Hi, I'm new to the page, and I was wondering about tools, and techniques, can someone help me?

[LegoKing5522]

Okay first off, please forgive me if I posted this in the wrong spot I didn't really know where to place it.

 

I have started attempting to build a small frame with the tools I have available right now, these include a speed rotary kit, which I've been using to cut pieces, and an X-acto knife. are there any other tools that might work better? and when all the pieces are cut where do I start with the hull planking?

[ccoyle]

You are asking a very general question and one that is difficult to answer without knowing a lot more about your project. What do you mean when you say "small frame"? Is it a kit or a scratch project? What medium are you building in? How much experience do you have? If you have no experience, then the best thing to start with is research: get a few books on building model ships (check your local library) and read through them. Look through the build logs, especially the ones tagged "first build", to see what other new modelers are building.

 

So, step back, tell us more about yourself and what you are hoping to accomplish, and we'll go from there.

[LegoKing5522]

Okay, I don't have any experience with building wooden models, besides paper and popsicle stick boats. it's a scratch project and it's about 9 1/2 inches long. I am hoping to accomplish learning to build model hulls first. I would've built bigger but don't know how to build bigger hull pieces yet.

[mtaylor]

There are discussions in the tool area on this.  However, the caveat is to buy only what you need when you need it and go to for good quality.  There are many builders who have jumped in and spent a pile of money on tools that they never use or are worthless for model building.

 

And by a "small frame" are you talking about a cross section?  There are kits of cross-section which would be a good start and also there's a group scratch build in the Triton area.

[vossy]

Hi, for less than $100 you can invest in a suitable beginners kit from numerous reputable manufacturers that will guide you

through how kit hulls are constructed as well as other parts of the vessels. This might be a better option than jumping in at

the deep end on a scratch build with little or no knowledge. Also by building the cheap beginners kit it will give you a better

understanding of what order vessels are built in and what tools and techniques you need to acquire to achieve the result you

are after.

 

Chris.

 

 

[Gregory]

This might be a good start: Model Shipways 18th Century Longboat Wooden Model Ship Kit & Tools

[Chuck Seiler]

    I strongly agree with Vossy.  If new to wooden ship modeling, jumping in with scratch builds can be overwhelming.  Check out the topic "New to ship modelling? But what do you build first? " to get an idea of first time builds.  While these first time builds are not all that glamorous, they give a feel for how the wood works and insight into the various techniques.  I respectfully disagree with Gregory about the 16th Century Longboat.  I found that to be more advanced in that you need to be near the top of your game with your planking.  LIttle room for error.

 

    ....but your question was about tools.  Some of the tools I find most valuable are; Dremel or similar rotary tool, #11 Exacto knife or similar surgical scalpel, sand paper/sanding sticks (I use finger nail Emory boards and sandpaper glued to popcicle sticks), wood glue.  Clamps...you can never have too many clamps.  Acquire them as you need them.  Magnification.

[LegoKing5522]

okay thank you I'll look into everyone's suggestions.

[LegoKing5522]

and just so everyone knows what I'm talking about when I say frame. sorry for the bad pics but it's hard-to-get good pics with my laptop.

[Keith Black]

 LK, welcome to MSW. Glad to have you aboard. 

[allanyed]

13 hours ago, Chuck Seiler said:

I strongly agree with Vossy.  If new to wooden ship modeling, jumping in with scratch builds can be overwhelming.

Yes it can, but not necessarily.   If I had to start over I would probably wait until I could afford a kit, specifically the the Grand Banks dory but I had neither the money nor the choices we have today so it was jump in with both feet and a few hand tools.   

 

Look at the kit build logs for the simpler builds, then decide what suits your needs.  Your location in the world may affect your decision on which kit to get as shipping time and costs can be a factor.

 

One other thing that many members miss out on.  There are many great tutorials in the Articles Database here at MSW that can of great benefit in how to do some things, and as importantly, what not to do.

Allan  

[ERS Rich]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  I’m always available to answer a question.

 

Please take a look at a build log to learn the ropes.  Logs can be accessed from the home page.

 

There is a link to my Constitution log below my signature.

 

As for tools, super special tools aren’t needed.  Suggest a chisel or two, a set of small files, and a block plane for plank tapering.  

 

Learning the techniques of woodworking is important.  How to sharpen and use a chisel, understanding wood grain, how to work wood with a plane and files.  Plenty of YouTube videos out there.  Or a basic woodworking course.

 

Finally grab a book..  In my opinion the best book for beginning is “Ship Modeling Simplified”.  Shows all the major steps, how to do it, and a glossary - the terminology is half the battle.

