Hi Just received one of the above as part of a kit. Has anyone used one of these and if so do you rate them? Didn't know if i would be better off buying the electric type.Here's the link to what i mean.

http://www.cornwallmodel...mantua-plankbender.html

thanks

Honestly there are about as many ways to bend and shape a plank as there are folks making ship models.
in the end do whatever works for you.

look at the model ship world web site and you will find several tutorials and such on the different ways folks do it.

http://modelshipworldfor...d-planking-articles.php

most of the time i use a jar lid or a section of pvc pipe as a jig and use 3 to 6 small clamps / clips to hold the wood and a hair dryer as a heat source.

heat will help wood bend, watter will make wood swell and when it dries it will shrink.
so of you use steam or hot water soaking then clamp the wood and let it dry for a day or two before you use it.
that will make it fit tighter and you will have less gaps to fill later.

also look at the info on shaping the plank before you bend it.

that can help the hull have less stealers and such.

Myself I use a steamer, just a cheep veg steamer from a high street shop.

It's worked great on both my bounty and Titanic.

[quote=birdaj2]That is not an electric one you have linked too but a manual one. You twist the planks through the knurled steps.

I never got on with it as planks too dry snap.

The difference is the mantua twisty one in your picture does not cut into the plank were as the scissor type does slit one side of the plank.

My choice is a pair of planking pliers by expo as they fit my hand a lot easier.

This is what i find easier to use - plenty of various stockists by the way this is just an example

http://www.pagesoftools....-pliers-140mm-281-p.asp[/quote]


Hi sorry think you misunderstood. The link is to the one I received. Just wanted to know if it is any good, or should I buy an electric one.

I have one of these they are great for forming hull planking bends at the bow, but they do leave a mark on the inside so limited for other tasks.

I personally would not go to the expense of an electric plank bender. they are slow to form your bend. the kettle method is faster and free.

Jase

I have on of these and found the best way to use it is to fill a spagetti storage jar with water and soak the wood for at least half an hour before using the bender.

With practice you can get some good bends but you will get marks from the ridges on the cylinders so try to just pass the wood through one way only so the marks stay on the inside