Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Wood Care: => Topic started by: sinjon on August 11, 2009, 04:10:32 pm

Title: Hull planking
Post by: sinjon on August 11, 2009, 04:10:32 pm

I am about to start planking a hull with mahogany strips that are 10.3mm wide (part of the Billings kit) I will soak them for (how long ?) then glue the frame with ' Evo-Stick weatherproof wood adhesive' (white PVA I think) and then nail the planks to the frames. Now how does wet wood and the glue react? does it make for a weaker bond? Any thoughts please.

Colin

Title: Re: Hull planking
Post by: craftysod on August 11, 2009, 07:34:16 pm

Colin
From what i remember of my woodwork classes,do not apply glue to the wet wood.
As the wood has absorbed the water,the wood will not absorb the glue.
I would personally soak the wood,clamp the planks in place until they have dried into shape,
then glue and nail.
Weatherproof glue does not become weatherproof until dry,and wetting the wood will half its
sticking factor.
I stand to be corrected by the experts,but my thoughts
Mark

Title: Re: Hull planking
Post by: dreadnought72 on August 11, 2009, 08:19:21 pm

Agree with Mark - you'll not get a good bond with PVA on a wet surface.

Wet, bend, clamp, dry, glue.

Andy

Title: Re: Hull planking
Post by: boatmadman on August 11, 2009, 08:54:37 pm

Why not try running the plank over a heat source (I use a hot air stripper), moving it constantly back and forth to prevent scalding, while at the same time, induce the bend you need into the plank. You need to work slowly and keep the wood moving, cos if it gets scalded it will splinter, but with practise and care I have found this to be a quick and effective way of bending planks.

That said, I have only done this with cedar, it may not work as well with mahogony.

Ian