Keel holder/clamp recomendations

[Mike Shea]

Good morning. Can you old salts and most awesome model builders steer me to some good keel holder/clamp tools. I'm getting ready to tackle OcCre's Edurance (my first wooden ship) and I definitely want the proper tools for the build. I see that Model Expo offers their "Fair-a-frame" tool and it looks lke a handy tool for bulkhead installation but not sure if it will double as a keel holder for general construction. Any recomendations will be greatly appreciated. Btw, as a side note, pretty cool that they discovered Endurance's resting place, huh? A great testament to Frank Worsley's superb navigation skills as they found it based on his navigation notes.

 

 

"Hey! I think somebody just shot a torpedo at us!"

[Landlubber Mike]

I'm a big fan of the Amati Keel Klamper and the Hobbyzone Professional building slip.  You can probably build something similar to the slip (I did using MDF board and angle brackets) as well.

 

[Mike Shea]

8 minutes ago, Landlubber Mike said:

I'm a big fan of the Amati Keel Klamper and the Hobbyzone Professional building slip.  You can probably build something similar to the slip (I did using MDF board and angle brackets) as well.

 

Ooo! I like the Amati clamp. Looks very sturdy and I especially like that it pivots allowing different construction positions. Thanks for your help!

[allanyed]

3 hours ago, Mike Shea said:

I'm getting ready to tackle OcCre's Edurance (my first wooden ship)

While you have an interesting kit, as this is your first build, you might want to consider setting it aside for now and get at least one or two high quality beginner kits such as the from the three vessel series at Model Shipways designed by master shipwright David Antscherl.   They will teach you techniques and more that will last a lifetime.  

Allan

[CPDDET]

I'll second the Keel Klamper

[Mike Shea]

22 hours ago, allanyed said:

While you have an interesting kit, as this is your first build, you might want to consider setting it aside for now and get at least one or two high quality beginner kits such as the from the three vessel series at Model Shipways designed by master shipwright David Antscherl.   They will teach you techniques and more that will last a lifetime.  

Allan

Thanks for your friendly advice, Allan. I appreciate your recomendations but honestly I have to say that I feel pretty confident about tackling this model. While it is my first wood ship model I have built quite a few model airplanes over the years so I'm pretty familiar with working with and shaping wood, spars, struts, etc. I know that there are many building techniques not applicable to wood airplane models as compared with model ship building such as rigging, planking, etc., but I'll definitely do my research/practice before tackling something beyond my skill level. Ha!, if I get really stumped on something I'll for sure be asking you guys lots of questions for advice and techniques. I've also acquired quite a bit of reference material on the Endurance/ imperial Trans Antarctic Expedition (which I consider part of the enjoyment of the build project) so I won't be going in completely blind - Ha! I'm the knd of modeler who can put a project on hold and just spend days pouring over books and savoring just the plans alone. The OcCre plans for this particular build look pretty clear and user friendly for the beginner although the rigging techniques look a bit hokey as they show tying off the rigging with simple knots rather than properly seizing and securing a line. My fly tying vice will come in very handy for properly seizing rope, blocks, etc. Thanks again, Allan!

[allanyed]

You are welcome Mike.  Your comments on research are spot on!   There are great articles here at MSW in the Articles Database that will be helpful.  In addition to the great planking article by David Antscherl in the database, you may find the four part video series by Chuck Passaro on planking using strip materials (if that is what is in your kit) beneficial.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCWooJ1o3cM

Allan   

 

Edited March 21 by allanyed

[Mike Shea]

2 minutes ago, allanyed said:

You are welcome Mike.  Your comments on research are spot on!   There are great articles here at MSW in the Articles Database that will be helpful.  In addition to the great planking article by David Antscherl in the database, you may find the four part video series by Chuck Passaro on planking using strip materials (if that is what is in your kit) beneficial.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCWooJ1o3cM

Allan   

 

That's great, Allan! Going there now.  Thank you.

[GGibson]

Although I have the Keel Klamper (doesn't everyone?!?) and use it primarily, I also have a foam cradle that has been helpful at various times, as well.  I got mine from Micro-Mark.

 

Triple Duty Foam Cradle for Models and Ships (micromark.com)

[Mike Shea]

6 hours ago, allanyed said:

You are welcome Mike.  Your comments on research are spot on!   There are great articles here at MSW in the Articles Database that will be helpful.  In addition to the great planking article by David Antscherl in the database, you may find the four part video series by Chuck Passaro on planking using strip materials (if that is what is in your kit) beneficial.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCWooJ1o3cM

Allan   

 

Hello, Allan. That vid link you sent on planking was a great help. Tried that method for practice for a few hours and I'm stunned how smooth that process was. The planking boogyman has been disposed of Ha! 

[rlwhitt]

Another vote for the foam cradle.  You can put the ship into just about any kind of position and it’s soft so doesn’t damage stuff

[Knocklouder]

The Keel clamp is a great idea and if you can afford one get it, but shipping and the cost was to high for the First Mate  so  I  put three paint stick together in a jewelry vice  it swivels in all directions. . Works good on small ships 16 inches or less. For my bigger build  I attach  the keel to a 2x16x3/4 piece of wood. When I get to the bottom  I just flip it over into a foam cradle.

Lol she not pretty but it is a third of the price.

Bob M.

 

 

Edited March 24 by Knocklouder
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