Dave_E Posted March 10, 2022 Share #1 Posted March 10, 2022 Hi All, Model Expo has the USS Rattlesnake I'm ready to purchase, and they have a big kit that includes the "fair-a-frame", a plank bender and a 10 bottle set of paints for the ship. Anyone have experience with the fair-a-frame? I Quote Dave Current builds: Rattlesnake Completed builds: Lady Nelson On the shelf: NRG Half Hull Project, Various metal, plastic and paper models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted March 11, 2022 Share #2 Posted March 11, 2022 I had one similar to it a long time ago that was about 36" inches long. Used it once. 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...
DennisL Posted March 11, 2022 Share #3 Posted March 11, 2022 Hi Dave, I bought a fair a frame from model expo last year. I hate to speak ill of any company's product but I think it is a waste of money. The hardware is poor and the unit does not work very well. You would be best served by building your own version. Dennis Gregory, davyboy, Dave_E and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted March 11, 2022 Share #4 Posted March 11, 2022 18 hours ago, DennisL said: Hi Dave, I bought a fair a frame from model expo last year. I hate to speak ill of any company's product but I think it is a waste of money. The hardware is poor and the unit does not work very well. You would be best served by building your own version. Dennis To add to what Dennis said, it's not hard to make your own version either. You can make it as simple or as complex as you want it. There's plenty of examples here on MSW especially in the scratch area. Dave_E 1 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...
Dave_E Posted March 11, 2022 Author Share #5 Posted March 11, 2022 (edited) Thanks Guys, I’m kind of wondering is it necessary at all? I see a ton of ships made without a dock… I put the Lady together without one. Are larger ships (even if they are still 1:64) more susceptible to frame misfair? I’ve seen some pretty ingenious methods here on MSW. Edited March 11, 2022 by Dave_E mtaylor 1 Quote Dave Current builds: Rattlesnake Completed builds: Lady Nelson On the shelf: NRG Half Hull Project, Various metal, plastic and paper models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James H Posted March 11, 2022 Share #6 Posted March 11, 2022 Instead of Fair-a-Frame, just consider burning your money. A total waste of time. mtaylor, davyboy, Dave_E and 3 others 6 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...
Moonbug Posted March 12, 2022 Share #7 Posted March 12, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, James H said: just consider burning your money I did that once @James H - here in America we call that "a divorce." Edited March 12, 2022 by Moonbug uss frolick, Dave_E, davyboy and 1 other 1 3 Quote - Bug Current Build: HMS Pegasus - Victory Models Completed Builds - Augie's USF Confederacy AL Santa Maria - Heavily Bashed AL San Juan Nepomuceno AL Swift Pilot Boat Cris Craft AL Stagecoach Ship Blog - The Lehman Shipyard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus107 Posted March 12, 2022 Share #8 Posted March 12, 2022 I like to use Lego blocks when gluing up frames. They are perfect right angles, can be assembled into jigs of various configurations, have good surfaces for clamping, and are resistant to wood glue. For my current model, I glued 28 frames to a false keel, starting at the bow and working toward the stern, one at a time, moving the Lego jig along as I went. Works well for me. james Maine Dave_E, mtaylor, grsjax and 1 other 3 1 Quote Past projects: Galway hooker; Durham boat; Mayflower shallop; Irish seagoing currach; James Caird; Cornish fishing lugger; Pitcairn Island longboat; Bounty launch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_E Posted March 12, 2022 Author Share #9 Posted March 12, 2022 55 minutes ago, Jnorton1946 said: I like to use Lego blocks when gluing up frames. They are perfect right angles, can be assembled into jigs of various configurations, have good surfaces for clamping, and are resistant to wood glue. For my current model, I glued 28 frames to a false keel, starting at the bow and working toward the stern, one at a time, moving the Lego jig along as I went. Works well for me. james Maine I'm on the hunt for a basic lego set before I start!!! Cool Man! 😎 mtaylor 1 Quote Dave Current builds: Rattlesnake Completed builds: Lady Nelson On the shelf: NRG Half Hull Project, Various metal, plastic and paper models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaetan Bordeleau Posted March 12, 2022 Share #10 Posted March 12, 2022 On 3/10/2022 at 6:44 PM, Dave_E said: Anyone have experience with the fair-a-frame? I think you ask yourself the wrong question. Where could I find good tools for the model ship maker? The first place you could try are the jewelry tools. mtaylor and Ryland Craze 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_E Posted March 12, 2022 Author Share #11 Posted March 12, 2022 2 hours ago, Gaetan Bordeleau said: I think you ask yourself the wrong question. Where could I find good tools for the model ship maker? The first place you could try are the jewelry tools. I have many, in fact most of what I have seen here on the forum. That will soon include Lego blocks. 😁 As a newb ship builder, doing my research, I run across all these “special tools”. That’s why I bring them to the forum, because I know I will get the answers and advice I need! Thank you all! 👍😀 mtaylor, Ryland Craze and Gregory 3 Quote Dave Current builds: Rattlesnake Completed builds: Lady Nelson On the shelf: NRG Half Hull Project, Various metal, plastic and paper models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glbarlow Posted March 12, 2022 Share #12 Posted March 12, 2022 Plus with Model Expo the paint is probably dried out. Why buy an old design when Vanguard has such nice new ones. mtaylor and Dave_E 2 Quote Regards, Glenn Current Build: HMS Winchelsea Completed Builds: HM Flirt (paused) HM Cutter Cheerful, Lady Nelson, Amati HMS Vanguard, HMS Pegasus, Fair American, HM Granado, HM Pickle, AVS, Pride of Baltimore, Bluenose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No Idea Posted March 13, 2022 Share #13 Posted March 13, 2022 I have seen so many so called specialist ship building tools since starting this hobby. I would now say that 80% are a complete waste of money and do not help our hobby in any way. In fact I believe that many of these tools put new builders off for life when they do not do what they say on the box. These things are so easy to make and making them is part of what we do as ship builders - just my limited thoughts. davyboy, Dave_E, KeithAug and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldsalt1950 Posted March 28, 2022 Share #14 Posted March 28, 2022 With a little modification, this will do exactly what it is designed to, that is hold the keel and allow you to square the bulkheads. I modified mine at no additional cost, just used some scrap pieces to hold the clamps tight to the base board. mtaylor and grsjax 2 Quote Current Build: Fair American - Model Shipways Awaiting Parts - Rattlesnake On the Shelf - English Pinnace 18Th Century Longboat I stand firmly against piracy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grsjax Posted March 29, 2022 Share #15 Posted March 29, 2022 I have had a fair-a-frame for several years and have used it with no problems. It is cheaply made but if you take care to assemble it with everything fair it works ok. Only problem I have had is that it isn't long enough for some models. The comments about building your own fair-a-frame tool are good ones. It isn't complicated and you can make it anyway you want. mtaylor 1 Quote My advice and comments are always worth what you paid for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Rogers Posted March 29, 2022 Share #16 Posted March 29, 2022 The Hobby Zone building slip is a much better option. I had a fair a frame and replaced it with this. mtaylor and CaptnBirdseye 2 Quote Regards, Jim Rogers Damn the Torpedoes , Full speed ahead. Adm David Farragut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptnBirdseye Posted March 29, 2022 Share #17 Posted March 29, 2022 I’d second the one from Hobbyzone. I have both the large and small building slip from them, but rarely use the smaller. The larger is quite expensive but a worthy investment mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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