ronald305 Posted October 3, 2020 Share #1 Posted October 3, 2020 Hello there besides using steam or hot water to use with them. can anyone recommend a good hand plank crimper and not the flimsy plastic kind that comes in model space free tools set they break easy, reason I'm asking is I am having a hard time making a tight turn on the plank for the stern area especially the first plank, I have a plank iron but the part that gets hot is not narrow enough and the crimpers beak when applying pressure on the plank thank you Ronald Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted October 3, 2020 Share #2 Posted October 3, 2020 I've had a hand crimper and tossed it as it damaged the wood too much. For heating, I have two old curling irons, one is 1/2" dia. and the other is 1-1/4" dia. They don't get hot enough to burn the wood. Bob Cleek and Canute 2 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) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cleek Posted October 3, 2020 Share #3 Posted October 3, 2020 Save your money and your sanity. "Plank crimpers" are next to useless. Go to the Articles Database, https://thenrg.org/resource/articles, and read everything in there on planking. Then go to YouTube and watch Chuck Passaro's plank-bending instructional videos. Then you're good to go. mtaylor, Matrim, Canute and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 3, 2020 Author Share #4 Posted October 3, 2020 I'm starting to believe both of you gentleman about the crimpers, I have read that and saw it curling irons in action actuarily I only saw photos o this site of someone using a curling iron, thank you Ronald Canute, mtaylor and Moab 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moab Posted October 4, 2020 Share #5 Posted October 4, 2020 Perhaps I don't know how to properly use one but I've destroyed/wasted/threw in the garbage some very good wood. I've seen videos where individuals make using one look easy...but not for me...Moab Canute 1 Quote Completed Builds: Virginia Armed Sloop...Model Shipways Ranger...Corel Louise Steam Launch...Constructo Hansa Kogge...Dusek Yankee Hero...BlueJacket Spray...BlueJacket 26’ Long Boat...Model Shipways Under Construction: Emma C. Berry...Model Shipways Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 4, 2020 Author Share #6 Posted October 4, 2020 same here I guess I thinking it's the crimper being cheap Mine got a crack right where it pivots Ronald mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithbrad80 Posted October 8, 2020 Share #7 Posted October 8, 2020 I bought a set of plastic ones from model expo awhile back and I agree with bob, they are pretty much useless. This is the set i bought, I guess they work a little bit but these leave a mark on both sides of the plank that are difficult to hide once the plank is on. There are plenty of excellent YouTube videos online! I usually use some steam but I have noticed that if you use some steam and bend it, then let it dry and then use steam and bend it again and again Eventually you will get very tight corners. It’s time consuming but works for me. Good luck! mtaylor, Canute and Ryland Craze 3 Quote Current Builds: Flying Fish - Model Shipways - 1:96 Future Builds: Young America 1853 - Scratch Build - 1:72 Completed Builds: HMS Racehorse - Mantua - 1:47 (No pictures unfortunately) Providence Whale Boat - Artesania Latina - 1:25 (Also no pictures) Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Shelved Builds: Pride of Baltimore 2 - Model Shipways - 1:64 (Also no pictures) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 8, 2020 Author Share #8 Posted October 8, 2020 ok thanks I have to get a new one now as I ,mention in my last post it had a crack in so I tried to glue it when the crack was but somehow glue got in the pivot area and it would not close Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James H Posted October 8, 2020 Share #9 Posted October 8, 2020 Plastic plank crimpers do have their place and I still use them from time to time. I have Amati's plank nipper and always found it very useful. Of course, the electric ones are very nice, but the nipper is a simple tool that does its job as long as the internal nip surface isn't to be seen. mtaylor, Canute, Jim Rogers and 1 other 4 Quote SAY NO TO PIRACY. SUPPORT ORIGINAL IDEAS AND MANUFACTURERS. KEEP IT REAL! On the bench: HMS Indefatigable - 1794 (production prototype), Vanguard Models - 1:64. On Hold: HMS Winchelsea Double Capstan - Syren Ship Models - 1:48 Finished US Baltimore Armed Privateer Schooner Grecian 1812 (prototype) - Vanguard Models - 1:64 'Zulu' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 Fifie' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Flirt 1782, Vanguard Models - 1:64. Duchess of Kingston c.1780 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Sphinx 1775, Vanguard Models - 1:64 ERYCINA - Plymouth Ketch-Rigged Trawler 1882, Vanguard Models - 1:64. 