zeptraderUK Posted February 21, 2013 #31 Posted February 21, 2013 your craftsmanship astounds me, I really hope one day I can come just a little close to you level of work, really stunning. Quote Colin ----------------------------------------- Current Build HMS Victory Cross Section 1:72 HMS Hood 1:200 On Hold HMS Victory (Full Hull) 1:84 HMAV Bounty
SJSoane Posted February 23, 2013 Author #32 Posted February 23, 2013 Thank you Colin, my skills have definitely improved as I get further into the project. Gaetan gave me great advice, which is to think of potentially boring tasks like cutting hundreds of mortises for the deck carlings and ledges as a way of honing skills. It makes the time pass more tolerably, and skills definitely increase! I still return to mechanical devices like mills and custom jigs to control cuts where precision is important and I don't trust my hand, but I am slowly learning more hand skills with chisels and planes. It is all part of the fun of the project. One of these days, I might try writing down what I have learned about craftsmanship so far through this project, from some great tutors on this site. Mark butch, Zarkon, mtaylor and 6 others 9 Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
SJSoane Posted February 23, 2013 Author #33 Posted February 23, 2013 Here is an update with a few more carlings and ledges, plus the whelps loosely fitted on the capstan to see how it looks. I am looking forward to an entire weekend in the shop. Mark Jeronimo, fatih79, shipcarpenter and 3 others 6 Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
michael mott Posted February 23, 2013 #34 Posted February 23, 2013 One of these days, I might try writing down what I have learned about craftsmanship so far through this project, I think that this would be a great contribution to the ship modelling community. Wonderful craftsmanship Mark. Michael butch 1 Quote Current builds Bristol Pilot Cutter 1:8; Skipjack 19 foot Launch 1:8; Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 14 1:8 Other projects Pilot Cutter 1:500 ; Maria, 1:2 Now just a memory Future model Gill Smith Catboat Pauline 1:8 Finished projects A Bassett Lowke steamship Albertic 1:100 Anything you can imagine is possible, when you put your mind to it.
bbrockel Posted February 23, 2013 #35 Posted February 23, 2013 A museum quality piece. You should be extreemly proud. Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship with all of us. jchbeiner 1 Quote "I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate " Current builds: H.M.S. TRITON Cross Section by Bbrockel - Scratch Build - Scale 1:48 US Brig Syren by Bbrockel - Model Shipways -Scale 1:64
tlevine Posted February 23, 2013 #36 Posted February 23, 2013 Thanks for taking the time to repost your exquisite build. There is always something else for me to learn when I review the reposted logs. Quote Toni Chairman Nautical Research Guild Member Nautical Research and Model Society Member Midwest Model Shipwrights Current Builds: Utrecht-1742 Completed Builds: Longboat - 1:48 scale HMS Atalanta-1775 - 1:48 scale Half Hull Planking Project Capstan Project Swallow 1779 - 1:48 scale Echo Cross Section NRG Rigging Project Utrecht-1742 Gallery: Hannah - 1:36 scale.
SJSoane Posted February 24, 2013 Author #37 Posted February 24, 2013 Thank you Michael, Bob and Toni. Your comments help keep me going. I was feeling less skilled this weekend, still struggling with the whelps and chocks on the capstan. After trying several ways to cut the rabbets for the chocks, without success, I had another idea that I will try this afternoon. But while I was pondering this, I took some time to clear my head by moving from little to large. I re-leveled the top of my workbench (I haven't done that since I built it 20 years ago), using a hand plane. Very satisfying physical work after so much close precision. Lefties will note that I built this bench backwards, with the shoulder vise at the right end, since I am also left-handed. Back to whelps and chocks.... Mark Archi, popash42, botra288 and 10 others 13 Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
sonicmcdude Posted February 24, 2013 #38 Posted February 24, 2013 Welcome back Mark, good to see you are here again with this beautiful ship. Landlocked123 1 Quote Greetings, Sinan Build log:TRITON POB 1:72
druxey Posted February 24, 2013 #39 Posted February 24, 2013 Well, that's a nice workbench that you built, Mark. Particularly those long dovetails - sweet detail! Moxis 1 Quote 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
Remcohe Posted February 24, 2013 #40 Posted February 24, 2013 That's a workbench I can only dream of, it looks like it's from a Lie Nielsen catalog, really impressive. I have a small one on order but no where near as nice as yours (rather lightyears off.....). Remco Quote Treat each part as if it is a model on its own, you will finish more models in a day than others do in a lifetime. Current build HMS Kingfisher MSW 1.0 log click here
