Newby Model Maker!

[Lynn Young]

Hi everyone. I am new to this site and new to model making. I recently retired as a Bowyer and Fletcher, so I was looking for a new hobby to do in my workshop. I bought a kit from eBay and started with the Constructo HMS Victory. I have only been working on it for a few weeks, but I am absolutely hooked. I have woodworking skills but no experience of metal working, so I will be scouring this site for hints and tips. 

I saw Phillip Reed on YouTube and was stunned by the work he was doing. So .... I will continue with the Victory, but I will also be starting on the Triton Section. I will put up a Triton log as soon as I have started it. 

 

I have looked through a couple of the Triton Section builds on this site. I am impressed with the workmanship, but also the camaraderie and help from other members. So I have a couple of questions for you. 

First, I have timber which I used for the English longbows which I used to make. I was wondering which you consider the best for constructing models. The timbers I have are as follows: Oak, Lemonwood, Padauk, Purpleheart, Mahogany, Bamboo, Ash, Teak, and Ipe. Looking forward to hearing your opinions. 

I was thinking of using one pale wood and one dark wood for the Triton Section. 

 

Secondly, I have a Proxxon table saw. The narrowest blade is 0.5mm. But I have seen at least one of you guys mentioning a 0.3mm blade for this machine - can you tell me where I can get one of these from. 

 

Really looking forward to starting the scratch build, but I just need to finish off my last longbow. 

Just thought I would put in a couple of photos of the bows and arrows I have been making. (Bows are not the easiest to photograph on account of being so long!!!)

 

Cheers,

Lynn

[allanyed]

Super welcome.  Love your introduction.  What an interesting profession!!!   

 

For wood, padauk, and maybe lemonwood.  Bamboo for treenails.  In general, the smaller the grain the better.  Oak definitely not a good choice as is ash a poor choice.  Not sure on some of the others.  I had used teak any years ago as I had a free source and the project required teak wood work for the client.  It worked quite well although a little grainy.  The color is gorgeous.   As to sources of anything, I assume you are in Gateshead in the UK, so hopefully UK members will reach out to you.

 

Again, welcome aboard

 

Allan

 

[Lynn Young]

Hi Allan,

Thanks for the welcome and the info on the wood. Perhaps I will use the oak and ash for the ship stands!!

Cheers,

Lynn

[JeffT]

Hi Lynn. Welcome to MSW 

 

I love the bow. Its been a long time since I've shot a bow.

[druxey]

Nice fletchering and bowyering work! It's been many years since I handled a longbow.... Welcome to MSW.

[mtaylor]

[Louie da fly]

Welcome to MSW, Lynn.

 

A number of ex-archers here, apparently (including me).

 

Yes, when you start your build, make sure you also start a build log. It's a great way to get help, encouragement and advice. And the problems you encounter may already have been solved by someone else.

[Ryland Craze]

Welcome to Model Ship World Lynn.  You excellent work on fletchering and bowyering show that you have the skills to do a good job on your ship models.  I look forward to seeing your Triton build log when you start it.

[Lynn Young]

Many thanks everyone for the warm welcome and the kind comments on my bows and arrows. 
 

I forgot to mention that I also have Sitka Spruce which I know is used for yacht masts, so I presume will be ok for models. 
 

cheers, Lynn

[Paul Jarman]

Welcome to MSW Lynn,

Paul

[Jim Lad]

Hello Lynn, and another warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'.

 

John

[Matrim]

Greetings, any existing skill with making stuff should mean you have an advantage over many beginners. Nice to have you here.

[Lynn Young]

10 hours ago, JJT said:

Hi Lynn. Welcome to MSW 

 

I love the bow. Its been a long time since I've shot a bow.

Same here! Due to COVID-19, we haven’t been able to shoot since March. However, in the next couple of weeks I am hoping the club reopens. 
Lynn

[allanyed]

Lynn,  Check out the wood forum here and maybe post about what you have.  I am sure there are folks reading posts on that forum that may not have checked the new member forum posts.

You can also just type in Sitka Spruce in the search bar at the top of the page and posts about it will come up for you.

 

Anxious to see your build log!!

 

Allan

[Lynn Young]

Great, thanks for the info Allan. I am still finding my way around the site! I will definitely have a look. 

I will also start my build log for the Victory asap - followed by the Triton (hopefully soon!)

 

Lynn