How To Bend The Planks on A Model Ship
- Updated on:
- Written by Leon Griffiths
Take the first steps into model ship building can be daunting. For many people the first hurdle you need to overcome is planking the model ships hull. Here Master Modeler Leon Griffiths shows us his tips to get the job done.
Step 1
A hand held plank bender, if used correctly, will help bend your timber to any shape you desire.
Step 2
First, hold the timber the correct way. Feeding the timber through your fingers allows the model ship builder to control the feed at an even length.
Step 3
It is easier to crimp the timber at one centimetre spacers with even pressure along the plank. Then half this space with the next crimp and so on as you chase the required bend you need.
Step 4
The top plank shown here has been crimped at one centimetre and the bottom has been crimped by half again.
Step 5
The jaws of the hand held plank bender are off-set so that if the timber is crimped at an angle it will curve up or down as needed. The tip here is to not crimp over an existing crimp.
Step 6
The difference and the consistence in the bend that has taken place can now be seen. To crimp from right to left would give the opposite result.
Step 7
Here is the example of left to right, and on the right-hand side is the right to left.
Step 8
You can see how the timber will turn for you, the trick is not to score the timber too hard as the marks will come through the timber when you sand the finished product.
Step 9
Using a hand held plank bender will make things easier. It will take time to be able judge the correct twist that you need to have the plank sit correctly for you.
Step 10
As said, the less you must sand the hull the better your end result will be.
This article was originally published by Sydney Model Shipbuilders Club. The copyright remains with the club and contributor.
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