sonicmcdude Posted February 24, 2013 #41 Posted February 24, 2013 First I will dream about the big place, the workshop in general and then I will start to dream about the workbench with the two vise and all. Quote Greetings, Sinan Build log:TRITON POB 1:72
SJSoane Posted February 24, 2013 Author #42 Posted February 24, 2013 Thanks, Sinan, druxey and Remco. I built that bench many years ago when i was building furniture, which I do no more, and I had a larger shop, which I have no more. So the bench is way, way too big for the space and my needs. I walk around it every time between the Bellona and the model tools, but I can't even think about giving it up. I put my capstan on the tail vise to show the scale... I am showing a little template for marking the angled surfaces on the face of the whelps. The next challenge, which has really slowed me down, is cutting the bird mouth joints on the sides of the whelps for the chocks. They are so small that I managed to cut my own finger with the marking gauge, and I cannot see or feel the score to register the chisel for the cut. And they are angled in two directions, which means that I cannot hold them down on the bench without them squirting out from under the clamp. So I built what my wife called a little "nest" for the whelps, with a two direction angled rabbet in a piece of maple for each one. It keeps them all level in both directions. When I get my energy back, I should be able to score them all at once with a straight edge across the group. And the last photo shows the latest carlings, and the two parts of the main hatch awaiting its coamings and round-up. Never as much progress in a weekend as I always hope for..... Mark Archi, KORTES, Wishmaster and 7 others 9 1 Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
druxey Posted February 25, 2013 #43 Posted February 25, 2013 Those are awkward customers to deal with, for sure. The jig holder is a great idea. If you make register marks across the holder for the scores, that will align them all properly. daHeld73 1 Quote 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
Wintergreen Posted February 25, 2013 #44 Posted February 25, 2013 I could really use that left-hand workbench (being a leftie myself) but I am soo used working right-handed so I dont mind anymore. Still astounded by your build Mark. Its just, wow Quote Happy modelling! Håkan __________________________________________ Current build: Atlantica by Wintergreen Previous builds Kågen by Wintergreen Regina by Wintergreen Sea of Galilee boat, first century, sort of... Billing Boats Wasa Gallery: Kågen (Cog, kaeg) by Wintergreen - 1:30, Billing Boats Regina - 1:30, Billing Boats Dana,
SJSoane Posted March 3, 2013 Author #45 Posted March 3, 2013 Hi everyone, I got a little further on cutting the birdsmouth rabbets on the whelps for the chocks. Using the little holding jig really helped. I was able to use the scoring marking gauge to keep the joints at the same height, and then a free-handed chisel cut for the birdmouth. By the way, I spot glued the whelps into the jig to hold them in place, then soaked them off with isopropyl alcohol 99%. The spots of glue were really tiny, but they held. Best wishes, Mark Elmer Cornish, daHeld73, botra288 and 12 others 15 Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
SJSoane Posted March 4, 2013 Author #46 Posted March 4, 2013 Like Remco reported the other day, I temporarily ran out of energy for the ship. I moved to a larger scale project, and finally built a shooting board for planing exact right angled and straight cuts on the edges of small boards. I found a great design online, which I modified to suit my needs. You can see the original article at: http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/woodnews/2010july/shootingboards.html This is a great design. It runs the plane along a sloping surface, so that the entire width of the plane is used to even out wear. It also provides a shearing cut, which helps with hard wood like boxwood. A shooting board works on the very clever idea that the plane blade in a normal plane does not go all the way to the side of the plane. So when it is run along the fence of the shooting board, the blade cuts into most of the fence, but not the little edge where the blades stops short of the side. This little edge provides a constant surface for guiding the plane. I still have to attach a fence, but that will have to wait for more time in the shop. With a good fence at exactly 90 degrees and a very sharp plane, I could trim the ends of slightly too long carlings, rather than using the disk sander. I'll see how it works. That is a Lie Nielsen plane designed to use with shooting boards. A gem to use. Mark aviaamator, dwebber, Mike Y and 8 others 11 Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
