Do I spile the top(upside) of the plank or the bottom(downside)

[rudybob]

Or does it matter?  I am working at the bow. I just don't know and ashamed to even ask

Edited March 15, 2022 by rudybob
typo

[jlefever]

You might try a search on spile. There are a number of pretty good discussions on the process around.

 

Short answer, Both top and bottom sides will likely be tapered and curved (spiled) to get a good fit.

[Dziadeczek]

Slight degree of edge bending with heat of pre wetted planks is possible, so either side is OK for spiling, the top or the bottom.

[mtaylor]

Builder's choice on this.  I've even seen some to "top" and "bottom".

[grsjax]

This article on the NRG website covers the subject.  https://thenrg.org/resources/Documents/articles/APrimerOnPlanking.pdf

[druxey]

Rudybob: There's no shame in asking. There is lots of information on this site as well as folks to help you out. We've all been there!

[allanyed]

The tutorials for spiling  by David Antscherl or the heated edge bending by Chuck Pasarro show that the top and bottom curve.

As to asking for help, after 40 plus years of scratching I still find myself asking what I feel are basic questions at times so fear not. If you cannot find an answer with doing your own research, MSW has always been a great place to get questions answered.  

Allan

[Gregory]

Quote

Do I spile the top(upside) of the plank or the bottom(downside)

Both, in a sense. 

Normally you would be tracing the edge of a plank that is already in place, it could be the top or the bottom. 

David Antscherl's paper shows doing this with dividers.

I use masking tape.

The traced edge of the new plank should match the existing plank perfectly.  You will then establish the shape of the other edge of the new plank based on the width desired.  It may taper toward the bow or widen toward the stern.  Once in place,  the open edge will be traced for the next plank.

When there is only enough space for one ( the final ) plank, then the edges of the planks above and below the space will be traced to create a plank that fills the space ( hopefully ) perfectly.

 

With the edge bending method, I would establish the width and tapering of the plank before bending.

 

Edited March 16, 2022 by Gregory

[rudybob]

Thanks all. I did searching, reading and testing prior to posting. I got to a point  that no matter how long and hard I looked and thought I hit a wall on this.  I was shaving the top...no reason I can't do both depending what my eyes tell me

Edited March 16, 2022 by rudybob
typo

[Jaager]

For carvel, I have seen a snake-like spilling pattern on a wide board.

For clinker   I am thinking that only the edge that is overlapped is spilled?