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With the gunport pattern former fitted to the keel and bulkhead assembly, soak the front of the gunport pattern, from the
second gunport forward, in water for approximately 20 minutes. Once soaked, the forward end can be shaped around the
former flush against the bulkheads. The pattern should be dry fitted into position taking care of the following points:
1.
The front leading edge of the pattern should be slightly bevelled to allow the pattern to sit flush against the stem.
2.
Any excess in the length of the pattern should be removed from the after end such that it sits flush to the after
edge of the outer stern extension pattern, this is essential and must be achieved.
3.
The top edge of the gunport pattern should run flush to the top edge of the bulkheads along the entire length, with
the exception of bulkhead 9 (Photo 007).
4.
When viewed from above, the gunport pattern should follow the curve of the gunport pattern former as shown
(Photo 008).
5.
When viewed from the side it is important to note that the gunport pattern follows the top edge of the bulkheads,
not the top edge of the gunport pattern former as shown (Photo 009).
6.
The curves in the after end of the gunport pattern should be aligned, athwartships, with the curves of the outer
stern extensions (41) (Photo 010).
7.
Care should be taken to ensure the port
starboard gunports should be aligned athwartships.
Note: Gunports 1 through to 6 should not be opened up at this stage. If you attempt to open them up prior to fitting the patterns
the patterns will distort.
After a dry fit, the pattern should be pinned and glued (with PVA wood glue and flat head pins (184)) into position along the
edges of the bulkheads and bulkhead uprights, all the while adhering to the shape of the bulkheads.
Note: Although the bulkhead uprights will be broken off at deck level during a later stage of construction full use of wood glue
and flat head pins should be used. As the plywood bulkheads are very strong, it is recommended that 0.5mm holes be drilled
into the bulkheads before the insertion of the pins. When pushing the brass pins into place, leave at least 3mm protruding so
that they can be easily removed once the patterns are secure.
This procedure should be repeated for the opposite side taking care that both patterns are symmetrical, checking across the hull
to ensure that the gunport cut outs of each pattern (port and starboard) are aligned to those opposite. This whole assembly
should now be set aside to dry thoroughly, offer support to the assembly to prevent distortion.
6
Photo 007
Photo 009
u
u
and starboard
gunports are in alignment fore-and-aft, i.e. the port and
©
2006 JoTiKa Ltd.
Photo 008
Photo 010
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