Looking for Ideas for gaps in hull planking

[isali]

First, although I do not post much, I appreciatre all the knowledge on these boards.  I don't have to post much because often I find what I am looking for.   Thanks to all

 

I am working on a Blue Jacket Jeff Davis,.  I have not done a project in some time so every imperfection is a learning experience (and I have a lot of learning experiences)

 

Currenly, I am adding the second layer of planks to the hull.  My cutting and shaping has gotten better but there are a lot of gaps in the planling, small, but larger than just seams. 

 

The model will be are wood, so I do not have the luxury of bondo and paint. 

 

before experimenting with wood filler, then sanding, leaving the filler in just the gaps, I was wondering if anyone had the trouble and what they did,

 

THanks

 

Ira

 

 

[mtaylor]

Ira,

 

I hope you'll give some serious thought to opening a build log.   First off, you'll get lots of help.  Second, you'll leave a legacy for others to use.

 

As for your question.  If the gaps aren't too big, than gather some sawdust of the planking wood and mix with a bit of white glue (I also thin it a bit with water, others dont').  Force that mix into the gaps and when dry, carefully sand.  You may have to do the a couple of times.

[figuerres]

First, although I do not post much, I appreciatre all the knowledge on these boards.  I don't have to post much because often I find what I am looking for.   Thanks to all

 

I am working on a Blue Jacket Jeff Davis,.  I have not done a project in some time so every imperfection is a learning experience (and I have a lot of learning experiences)

 

Currenly, I am adding the second layer of planks to the hull.  My cutting and shaping has gotten better but there are a lot of gaps in the planling, small, but larger than just seams. 

 

The model will be are wood, so I do not have the luxury of bondo and paint. 

 

before experimenting with wood filler, then sanding, leaving the filler in just the gaps, I was wondering if anyone had the trouble and what they did,

 

THanks

 

Ira

 

if I understand you have a hull and you are adding a second layer of planking, are you getting gaps in the second layer ?

or you have gaps in the first layer ??

 

first layer gaps you may be able to plank over and keep going if they are not too bad.

 

but a finish layer of outer planks you should have free of gaps.

 

possibly get some scrap wood and do some practice on the planking methods before you go further ??

 

or there are some low cost kits that you can get that may help build skills ?

[richardt]

Hi Ira,

 

I follow Mark's advice but if the gaps are quite small then just put a small drop of white glue in the gap and sand it with 220# garnet paper.

 

Richard

[isali]

Thank you all for the ideas,   I am getting gaps in the second layer, and as I do more and more of the hull, the gaps are getting smaller.   I am getting better at spilling and angling the edges :  "Experience in progress".  

 

I will likely start a blog with my next model;, this one has really become more of  a learning curve project.  WIth the blog, others can learn from experience and the level of detail in getting help is much deeper.  

 

Thanks  Again

[Timothy Wood]

I personally like to use Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler, it's great because it dries fast and sands very well.  It's good to use if you plan to paint the hull because its faster and much easier than mixing sawdust with white glue.  I purchase it at Lowe's or Home Depot.

 

I'm currently using it on the hull of the BlueJacket Elco PT Boat I'm building.

 

Tim

[mtaylor]

I personally like to use Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler, it's great because it dries fast and sands very well.  It's good to use if you plan to paint the hull because its faster and much easier than mixing sawdust with white glue.  I purchase it at Lowe's or Home Depot.

 

I'm currently using it on the hull of the BlueJacket Elco PT Boat I'm building.

 

Tim

 

There's also a stainable version. I haven't tried but I've heard good things.  As always, your mileage may vary and test, test, test first.

[slagoon]

Also, make sure that the planks are fully DRY when you put them on since if they are still moist from your shaping process they will be bigger than once they dry. Wet wood swells, so if you weren't seeing the gaps when you put the planks on, but you are now, that is a likely culprit.  Good luck!