 

Good luck on your shipbuilding journey.

 

[LegoKing5522]

I will attempt to get the book at some point. thanks for the suggestion, Rich. since Allanyed seems to have jumped right into scratch building I think I will attempt to continue with what I have started before getting a kit. but for when I do get a kit can you guys suggest like a really cheap kit for practice. I don't want to spend a lot of money on something that's for practice.

[Knocklouder]

Hello, I am a newbie here at MSW, you have come across a valuable  site. The people who have commented so far are Masters, They will answer  any questions  or lead you to the right one, all you got to do is ask. Whats the name of your ship?  And if you can, start a log for your ship, 

Good luck on your journey  and 

[LegoKing5522]

well, the name would be hms supply because I found her plans on here, however probably won't call her that. I kind of like the name hms furry.

[ccoyle]

59 minutes ago, LegoKing5522 said:

can you guys suggest like a really cheap kit for practice

 

Depends on how you define "really cheap." Kits by Midwest Products, currently made and sold by Model Expo, are excellent beginner kits and can be had for under $50. If you can scratch together $100-150, then there are a significant number of other great kits available. Since building in wood can require a considerable time investment, it's wise to choose a kit that will really grab and hold your interest.

 

BTW, if you have a very limited budget and a dearth of tools, you might try considering card models -- they are tailor-made for people strapped for cash, tools, and/or space.

[LegoKing5522]

what website can I go to get kits by Midwest products/ model expo? and thanks for suggestions

[ccoyle]

https://modelexpo-online.com/Midwest-Kits_c_1135.html

[LegoKing5522]

thanks

[Chuck Seiler]

34 minutes ago, ccoyle said:

https://modelexpo-online.com/Midwest-Kits_c_1135.html

They are also a MSW sponsor.  You can find their link in the right hand margin.

[Chuck Seiler]

1 hour ago, LegoKing5522 said:

I don't want to spend a lot of money on something that's for practice.

    In my experience, VERY few people can scratch build well right off the bat.  A friend of mine made a 6inch near-museum quality HMS VICTORY on his first build...but he had alot of skills.  It is better to practice on an inexpensive kit, where all the angles and dimensions are already figured out, that on a model you have spent much time, effort and passion on.

 

    Another option is the "18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit " sold by the Nautical Research Guild (NRG).  It is invaluable in terms of learning to plank properly and can be a great display model when complete.  Click on "NRG Home Page" at the top of the page.

 

    When scratch building in the manner you showed in above photos, I used Baltic birch craft plywood...usually 1/8 inch.  Available at MICHEAL'S, in hobby shops or online.

[LegoKing5522]

Okay thanks!

[mtaylor]

BTW, ModelExpo does have a 3-model beginners package.  Starts off with a small boat and then the next two add masts and more details.  Last time I checked it was around $100 or so.  But they do have regular sales.

[Louie da fly]

Hi LegoKing,

Several others have already commented on the tools needed to start off with, and I'm probably duplicating what some of them have written, but I've found it's amazing how few tools are really necessary to get started on ship modelling.

 

I wouldn't even think of getting machine tools to start with, except possibly a drill. Plenty of time for that when you find the need for them. In the meantime, I'd suggest a good coping saw, a craft knife or a scalpel with exchangeable blades (a No. 11 blade is the best for modelling, I find). LOTS of clamps - *LOTS* of clamps, of all possible sizes from tiny to fairly big. One of those green cutting boards, glue (I use PVA (white) glue, but others swear by CA (cyanoacetate = superglue - but watch out for the fumes) one of those headpieces with built-in magnifying lenses - you can get them at car supply places. Files and (SHARP!) chisels of various sizes.

 

When it comes to bending your planks, in the real world they use steam. But although there's some disagreement about whether you should wet or heat planks to bend them, apparently the heat is the important factor - it loosens the fibres in the wood and allows it to bend without breaking. You can get specialised bending tools, but honestly I find  a cheap soldering iron clamped in a vise (oh, yes, get a vise, too), and gently bending the wood around it works well - see picture below - (you can get really tight curves - those dimensions are in millimetres).

If you're building a kit rather than a scratch build, much of the preliminary work (such as getting thin wood for planks) is done for you. The other advice I'd give is to start simple - don't buy a kit of HMS Victory - too many people start out with great enthusiasm but get discouraged by the complexity of their first build. There are really good kits of such things as longboats - see https://modelshipworld.com/.../18657-new-to-ship.../ . Oh, and a good workspace (doesn't have to be big) with good light and where you can safely keep the model "set up" in between modelling sessions. Good luck, and have fun with it!

 

Steven