BassicBill Posted July 28, 2013 Share #1 Posted July 28, 2013 This seems like one of those "stupid" questions that (so I am told) never exists...but...I'm wanting to gather materials to begin a first scratchbuild and the first thing that comes to mind is the keel. Two scenarios: an 18" pinnace and a 37" minesweeper. Any suggestions on what I should be looking for in terms of material? I'm guessing at something along the lines of 5 mm thick stock for the smaller model, maybe 8 or 10 mm for the larger? Thanks in advance for suggestions. Quote Current build Andrea Gail (Billings) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.Coleman Posted July 30, 2013 Share #2 Posted July 30, 2013 Maybe if your not painting the hull, I'd have to say walnut for the keel. But it is entirely up to you in the end. A nice piece with some strength in it would be good. Good luck. Quote Regards, Scott Current build: 1:75 Friesland, Mamoli Completed builds: 1:64 Rattlesnake, Mamoli - 1:64 HMS Bounty, Mamoli - 1:54 Adventure, Amati - 1:80 King of the Mississippi, AL 1:64 Blue Shadow, Mamoli - 1:64 Leida Dutch pleasure boat, Corel - 1:60 HMS President Mantra, Sergal Awaiting construction: 1:89 Hermione La Fayette AL - 1:48 Perserverance, Modelers shipyard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassicBill Posted July 30, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted July 30, 2013 How about oak? I have access to 1/4 X 1 1/4" oak...the size seemed like an excellent place to start and oak is oak...thoughts? Quote Current build Andrea Gail (Billings) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanyed Posted August 1, 2013 Share #4 Posted August 1, 2013 If you are painting, oak is probably OK. If it is to be left natural, it is quite grainy and does not look quite right. I am not a fan of walnut for anything except that I have used it for wales on occasion and that was American black walnut. My preference is boxwood, European or Castello, the latter being less expensive and easier to find. Box is strong, holds an edge, and with imperceptible grain in most cases. Allan Brian the extraordinaire 1 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...
BassicBill Posted August 1, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted August 1, 2013 Thank you Allan. I have an opportunity to browse through a suppliers bins this morning (a rarity for me) and I will look for boxwood to suit. The model will be painted but still, grain would be an issue with oak. Actually today I will be purchasing most of what I need to start my first-ever scratch build. I'm excited! Quote Current build Andrea Gail (Billings) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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