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I have been asked several times and have also seen the same questions on other builds about the method of tapering planks especially on the topic of how to determine where the taper starts. I've also seen comments on how difficult bamboo is to cut and work with, yet having used my method throughout my SOTS build so far I have found very little problems. That in mind thought I would put together a few posts outlining the method I use in the hope it will help other newbies who are about to embark on plank tapering... Going to taper the final plank on the SOTS from rib 21 to the stern, this also requires some twisting and bending of the finished plank. Gandale attached the following image(s):
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Taking a plank, locate and mark where the pins holes will be on ribs 21 & 22. Pre drill the pin holes in the plank using a .5mm drill or similar and temporarily pin the plank in place. This will act as our anchor point.. Gandale attached the following image(s):
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With the plank temporarily in place, mark the start of the taper as shown, this is normalyl where the plank wants to start and ride over the planks already fitted. Also mark the end of the required plank length.... Gandale attached the following image(s):
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Remove the plank and mark the top edge of where the taper is to start and cut the plank to length. Using a Davids plane, taper from the mark to the end ensuring you keep the taper smooth by using long smooth strokes of the plane. Once the basic taper is in place try a dry test fit to ensure the fit is progressing well. Using a course grade sandpaper and block smooth out the taper along the length but be careful, course sandpaper will remove material quite quickly. If the dry fit is acceptable then bevel the edge of the plank along the full length to ensure a nice fit, this time using a finer grade sandpaper. Gandale attached the following image(s):
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Once a nice fit has been achieved then by using steam from the kettle, bend and twist to follow the profile of the hull... Do a dry fits to ensure all is well.. The dry fit should sit naturally in position without being pushed or forced into position. Gandale attached the following image(s):
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Finally glue and pin in place, removing the pins when PVA is dry... Gandale attached the following image(s):
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I fully appreciate there are many other techniques out there to successfully taper planks but I hope by showing other builders, especially newbies to this hobby they will find it useful...
Regards
Alan
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 Rank: Super-Elite        Groups: Registered, Forum Support Team, Administrators, Global Forum Support Team, Moderator, Official Builds Joined: 09/11/2012 Posts: 8,520 Points: 24,651 Location: East midlands
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Gandale wrote:I fully appreciate there are many other techniques out there to successfully taper planks but I hope by showing other builders, especially newbies to this hobby they will find it useful...
Regards
Alan WTG Alan,  As you know, I have just got to the first taper on row 5 of the upper planking, it is a point where you may start to question your skills, but, having taken your advise yesterday it was a lot easier than I expected. The advise section above is very good and I am sure will be a great help to a lot of people. Regards delboy271155 (Derek) COME BACK GUY FAWKES "YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU"
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 Rank: Pro  Groups: Registered
Joined: 23/04/2013 Posts: 287 Points: 859 Location: Hartbeespoort, NW, South Africa
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Hi Alan I've read through your article and found it very interesting. Will definately make use of it when I get to the planking stage. Regards Kobus
Current Build
HMS Sovereign of the Seas - First Build
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Rank: Pro  Groups: Registered
Joined: 16/06/2013 Posts: 284 Points: 859 Location: Cape Town, South Africa
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I found this topic very useful to increase my level of planking. Something I yet have to try out, is making use of the wide blade of the standard hand-planer to cut the taper. It work like the standard plactic one for modeling, only on a bigger scale. "Rather try and fail than had failed to try".Sovereign of the Seas Model Space forum: Marcel's build
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If like me you like your tools you could invest in one of thee to help keep your plank held while tapering. http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/1368_1_2141276.html
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”
-Mark Twain
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