'Nisha' - The Brixham 'Mumble-Bee' - Vanguard Models 1:64 'Saucy Jack' fishing boat - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Ranger 'Barking Fish Carrier' - 1864 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Indeterminate: Tender Avos - Master Korabel - 1:72. H.M.S. Victory (production prototype) - Amati - 1:64. HMS Granado 1742 (cross section) - CAFModel - 1:48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 8, 2020 Author Share #10 Posted October 8, 2020 yes I know but I needed one anyway so I just ordered one a minute ago Ronald Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithbrad80 Posted October 8, 2020 Share #11 Posted October 8, 2020 7 minutes ago, James H said: Plastic plank crimpers do have their place and I still use them from time to time. I have Amati's plank nipper and always found it very useful. Of course, the electric ones are very nice, but the nipper is a simple tool that does its job as long as the internal nip surface isn't to be seen. Hmm Ill take a look at those, I’ve been searching for a more efficient method! Thanks Bradley Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote Current Builds: Flying Fish - Model Shipways - 1:96 Future Builds: Young America 1853 - Scratch Build - 1:72 Completed Builds: HMS Racehorse - Mantua - 1:47 (No pictures unfortunately) Providence Whale Boat - Artesania Latina - 1:25 (Also no pictures) Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Shelved Builds: Pride of Baltimore 2 - Model Shipways - 1:64 (Also no pictures) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 8, 2020 Author Share #12 Posted October 8, 2020 I didn't pay attention on the brand that broke but I did buy a Amati's brand this time Ronald Ryland Craze 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard44 Posted October 8, 2020 Share #13 Posted October 8, 2020 34 minutes ago, James H said: Plastic plank crimpers do have their place and I still use them from time to time. I have Amati's plank nipper and always found it very useful. Of course, the electric ones are very nice, but the nipper is a simple tool that does its job as long as the internal nip surface isn't to be seen. I too have the Amati crimper and use it occasionally, but only when the crimped side is not visible. I also use it gently and put in numerous close-spaced shallow crimps rather than trying to get the curve I want with only a few. Some woods are not suitable and tend to splinter. Cheers Canute and Ryland Craze 2 Quote Richard Next build: Completed builds: AL's Endeavour, Corel's Bellona, Amati's Xebec, Billing's Roar Ege, Panart's Armed Launch Ships' Boats - Vanguard 1:64 and Master Korabel 1:72 Alexander Arbuthnot, Christiaan Brunings, Pevensey all by World of Paperships HMS Pegasus by Victory Captain John Smith's Shallop by Pavel Nitikin Rumpler "Taube" 1911 by HMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithbrad80 Posted October 8, 2020 Share #14 Posted October 8, 2020 1 hour ago, Richard44 said: I too have the Amati crimper and use it occasionally, but only when the crimped side is not visible. I also use it gently and put in numerous close-spaced shallow crimps rather than trying to get the curve I want with only a few. Some woods are not suitable and tend to splinter. Cheers I think thats the key! You have to use lots of closely spaced crimps rather than less crimps further apart. Doing so creates a tighter, cleaner bend. Canute 1 Quote Current Builds: Flying Fish - Model Shipways - 1:96 Future Builds: Young America 1853 - Scratch Build - 1:72 Completed Builds: HMS Racehorse - Mantua - 1:47 (No pictures unfortunately) Providence Whale Boat - Artesania Latina - 1:25 (Also no pictures) Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Shelved Builds: Pride of Baltimore 2 - Model Shipways - 1:64 (Also no pictures) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 8, 2020 Author Share #15 Posted October 8, 2020 when mine arrives I will try it again along with using steam to soften the wood Ronald Canute and Keithbrad80 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 15, 2020 Author Share #16 Posted October 15, 2020 Ok everyone My Amati crimper arrived yesterday but before I try to use the new ones would like to know which side of the blade is the best even thought I think the chisel side makes a better crimp then the blunt side but I was told by someone from another site to us the blunt side, I tried the blunt side as told but I can't see how the blunt side is any better, because before my other crimpers broke I was using the blunt side and found it didn't crimp that great and the planks were soaked in hot water before using, I will try it again today, also I do not have any source for steaming the planks all I can do is put the planks in hit water for 12 hours as recommended by the same person from the same site as mentioned earlier in fact he recommends using the iron first then the crimpers. so I'm open to any suggestions that might help me make tight turns using either or both the iron and crimper or just the iron thank you Ronald Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlevine Posted October 15, 2020 Share #17 Posted October 15, 2020 Try this... Find something that has the approximate curvature you are trying to achieve. Pots are very good for this. Assume you are going to have to trim the end of the plank so cut your plank longer than necessary. Moisten (do not soak) the plank and clamp it to the rim of the pot. Hold the free end of the plank in one hand and use a hair dryer on high heat to blow hot air onto the plank. Warm the entire plank and then concentrate on the area you want to bend. Gently bend the plank around the pot until you get the curve you need. Jim Rogers and Canute 2 Quote Toni Chairman Nautical Research Guild Member Nautical Research and Model Society Member Midwest Model Shipwrights Current Builds: NRG Rigging Project 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 Gallery: Hannah - 1:36 scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 15, 2020 Author Share #18 Posted October 15, 2020 thanks Toni but what if I need a tighter turn such as the first plank around the stern like the photo in the cycle Ronald Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithbrad80 Posted October 15, 2020 Share #19 Posted October 15, 2020 55 minutes ago, ronald305 said: thanks Toni but what if I need a tighter turn such as the first plank around the stern like the photo in the cycle Ronald Wow that is a tight turn. To add to @tlevine I don’t see why something smaller than a pot could be used, like a pen or a marker. It will probably take a few tries