How to cut out gun ports?

[SpencerC]

How do I cut out the gun port on a bulkhead without it falling apart? In using the Hahn method so if I cut a piece out it the gunport to fix, my bulkhead would be severed from its upper half. Any tips are appreciated

[mtaylor]

Spencer,

 

Use spacers as Hahn did.  A bit of scrap wood above and below the gunport (between the frames) does wonders.  

[SpencerC]

Spencer,

 

Use spacers as Hahn did.  A bit of scrap wood above and below the gunport (between the frames) does wonders.

 

But when I cut them apart how do I make sure the top half is aligned perfectly with the bottom? Especially with the width of the gunport you wouldn't be able to lay it flat or anything

[mtaylor]

Spencer,

 

I'm not sure I understand the "cut them apart" thing.  The spacers would secure the frames to each other.  Here's mine: 

 

The spacers at the top and bottom held the frames rigid.  I could then add the sills which also give some rigidity.

[SpencerC]

My bulkheads are much further apart they would just come apart there's no way to use spacers

[mtaylor]

So you're using bulkheads instead of frames?   Post a pic and lets get a look at the problem.

[SpencerC]

No, they're frames like yours. I just call them bulkheads

[SpencerC]

As you can see they're pretty far apart

[mtaylor]

Oh... !!!!  I see.  A spacer might work with gunports cut into it, much like the many of the kits come with.  I fear you may need more frames otherwise when fairing, they'll go every which way.  I'll have to think about this....

[JerryTodd]

You plank it up, then cut the ports, thusly:

 

[SpencerC]

Hmmm planks would hold it well enough?

[Dan Vadas]

Hmmm planks would hold it well enough?

 

Certainly.

 

  Danny

[mtaylor]

Doh... I guess I read too much into this... apologies.

[SpencerC]

How would I go about adding more frames? The plans only come with 20

[Dan Vadas]

How would I go about adding more frames? The plans only come with 20

 

Spencer, it depends on how you want to build the model - Fully Framed, Fully Planked, or a combination of the two (i.e. one side Framed, one side Planked as I'm doing with my "Vulture", or maybe another combination).

 

Let me know, and then I'll advise you on the best way to get out of your dilemma - you have one which ever way you go.

 

  Danny

[allanyed]

^Spencer

^{What plans and ship are you working with?   The bit of plans that are glued to the frame look like you are cutting at the station lines.   The body plan that shows the station lines is not a framing plan, although some frames do in fact fall on the station lines in most cases.    If you really feel ambitious, study the lofting articles here at MSW to get any idea on how to draw the other frames.} 

^Allan.

[SpencerC]

Um I don't believe they are specifically Hahn plans. Look at my build log for the royal albert it will give you more of an idea. I would post a link to it but I am on my phone. I have all my plans posted there. I don't think I have a lofting plan only a body plan with 19 bulkheads shown. I am not doing a fully framed but I am putting in beams for the lower middle and upper gun deck as well as fire, quarter, and poop decks. It will be fully planked.

[SpencerC]

Not sure what you're talking about I'm trying to cut out gunports.. Not to have just stability.

[SpencerC]

Why would they break. There will be beams supporting all of them and holding them in place. However if I were to cut the gun ports out it would all fall apart. I think whoever said plank it first had the right idea.

[SpencerC]

I'm fairly certain a frame such as this would not snap. Too thick.

[SpencerC]

Woops didn't attatch picture