im not an experienced builder by any means but have actualy tried both methods and found that water bending is the more favourable choice.

the blank bender is okay in thicker peices, but for such thin parts like the launch water soaking is far better as it minimises the risk of accidentaly going right through.

I've only ever tried using hot water for plank bending and it always works fine for me. I'll knock up a jig though like Zeptraders for the bow planks. That will save time by enabling me to do several at once.

I simply used steam from a boiling kettle and a cock-tail shaker for bending. You don't need to cut the planks for the launch.

John

Don't think that you find the wood warping on this part of your build...

Right - so warping can be avoided but shrinkage can be an issue - i know we might need to use filler but we would want to keep it to a minimum, so thanks for pointing that out. Has anyone built a jig to bend the planks pre - fixing to the frame?
Or has someone come up with a plan like using a soda bottle to bend into shape allowing for the shrinkage?
You guys are a god send with advise

The planks for the launch are thin enough to be bent dry. Just use the handle of your modelling knife, with your thumb on top of the plank, and the plank over the handle of the knife, gently slide it through your thumb and you will find that the bend acheived will be sufficient for the purpose of planking the bow. Give it a try.
TIS

Thanks for the advice chaps, I now feel ready to tackle my first ever planking job. I like the pint glass and peg plan, but will try some of the other tricks as well. Thanks again everyone.

I soak mine in warm or hot water, depending how stiff the material is, the stiffer, the hotter the water for about 20/30 Min's

Remove from the water, and bend around a Carte D'or Ice cream tub lid, which in our case is almost the shape of the Bow of the Victory.

I leave them to dry overnight, then while planking, I soak and bend more, plus the ice cream is awesome

Hi Plankers
I have found the Vic's planks easier than the thinner double planking on HMS Beagle. I was apprehensive about the thicker planks.
I use the water soak and soldering iron method. Warm water or a spot of washing-up liquid shortens the soak period but a few mins seems to work with plain water. I always preselect the planks carefully. Some bend easier than others and easier one way than the other. The plank is then adjusted for "tumblehome" or tapering usually with a sanding block, with frequent offering up if required.

After soaking, I wipe the excess water off, offer up and mark where the bend starts and tightens up with a pencil. Then with the soldering iron clamped in the vice I "rock and rub" the plank backwards and forwards with judicial pressure to induce the bend. Offer up again and repeat the rocking process until the bend is near enough. A twist can be added too if required.

I find that if I soak the next plank while the previous is bent and fixed the process is continuous and quite quick.

Hope this helps

T

p.s. I'm just starting the masts and yards on Beagle in preparation for the rigging which is going to be a different sort of fun to planking.

Thanks Tiswas, I completed the planking of the launch last week and I used this trick to bend the planks. Yes I broke a couple as I can sometimes be over zealous, it does not look quite like Tomicks but I am sure it would float Thanks for the tips - I really this whole forum