to get there. To answer your other question about the crimpers; I think (I could be totally wrong) the blunt side is to be used on the side that will be visible on the model. The other side should have a raised surface that pushes the wood in that spot towards the blunt side, this is what causes it to bend. I once saw a YouTube video about a guy who made a steam tank for bending planks using a piece of PVC and some hot water. I’ll try to find it if I can! Good luck! Bradley Canute 1 Quote Current Builds: Flying Fish - Model Shipways - 1:96 Future Builds: Young America 1853 - Scratch Build - 1:72 Completed Builds: HMS Racehorse - Mantua - 1:47 (No pictures unfortunately) Providence Whale Boat - Artesania Latina - 1:25 (Also no pictures) Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Shelved Builds: Pride of Baltimore 2 - Model Shipways - 1:64 (Also no pictures) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithbrad80 Posted October 15, 2020 Share #20 Posted October 15, 2020 it’s not the same video I was talking about but here is a guy that uses his microwave to steam bend! I personally haven’t tried this but it might work for your situation! If you try it let me know how it goes! Bradley Canute 1 Quote Current Builds: Flying Fish - Model Shipways - 1:96 Future Builds: Young America 1853 - Scratch Build - 1:72 Completed Builds: HMS Racehorse - Mantua - 1:47 (No pictures unfortunately) Providence Whale Boat - Artesania Latina - 1:25 (Also no pictures) Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Shelved Builds: Pride of Baltimore 2 - Model Shipways - 1:64 (Also no pictures) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 15, 2020 Author Share #21 Posted October 15, 2020 I understand it's not the video you are talking about but wow if he is able to bend a piece of wood like to a U shape you would think I would be able to make the sharp turn that I need right Ronald Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 15, 2020 Author Share #22 Posted October 15, 2020 maybe a small piece of pipe like 3/8 maybe smalle,r I have been using the middle part of my soldering iron to make the bend even after it has been soaking for a while but it keeps on splitting I'm doing something wrong for the plank to split like that Ronald Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald305 Posted October 15, 2020 Author Share #23 Posted October 15, 2020 the other side of the crimper blade is a wedge shape edge like a blade sort of and the opposite side of the crimper is flat Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithbrad80 Posted October 15, 2020 Share #24 Posted October 15, 2020 46 minutes ago, ronald305 said: the other side of the crimper blade is a wedge shape edge like a blade sort of and the opposite side of the crimper is flat Ya so the flat side lays against the side of the plank that will be seen and the wedge on the other side. When you apply pressure the wedge is going to leave an indent so it’s important not to be seen or you have to try and fix it. Bradley Canute 1 Quote Current Builds: Flying Fish - Model Shipways - 1:96 Future Builds: Young America 1853 - Scratch Build - 1:72 Completed Builds: HMS Racehorse - Mantua - 1:47 (No pictures unfortunately) Providence Whale Boat - Artesania Latina - 1:25 (Also no pictures) Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Shelved Builds: Pride of Baltimore 2 - Model Shipways - 1:64 (Also no pictures) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithbrad80 Posted October 15, 2020 Share #25 Posted October 15, 2020 If I recall from that video he used the PVC pipe to fill with water that was boiling and figured out how to use the steam that comes out to bend the planks. I have seen videos of people using a similar process at full scale. I’m sure you could figure out how to recreate one! Canute 1 Quote Current Builds: Flying Fish - Model Shipways - 1:96 Future Builds: Young America 1853 - Scratch Build - 1:72 Completed Builds: HMS Racehorse - Mantua - 1:47 (No pictures unfortunately) Providence Whale Boat - Artesania Latina - 1:25 (Also no pictures) Lowell Grand Banks Dory - Model Shipways - 1:24 Shelved Builds: Pride of Baltimore 2 - Model Shipways - 1:64 (Also no pictures) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanyed Posted October 15, 2020 Share #26 Posted October 15, 2020 Ronald, Regarding the TIGHT turn on the plank in your last photo, David Antscherl addresses this in detail in Volume II of The Fully Framed Model. He also goes into detail of bending using the Kammerlander method of using a heating iron against wetted wood while it is held in the place where it needs to be bent to shape in Volume I. Specifically regarding that crazy tight turn area, it is common to have a triangular gap between the last "straight" strake and the curved strake. This would be filled with a field fitted piece of wood. Allan Canute and davyboy 2 Quote PLEASE take 30 SECONDS and sign up for the epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series. Click on http://trafalgar.tv There is no cost other than the 30 seconds of your time. THANK YOU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlevine Posted October 16, 2020 Share #27 Posted October 16, 2020 But DA talks about using a thicker piece of wood and carving it to the correct shape. This is what I typically do. With a little bit of patience and the correct mandrel, you can bend any stripwood into a right angle. allanyed and Canute 2 Quote Toni Chairman Nautical Research Guild Member Nautical Research and Model Society Member Midwest Model Shipwrights Current Builds: NRG Rigging Project 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 Gallery: Hannah - 1:36 scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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