted March 11, 2017 Here it is http://www.hobbytools.com.au/electric-plank-bending-tool-240volt/ Cheers Martin mtaylor, Canute, Louie da fly and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louie da fly Posted March 11, 2017 Share #4 Posted March 11, 2017 Thanks Martin. That looks fantastic. I'll have to get one when I can fit it in the budget. Tired of burning my fingers with the heat gun. Fortunately for my current build it's only the wales that need bending and I'm nearly finished. (The planks are only about 0.5mm thick, as it's a very lightly built craft). Steven mtaylor, Canute and thibaultron 3 It's not really a ship model unless you've bled on it. CURRENT BUILDS Golden City - Ballarat paddlewheeler La Lomellina - Theoretical Reconstruction of a Genoese carrack sunk in 1516 FINISHED Venetian merchant Ship from Basilica of San Marco Australian couta boat RMS Titanic HMVS Cerberus 11th century Byzantine dromon Winchelsea Nef - Late 13th century Mediaeval ship Henry Grace a Dieu - Rebuild of 1:200 model I started in 1967 Mistydeefer - restoration of decor model yacht Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duanelaker Posted November 6, 2019 Share #5 Posted November 6, 2019 (edited) I’m not sure what shipping costs you but model Shipways has the same bender for much less. Also thank you for the video I would never have thought to use it like that! Edited November 6, 2019 by Duanelaker mtaylor 1 David Builds in Progress: Phantom Pilot Boat - MS Completed Builds: Bounty Jolly Boat - AL Chesapeake Bay Crabbing Skiff - MW Grand Banks Dory - Bluejacket The Dinghy - MW Grand Banks Dory - MW 32 Pound Carronade - MS Skiff - MW Peterboro Canoe - MW On Hold: 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull - NRG Ponte Berlin - Corel Taurus Steam Towboat - MS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadking Posted November 6, 2019 Author Share #6 Posted November 6, 2019 I had the tool but was using it incorrectly for years. ☹️ I would hold the plank and press down on it with the tool. It would eventually bend, but took a while. When i found the video I tried it and was amazed at how it performed. Glad it helped others too. DelF, mtaylor and Duanelaker 3 Sirene: 1775 French Frigate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
druxey Posted November 6, 2019 Share #7 Posted November 6, 2019 The problem with these kind of tools is that different wood species require different temperatures to bend them. Too little heat - no result. Too much, and you get scorching. A thermostatically controlled iron where you can regulate temperature is required. These are more expensive (of course!) and mainly used by conservators of paintings. mtaylor, Bob Cleek and RichardG 3 Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wefalck Posted November 6, 2019 Share #8 Posted November 6, 2019 Plank-bending inserts for soldering irons have been on the market for 50+ years for a few quid. Essentially, they are rod with a disc or something egg-shaped in cross-section at the end. You can even make one yourself, dito the wooden die for shaping. Get yourself a heat-controlled soldering station with exchangeable tips for the same amount of money and you can use it for soldering too kurtvd19, Duanelaker, mtaylor and 1 other 4 wefalck panta rhei - Everything is in flux Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dziadeczek Posted November 7, 2019 Share #9 Posted November 7, 2019 (edited) You can make very easily and cheaply a suitable heat control gadget for your electric plank bender to avoid burning the wood. Use an ordinary household dimmer (non digital one) and a double wall socket and wire them together and mount in an electrical box. All materials available in home centers like the Home Depot, Lowes or such... Edited November 7, 2019 by Dziadeczek mtaylor and Bob Cleek 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wefalck Posted November 7, 2019 Share #10 Posted November 7, 2019 Exactly. I am actually using one of those plug-in dimmers that go between the plug and the wall socket. Bob Cleek and mtaylor 2 wefalck panta rhei - Everything is in flux Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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