Hi Shipmates.

Well i got my issues (19-21)today and was totally amazed at how thick the planking was! Could this be the reason it is only single planked an not doubled? I expected them to be 1mm thick and not 2mm !!!!!

I Intended to double plank but now Im wondering if it will be worth it!

Any comments appreciated especially from the seasoned builders.

Thanks

Hi All

It will be interesting bending these planks. At least they will be easier to work with for tapering and shamfering than the thin double planks I have worked with previously. Will be a little more like the real thing. So I think I am looking forward to it.

Hi McQ. If I get in a mess I could be as thick as two short planks

Sorry, couldn't resist meant to put it in the last post!!!

I soak mine for a good few hours in warm water before I use the plank bender and didnt have a problem. Planked the Pearl ok. Is it getting hot enough????

I learned the hard way too!!! Make sure they are well soaked and you will be ok.

Hi Benny!

Issues 20, Page 11, Bottom right hand corner says If you are using an electric plank bender, soak the planks in water for 20 minutes beforehand. Press the planks over the shaped wooden former, forming tight curves in stages, rather than in one go.

If you do that the timber will be wet on the outside but only damp inside so give it a good long soak in warm water as this helps to open the fibres of the wood. Then as the heat is applied the water in the timber turns to steam and the plank will bend to the shape. The heat also dries the timber in its new shape, the Amati Plank bender has poor instructions and like you I found the Italian Plug is a laugh.

Darron

Best way Benny!

British Plug is Best, Better safe than sorry!

Darron

with the planks being 2mm.thick,it leaves more scope for sanding down,then you can add the 2nd,layer of planking.the basswood (lime)supplied is quite soft so a good soaking you can easily bend it, the electric bender puts a perminate bend in,leaves less stress whilst glueing.I am guessing but I think de-ag. will require us to stain this wood to get the oak look,so I will be using a second layer to achieve this,probhibly walnut.I'm using the wife's computer,mine out of action for a couple of days,so can't put pics up,she has different software to me,so can only reply to what is being said.

Hi Tis. You can glue and pin wet planks, just takes a little bit longer for glue to dry. Unless you're using super glue which loves wet surfaces and dries instantly, so no room for error.

Welcome aboard matey. The planks are soaked in warm - hot water 10 - 20 mins depending on thickness this makes the planks easier to work with to bend.