Advertisement
The gunport patterns (150) should now be identified and removed from the 1.5mm ply sheet. These patterns will be glued into
position in conjunction with the first lower planking of 1.5x5mm lime. However, it is important that this whole section
'Gunport Patterns' should be read through and understood prior to any fitting. The gunport patterns themselves form an
integral part of the building process.
When the patterns are ready to be glued into position a dry fit should be conducted first to ensure their correct positioning.
With the keel and bulkhead assembly thoroughly dried, some bevelling of the bulkheads and plank termination patterns will be
required. Using a length of 1.5x5mm lime, lay the strip along the edges of the bulkheads and form it around the shape of the
hull. You should clearly be able to see where the bevelling will be required to allow the strip to sit 'flush' against each
bulkhead.
Note: The area to be bevelled also includes the location of the gunport pattern.
It will be necessary to bevel the fore edges of bulkheads 1 & 2, the aft edges of bulkheads 8 & 9 and both the underside and aft
edges of bulkhead 10. The termination patterns, fitted previously, should also be bevelled accordingly.
Note: Where the gunport patterns lie between bulkhead 8 and the aft edge of the outer stern extensions, the run along their top
edge should be virtually straight.
Firstly, the gunport pattern shapers (14) should be identified and removed from the 5mm ply sheet and precisely glued
together, one on top of the other forming a pattern with overall thickness of 20mm. It is essential that this shaper is used to
prevent any distortion of the gunport pattern at the site of the forward gunports.
With the gunport pattern shaper assembled and thoroughly dried, soak the front of the gunport pattern, from the second gunport
forward, in water for approximately 20 minutes. Once soaked, the forward end should be slotted into the gunport pattern
shaper and formed around it. Hold the pattern in position against the shaper with clamps, tapes, rubber bands or similar for 30-
45 minutes to ensure the pattern retains the shape when removed (Photo 004).
Note: Take particular care at the positions of the gunports when easing around the shaper to ensure there is no distortion.
Note: Remember to turn the pattern over when shaping the second gunport pattern to make one port and one starboard pattern.
Upon completion do not throw away the shaper as it is required again at a later stage.
After shaping, the gunport patterns can be dry fitted and then glued into position using PVA wood glue. The following
instructions will assist in the fixing of the pattern to the hull, you should read through them first, noting that they are not in any
specific order but rather must all be considered together:
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 (Photo 005).
3.
The lower notch in the pattern should lie 50/50 across bulkhead 7 as shown on Plan Sheet 1 and (Photo 006).
4.
The top edge of the pattern should be flush, at the bows, with the top of the bulkhead 1 & 2 uprights. Likewise
the pattern should be flush at the top with the top of the outer stern extensions.
After a dry fit, the pattern should be pinned and glued into position along the edges of the bulkheads and bulkhead uprights,
noting that the bulkhead uprights will be broken off at deck level during a later stage of construction.
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.
Photo 004
Gunport Patterns
©
2004 JoTiKa Ltd.
Photo 005
5
Advertisement
