USS Constitution by Der Alte Rentner - Model Shipways - 1/76

[JSGerson]

Just about every surface of my model is covered with something, be it copper, paint, or stain. I have not used polyurethane (Wipe-On Poly)...yet. When I use paint, it's on bare wood so it soaks into the surface. I've used basswood, boxwood, and pear wood so far. The only wood I could have used the poly was the pear wood which was already the correct color I wanted. I didn't use it on the couple of wooden columns and bitts I made with it so far which are barely visible, but I may go back and touch them up with it.

 

And yes I too get cases of "analysis paralysis."

 

Jon

[Der Alte Rentner]

Okay, I think I've solved the problem of tapering the Spar deck planks. Made a little fixture with a groove one quarter inch wide and 3/32" in deep. I put spacers in at different points to hold the planks more or less in place at the right depth at various points along the way.  I set the thickness sander to the thickness of the board with the slot side down. Flipped the fixture over, mounted the planks and ran the fixture through the sander.

 

Proof of concept photos follow.  My problem is, the boxwood material I got came in 15" lengths. What I need to do now is figure out a butt joint spacing plan, and how make it all work with these shorter planks.

 

Anyway, just sharing the concept at this point. More head scratching, stalling, analysis in store for me in the short run.

 

It's warming up in the shipyard, so I'm out of here.. 

 

Happy Independence Day tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 8 hours ago by Der Alte Rentner

[GGibson]

Nice solution, Peter.  Except now it would appear you are no longer playing with a full deck... <shrug> 🤣

 

Enjoy your Fourth celebration with friends and family, sir! 💥🌭🎉

[woodartist]

looks like it will work, great idea.