Virginia 1819 by andyp22 - Artesania Latina

[andyp22]

Hi everybody!

 

This is my first plank on frame bulkhead model and my first build log. The Virginia is rated as an easy ship to build but I decided to build the Virgina as I really like the way it looks. Here is my log:

 

 

Unboxing

Lots of bits and pieces. Very neatly packed.

 

False Keel and Frames

Cleaning up and test fitting the frames to the false keel.

 

Squaring up the Frames

Pinned the frames in place using the deck before gluing the frames in place. I deviated from the included plans here by not gluing the deck down to make planking easier.

 

Gluing the Frames

Frames have been glued to the false keel and are drying.

 

Fairing the Frame

Cleaning up the frame for planking.

 

Checking the Profile

Using a spare piece of wood to check the hull profile.

 

Fitting the Knightheads

The knightheads and cutwater knightheads have been fit and are being cleaned up to match the profile of the frames.

 

Weathering the Deck Planking

I used a charcoal pencil to darken one edge of each plank strip. Need 20 in all for the deck.

 

Cutting the Planks

I made a jig to make cutting the planks a little easier. Decided on 8cm long planks for the deck.

 

Preparing the Deck

Spreading contact glue on some planks and the deck.

 

Planking the Deck

Started at the back and worked forward once the glue was tacky.

 

Halfway there

I realized a little late that I should have planked up the center first and then work out to the edges. Hard to see in this picture but a couple of planks are slightly crooked and had to be sanded down and patched up.

 

Deck Planked

All planking has been applied to the deck and is drying.

 

Cleaned up Deck

Deck has been trimmed and sanded and is ready to be applied to the hull frame.

 

Deck Fitted to Frame

Deck has been glued to the hull frame and has been cleaned up where needed.

 

Deck Planking Detail

Closeup of the weathering and detail on the deck planking. I used a pencil to simulate nails.

 

 

Next up: lining the hull.

Edited January 21, 2014 by andyp22

[Anja]

Hello Andy,

 

You're off to a good start.

The deck planking is looking good. Nice work.

 

Anja

[Sailor1234567890]

Nice work. Look forward to seeing more of it.

[russ]

Andy:

So far it is looking VERY good. Nice work.

 

Russ

[CurtisW]

Nice work Andy, hope I can do half as good as you.

[andyp22]

Thanks everyone! More to come.

[CaptainSteve]

Ahoy Andy,

Welcome aboard !!

 

As I pull up a dock-side seat, my only question, so far, is ... I'm guessin' this ain't your first build, is it ??

[andyp22]

Ahoy Andy,

Welcome aboard !!

 

As I pull up a dock-side seat, my only question, so far, is ... I'm guessin' this ain't your first build, is it ??

You are correct. This is not my first build but it is my first plank on frame bulkhead model. I tried my hand at a couple super easy boats first: Midwest Products Cheasapeake Bay Flattie and the Muscongous Bay Lobster Smack. I have also been watching plenty of videos, reading some good books, and surfing forums for advice and technique.

 

To be honest, planking the hull is kind of intimidating but everything can be the first time. Just need to take the plung I guess!

 

Andrew

Edited January 21, 2014 by andyp22

[CaptainSteve]

Looking forward to seeing how your build progresses ... 

 

I believe, however, that your kit is actually a POB - Plank On Bulkhead.

Same as I build.

Not a POF - Plank On Frame .... people who build those are scary people !!!

Arrr !!!

Edited January 20, 2014 by CaptainSteve

[andyp22]

Part 2 - Lining the Hull

 

Bulkhead Adjustment

After letting the boat dry over night I started looking at the boat and noticed that several of the bulkheads did not match up with the deck.

 

Adding some Wood to the Bulkheads

A strip of wood has been cut and glued to the offending bulkhead.

 

Bulkheads faired to Deck

After the glue dried some light sanding to the wood strip to match the profile of the deck.

 

Soaking the Hull Planks

Soaking the planks used for the first layer of hull planking in hot water.

 

First Hull Plank Applied

The first plank has been glued and nailed to the bulkheads 5mm below the deck surface as indicated in the directions. I am using white carpenter's glue as directed in the instructions and the nails/brads supplied with the kit. The directions say that I should not drive the nails all the way in but instead leave about 3mm exposed to be snipped off later. I feel that this is going to be a pain.

 

Matching Plank

The matching plank on the opposite side of the ship has been glued/nailed on 5mm below the deck surface. Performing a visual inspection to make sure the planks look even.

 

Checking the Profile

Viewing the hull profile from below.

 

More Planking

I applied planks one at a time, alternating sides as I went. It was not always easy to match up the opposing planks.

 

Gap below first Plank

I think this gap below the first plank on this side is what caused some of the discrepancies.

 

Questionable Technique

I can't help but feel that the first couple of planks should have run the whole length of the hull rather than being cut.

 

Admiring the Profile

Even with the difficulties I was having admiring the profile was still something to be enjoyed.

 

Admiring the Opposite Side

Just making sure both sides look good.