druxey Posted March 4, 2013 #47 Posted March 4, 2013 Now that inclined plane for planing is a neat idea! Thanks for sharing the idea. That Nielsen plane looks like a nice bit of kit, too. The scores on your whelps look great. Nice work - as usual, Mark. Quote 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
dvm27 Posted March 4, 2013 #48 Posted March 4, 2013 Terrific technique for getting all those mortises lined up, Mark. I like that scoring tool also! Quote GregwebsiteAdmiralty Modelsmoderator Echo Cross-section buildAdmiralty Models Cross-section BuildFinished buildPegasus, 1776, cross-sectionCurrent buildSpeedwell, 1752
gjdale Posted March 4, 2013 #49 Posted March 4, 2013 (edited) Ingenious Mark. Thanks for the link to the article too. And I'm still drooling over your big workbench! Edited March 4, 2013 by gjdale Quote Grant ____________________________________________________ Current builds: African Queen - Radio Control / Live Steam Previous builds: The Shipyard at Foss' Landing (Diorama), Hannah - Ship in a Bottle, NRG Capstan Project, 1869 Allerton Steam Pumper, Medway Longboat , Alfa Romeo Spider Gran Touring (Pocher) , Da Vinci Flying Machine, 1949 Chris Craft 19' Racing Runabout - Dumas - Radio, Bomb Vessel Granado, 1742 - Cross Section - Scratchbuild, HMS Victory (Mamoli 1:90), Cutty Sark, Armed Pinnace, Bounty, Santa Maria At another place: Stephenson's Rocket (OcCre 1:24) (click the title to follow the link) In the Gallery: Lancia Armata 1803, Bomb Vessel Granada, 1742 Cross Section, 1949 Chris Craft 19' Racing Runabout
EdT Posted March 4, 2013 #50 Posted March 4, 2013 MArk, I don't know how you can bear to work on that bench. Its more like a piece of furniture. Ed Quote All EdT posted material Copyright 2016 Edward J Tosti Young America - extreme clipper 1853 Young America POB Version Modeling the Extreme Clipper Young America Vol 1 1:60 HMS Naiad 1797 The Naiad Frigate Vol I The Naiad Frigate Vol II1:96 Victory
Remcohe Posted March 4, 2013 #51 Posted March 4, 2013 Nice shooting board Mark, it reminds me of your inclined sanding board. How do you clamp parts on the board? I'll also see an other nice idea, a bench dog adapted to hold a lamp, neat I'm sure you'll find new sources of energy to get back to Bellona. Remco Quote Treat each part as if it is a model on its own, you will finish more models in a day than others do in a lifetime. Current build HMS Kingfisher MSW 1.0 log click here
SJSoane Posted March 5, 2013 Author #52 Posted March 5, 2013 Thanks, druxey, Greg, Grant, Ed and Remco. I think working on those capstans has worn me out temporarily. Each step is only an tiny move forward, and I am so ready to move on. I only need to figure out how to attach the whelps so they are evenly spaced around the drum, and get some chocks in. But it seems a long hill to climb right now.... By the way, the workbench is based on an ancient European design, shown in the Workbench Book by Scott Landis. The noted woodworker Frank Klausz shows in great detail in this book (pp. 48-61) how he built his own example of a workbench his father and grandfather used. It so inspired me 20 years ago that I built one. Only mine was left-hand, and not as well crafted as Frank's. He says something about this that I think applies to ship models as well: "It's not my design--it's a thousand years old. The only credit we can take for this is that we made it and it's nicely done." Ed, I just got the first scratches in my new finish on the bench, and initially thought, what a shame. But then I reminded myself, it is only a workbench! Remco, I haven't tried this yet, but I think a straight board used on this shooting board will not need clamping. Just pushing it against the fence, and holding it down firmly, should keep it in place. We'll see. I may have to put some lever clamps in if this doesn't work. I deliberately did not apply a finish on the jig, so that there would be friction between the board and the top of the jig. A piece of fine sandpaper attached to the top may help if it needs more friction. Mark navymast and daHeld73 2 Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
michael mott Posted March 5, 2013 #53 Posted March 5, 2013 Mark, Shooting boards are great I have been using them for years, but the one you have just made is a beauty. The plane looks nice too.Up here in the remote boonies of Canada we have a Lee Valley Shop and I am rather partial to the Veritas brand of planes. I will be waiting to hear what you think of the sliding nature of the cut on the ends. A well though out design for sure. Scott's workbench book is a gem. When you get a chance check out page 13 in Fine Woodworking's Design Book Two. Michael daHeld73 1 Quote Current builds Bristol Pilot Cutter 1:8; Skipjack 19 foot Launch 1:8; Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 14 1:8 Other projects Pilot Cutter 1:500 ; Maria, 1:2 Now just a memory Future model Gill Smith Catboat Pauline 1:8 Finished projects A Bassett Lowke steamship Albertic 1:100 Anything you can imagine is possible, when you put your mind to it.
