cutting planks?

[pete stainton]

Hi all
I am currently cutting my own planks on a band saw for plank on frame and I am thinking that I may be over doing the thickness of the planks. As it is very difficult to bend around tight curves even when well soaked. I have never had or looked at planks in a kit so I have no idea how thick the planks should be.
I am cutting them just over 3mm by 10mm (1/8 by 7/16) from old pine.
How thick are your planks?
How thick should my planks be my models are about 30" long and 9" beam.
regards to all
Pete

[RGinCanada]

Hi Pete,

I would go about 1/2 of the thickness you're at right now.. 1/32" pine strips bend well with steam. As far as width, you may find narrower is better for a curvy hull.

Hope this helps.

[Climate]

I would agree.
1/16" is plenty thick for pine.
Hard balsa is about the same strength as pine and a heck of a lot esier to work with. You may want to look at it as an option.

Peter R.
www.climatemodels.com

[ropanach]

pete Hi ! :)

smaller is better, you can get the shape of your boat, and then I take and cut the wood I would like to have and reskin the hull over laying the first layer of wood, in most casese it's mohogany over pine or balsa, It's a lot stronger too because of the dubble hull construction,

[niterdr]

I like working with 1/32" X 3/8" strips of pine or basswood, if it is going to be a painted hull I will use large pieces for any flat areas first (Like a flat bottomed hull for instance) once the hull is dry and sanded to shape finishing with 1/4oz fibreglas cloth and polyester resin give you strength and waterproofing.

Alex

[pete stainton]

Hi
Thank you all for your input. Some interesting info the baking soda and super glue is a top dollar tip. :cool:
I have cut the planks thinner and I am now making progress. Here’s a tip that came from a pal. Before using super glue rub some oil into your hands leave for about 5 mins then rub as much oil off your hands as you can this leaves the skin slightly oily and the super glue is less likely to stick to your skin you must be careful not to touch the glue surfaces with your fingers or that will not stick.
Regards to all
Pete

[martin richards]

Another thing that makes laying planks easier is to soak/steam them and dry with the approximate curvature.