 

Applying Planks along the False Keel

The directions were kind of sparse for this step but the pictures indicate that some planking should be applied along the false keel prior to filling in the section between the deck and keel

 

Bending Planks

Make sure the wood is soaked really well. When all is said and done a couple of planks are bent almost 90 degrees in places. I was lucky enough not to have any breaks but I did have to be very deliberate and careful so as not to over-bend these pieces along the false keel.

 

Filling In - View from the Nose

This was the better side.

 

Filling In - View from the Bloody Nose

Some of the cuts on this side were pretty rough. Still getting the hang of cutting wet wood properly. Ended up having to use some CA glue to get certain planks ends to stay in place.

 

Filling In - View from the Back

Cutting some of these pieces proved to be more delicate work than expected (as seen from the split ends and scratches in the wood). The profile is looking nice though.

 

Getting to the Hard Part

I am now at a spot where every piece requires cutting in order to fit properly on the hull.

 

First Side Complete

First side has been finished. Only a couple of pieces were really delicate.

 

First Completed Side - Profile from the Rear

Finished profile is not too shabby!

 

Done!

Last piece has been glued in place. Now to let the glue dry over-night before moving on to clean-up and sanding.

 

Finished Profile

 

Overall I am pretty happy with how it is turning out so far.

 

Andrew

 

[CaptainSteve]

Andy,

 

That's quite a good start you've made there. I certainly understand why you are proud of it.

 

Once you've clipped those nail-heads off, given her some filler and sanded her down, then she's really going to be looking good.

I've never done an Artesania kit in the past, but I'm gunna guess those left-over nails should look quite striking later on.

Nice work with the deck-nailing, too.

 

I (somehow) managed to stumble through two POBs before finding this site, and I'm absolutely POSITIVE my first planking attempt didn't look anywhere near as good as yours. If you haven't already, then check out some of the tutorials available on-line here at MSW. There are a couple which deal with planking - both for deck and hull - which I found particularly useful. If you're anything like me, you'll find the information they provide very interesting for your next POB.

Edited January 21, 2014 by CaptainSteve

[andyp22]

Thanks CaptainSteve! I will definitely check the tutorials out before starting.

 

I have a question about the type of filler I should use. I was looking through my supplies to find what I thought would be suitable wood filler and found this:

Reading the directions on the bottle this stuff does not dry to a sandable hard and does not appear to be what I should use. Is there a product in particular that I should look for or am I just looking for "wood filler" at the hardware store?

 

Andrew

[JesseLee]

I have used wood filler from a hardware store. The kind I had worked but didn't hold together well & crumbled easily. It also dried up in the can quickly. I may have gotten an old can & didn't know it.

[CaptainSteve]

Thanks CaptainSteve! I will definitely check the tutorials out before starting.

 

I have a question about the type of filler I should use. I was looking through my supplies to find what I thought would be suitable wood filler and found this:

...

 

 

Personally, I find you cannot go past the sawdust from the very planks you wish to fill.

Save it.

Use the remains from the first, ROUGH sanding.

 

When you are ready to fill, mix the smallest amount of diluted PVA (70/30 works for me) and stir to a stiff-ish, gluey paste.

Spread into the cracks.

Even "coat" your Boat in various areas.

This can help "hide your sins" in case your original frame-work turned out to have "issues".

NOT sayin' yours does - just suggesting that, perhaps, one of my earlier builds, may have .... possibly ... once ....

(Thank the heavens for Double-Planked kits !!!)

 

Anyway, allow glue to dry properly.

Then wait another 48 hours ...

 

Once COMPLETELY dry, sand down to your original planking.

Finish with final sandings, using finer grit.

Edited January 23, 2014 by CaptainSteve

[andyp22]

Just finished lining the hull.

 

Trimming the Nail Heads

Used a pair of wire snips to take the heads off of the nails used to secure the hull lining.

 

Careful, Sharp Bits

The nail heads left a sharp bit protruding from the wood.

 

Filing the Nails

I used a half-round file to clean up the nail heads by filing them flush with the hull lining.

 

One Side Done

I did one side at a time because snipping that many nails at once was tiring for the hands.

 

Nails Trimmed

All nail head have been removed and filed flush with the hull.

 

Cleaning up the Bow

Now that the wood is dry I can clean up the bow a little prior to sanding.

 

Cleaning up the Stern

Cleaned up the stern area as well.

 

Soaking the Bulwarks

The bulwarks needed to soak so that I could attach along the deck where I left the 5mm gap.

 

Bulwarks Attached

Both bulwarks have been attached and are drying prior to the next steps.

 

Bulwarks From the Front

View of the ship from the front now that the bulwarks are attached.

 

Adding the Upper Stern

The instructions sneak in the upper stern piece at this point.

 

Applying Wood Filler

I used wood filler for the gaps between the planks. I have just finished applying it to one side.

 

Side by Side Comparison

You can really see the gaps between the planks now that the wood has dried.

 

Both Sides Patched

Both sides have been patched and the wood filler is drying prior to sanding.

 

Sanding Progress

Sanding took quite a while. This is right before I switched to a finer grained sandpaper.

 

Finished up - Side 1

A view of the finished hull lining.