stantona Posted March 6, 2013 #54 Posted March 6, 2013 I might have missed it, and since I am too new to remember the old log, may I ask what kind of wood do I see in the pictures? Thanks, Alex Quote
SJSoane Posted March 7, 2013 Author #55 Posted March 7, 2013 Hi Michael, I sent you a PM. Alex, it is South American Boxwood. I bought it years ago from Woodcraft, but they have not been able to supply more for many years. I got a sample from HobbyMill that is every bit as good. You can find them at: http://www.hobbymillusa.com Mine is not as yellow as European Box; but it is a delight to work with. Fine, even grain, holds detail, cuts precisely. Best wishes, Mark Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
stantona Posted March 8, 2013 #56 Posted March 8, 2013 Thanks, Mark. What I like about your boxwood from a visual is how even the color. I have a couple logs of boxwood from Turkey that I am now sawing to small lumber and it seems real nice, but the visual shows the various grain patterns. I don't think it affects the workability but I'll have to see how it looks when making small pieces. It might not be a factor, but others might already know better than I. I made a workbench almost exactly like yours except I have a different shoulder vise and it is 'right handed'. It was made years ago and I have never done a refurbishing. Reading that you refinished yours has gotten me thinking it's past time for me to do the same. I don't know if you are interested but IPMS will be in Loveland this summer which just might be in your neck of the woods. It's always nice to see what others can do with other forms of model work. Some are real artist, though I've never seen anyone who can beat your skills. Thanks again for the info on the wood. Alex Quote
SJSoane Posted March 9, 2013 Author #57 Posted March 9, 2013 Hi Everyone, I finally got to grips with the chocks for the capstan, which I now realize had been running me into the ground. I tried a half dozen different ways to machine them since they were so small and hard to hold. But in the end, I used a table saw to cut the angles, and then chisels and files to hand fit them into their slots. Smallest pieces I have ever fabricated. I am thinking about color. I had long planned to do a red or black capstan, since so many 18th century models have one or the other. But the other day I saw the color photo of HMS Yarmouth, 1748, in Franklin's Navy Board Ship Models. It has the chocks in black, and the rest of the capstan natural. I tried one in the photo I am showing (the chock is still loose, and not yet tight up against the rabbet on top). I will sleep on it, and then decide once and for all. I have the dilemma Remco was facing about blackening his mast tops, which would hide all of his great detail. I am feeling the same about the capstan. Alex, I am glad I could help with the wood. What is IPMS? It is not too far away, if you think it is worth seeing. And flattening and refinishing my bench made it feel like a brand new tool to play with. Long overdue. I guess I can thank those pesky capstans for pushing me into any other project but a capstan.... Best wishes, Mark botra288, Archi, fatih79 and 5 others 6 1 1 Quote Current build: HMS Bellona 74, ca. 1760, 1:64 http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/196-hms-bellona-by-sjsoane-scale-164-1760-as-designed/
mtaylor Posted March 10, 2013 #58 Posted March 10, 2013 Impressive as always, Mark. I'm sure whatever you decide on color will be just right. Quote Mark "The shipwright is slow, but the wood is patient." - me Current Build: Past Builds: La Belle Poule 1765 - French Frigate from ANCRE plans - ON HOLD Triton Cross-Section NRG Hallf Hull Planking Kit HMS Sphinx 1775 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Non-Ship Model: On hold, maybe forever: CH-53 Sikorsky - 1:48 - Revell - Completed Licorne - 1755 from Hahn Plans (Scratch) Version 2.0 (Abandoned)
michael mott Posted March 10, 2013 #59 Posted March 10, 2013 Very nice Mark, those certainly look small, Just how big are they? Michael Quote Current builds Bristol Pilot Cutter 1:8; Skipjack 19 foot Launch 1:8; Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 14 1:8 Other projects Pilot Cutter 1:500 ; Maria, 1:2 Now just a memory Future model Gill Smith Catboat Pauline 1:8 Finished projects A Bassett Lowke steamship Albertic 1:100 Anything you can imagine is possible, when you put your mind to it.
gjdale Posted March 10, 2013 #60 Posted March 10, 2013 Mark, Your work is beautiful! I'd say, use a colour combination that best allows that beauty to show through. Quote Grant ____________________________________________________ Current builds: African Queen - Radio Control / Live Steam Previous builds: The Shipyard at Foss' Landing (Diorama), Hannah - Ship in a Bottle, NRG Capstan Project, 1869 Allerton Steam Pumper, Medway Longboat , Alfa Romeo Spider Gran Touring (Pocher) , Da Vinci Flying Machine, 1949 Chris Craft 19' Racing Runabout - Dumas - Radio, Bomb Vessel Granado, 1742 - Cross Section - Scratchbuild, HMS Victory (Mamoli 1:90), Cutty Sark, Armed Pinnace, Bounty, Santa Maria At another place: Stephenson's Rocket (OcCre 1:24) (click the title to follow the link) In the Gallery: Lancia Armata 1803, Bomb Vessel Granada, 1742 Cross Section, 1949 Chris Craft 19' Racing Runabout
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