Im getting to a point now where I shall start planking.. I have 4 or so more stringers to instal... double check the the planking fits snug.. then i will start.
Couple of things i need advice with..
1. Being a flat bottom hull.. what is the best way to plank? Strips of balsa.. or sheets of balsa?
The bulb areas at the bow and stern might be tricky.. bending the balsa to its correct form?
2. My frames are ply.. i plan to plank with balsa.. is there a recommended glue?
3. Ive read bending balsa by wetting it... placing it on the hull so it dries the shape needed is a good way... would you agree?
4. Any tips on filler?
1. For the flat bottom use sheet then start using planks at the turn of the bilges. You might be able to use sheet where the hull is flat sided, using planking at the bow and stern where you have curves. For bulbs and extreme curves better to use balsa block and carve to shape.
2.A good waterproof white glue will do the job.
3. Soaking in water, especially warm water should make it more flexible. What will also help with balsa is choosing the right grade, some is more brittle than others and will snap rather than take the curve. One thing to watch is that soaking the balsa will tend to make it swell so that when it dries it will shrink back. Glueing it in place when wet may lead to gaps between the planks when dry.
4. If using balsa you need a soft easily sanded filler or you end up with the balsa being sanded away first leaving the filler proud of the surface. You can buy a light filler intended for model planes which is water based and sands easily. My preference would be to use finishing epoxy to paint the wood first, this will soak into and harden the surface then use epoxy mixed with microballoons as a filler. This sands down at the same rate as the epoxy soaked wood and bonds well so won't come loose easily. If the hull is then given another coat of epoxy it can be sanded to a good smooth finish.
Jim