 

Finished up - Side 2

Another view of the finished hull lining.

 

Finished up - Stern

A view of the stern.

 

Now for the 2nd layer of planking. I have read the tutorials in the Articles and Downloads section and think I know how to proceed. Makes me feel like I rushed the 1st layer. I will post some pictures of my measurements and markings soon, prior to gluing up anything else.

 

Andrew

 

 

[CaptainSteve]

Nice work, Andy !!!

 

Something which I did NOT do on earlier builds - primarily as I never knew of this until discovering MSW - was the proper butt-end planking.

I'm sure you could easily do this with your second planking.

Edited January 24, 2014 by CaptainSteve

[CurtisW]

Hey Andy,

 

Nice work on the hull. I just started on my hull planking and was wondering if all you used was hot water to soak the planks and how long did you let them soak. My first few planks started to break at the stem when I tried to bend them around the curve.

 

Curtis

[russ]

Very good work on the sanding and the bulwarks. So far so good.

Russ

[Anja]

Hello Andy,

 

Very nice job on the hull planking. Looking good.

You've got a good smooth surface for your second planking.

 

Anja

[andyp22]

Hey Andy,

 

Nice work on the hull. I just started on my hull planking and was wondering if all you used was hot water to soak the planks and how long did you let them soak. My first few planks started to break at the stem when I tried to bend them around the curve.

 

Curtis

Thanks CurtisW!

 

I used plain hot tap water. I let the faucet get as hot as it could. I didn't check the temperature with a thermometer but I certainly wouldn't have taken a shower in it. I then let the wood planks soak for at least 20 minutes before using them. Because I soaked all of them at the same time the planks that were used last soaked for 2 or 3 hours. I did change the water a couple times but by the end it was cold. One other thing I did was to make sure that the planks were submerged so all surfaces were in contact with water.

 

Hope that helps!

Andrew

[CurtisW]

Thanks Andy, I only let mine soak for about 10 minutes. I'll try the longer soak time, that would probably help a lot.

 

Curtis

[andyp22]

I have done some measuring and marking to determine the sections of my hull for planking. I am using 5mm wide plank strips and the hull is 7.3cm of space needing coverage.

 

I used string to mark off the sections. Since the hull is so small I split it into 3 main sections plus the garboard planking. Some pictures of what I ended up with. I am going to try and match this on th eother side as best I can before starting.

 

My plan is to start with the section that is closest to the deck and move down, doing one side at a time.

 

[russ]

The strings look good. That creates a good looking run of the planking.

 

My question is the marking of the widths of the planks. They look a bit wide for the scale. At 5mm, that is just over 3/16" wide. If the first photo shows the width of each plank, that looks awfully wide. I may have misunderstood. If so I apologize.

 

Russ

[andyp22]

The strip of paper in the first photo is split into centimeters to help me get a more accurate measurement rather than individual planks.

 

Andrew

[russ]

Ah, I got it. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

Russ

[andyp22]

I have started working on the 2nd layer of planking. I have the stern completed and am begining the main part of the hull.

 

Stern Planking Complete

My first layer of mahogany was not perfectly level. I straightened it out a bit before planking the upper stern.

 

Restrung the Planking Guides

After studying the planking tutorials a bit more I decided to adjust my guide lines a bit before starting.

 

Chart for Plank Measurments

Decided on a simple chart to help keep track of measurements as I go. Each column matches a bulkhead.

 

Helper Strips

Made some helper strips to make marking the hull a bit easier. Each one is labeled to match a bulkhead so they don't get mixed up when I sneeze.

 

Marking the Strips

I went down the hull and marked the width of this planking section at each bulkhead.

 

All Strips Marked

All bulkheads have been marked on the corresponding paper strip.

 

Planking Fan Template

Using the planking fan template I found in one of the tutorials I marked each strip of paper between the measurements taken. I plan on using 4 planks for each section.

 

Measurements Transferred to Hull

All measurements have been transferred from the paper strips to the hull.

 

Paper Template for 1st Plank

I made a paper template for the first plank to see how it fits on the hull. Not too bad but at the front of the ship between bulkheads 6 and 7 I get some slight warping on the bottom edge of the plank template. The top edge looks fine. If the paper is doing this I am sure the wood will. Is there a way to correct this? Should I cut the long plank into smaller bits? Force the bulging down with clamps and glue? Not quite sure how to proceed.

Edited January 26, 2014 by andyp22

[russ]

Andy:

The top edge of that paper template probably needs to spiled to get the correct curve. Once you have that curve correct, then measure the width of the plank at that point. I suspect that although the top edge of the template looks okay, it is actually causing the problem on the bottom edge, thus the need for some spiling on that upper edge. .

 

I would definitely use scale length planks on your hull planking.

 

Russ

[andyp22]

Thanks Russ.

 

Just to be clear, by bottom edge I mean the edge closest to the bottom of the boat, which is at the top of the last photo.

 

Andrew

[russ]

Andy:

Yes that is what I meant.

 

Russ

[CurtisW]

Looking good Andy'

I have 2 boys who want to help at least it keeps them from the video games.