I am just getting started on the Sultana (my first ship) and using Chuck's practicum. I am removing the bulwarks and had the feeling I may be doing it in a less ideal manner. I feel like I don't have that much control over the cutting and especially worry about cutting too deep on the outter hull. Being an "ultra-newb" when it says "Carve off the bulwarks" and I have several "knifey things" I came up with this method (please see photo). Is there a better way whereby I would have more control? Chuck's picture looks so nice and smooth with the bulwarks cut off...

 

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Leighann
The "knifey things" (assume you mean xactos or equivalent) are probably the best tools. You could use a Dremel but the probabilities are you would over cut.
Just take your time and remove a little at a time, don't try to make the whole cut at once. After you have it cut down to nearly where you want it switch to sanding to finish off. That will give you the smooth finish Chuck achieves. This is a hobby that ignores time. Sometimes you are able to move right along and see instant results, sometimes you get really bored with an effort that seems like it takes forever to see results. Just take your time and enjoy your accomplishment later.
Good luck
Tom

 

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Tom - Thanks for taking the time to respond. After you verified that it was the right approach I continued shaving off the little curly-cues and tonight I will move on to sanding. Squaring off the transitions between deck levels was a little tricky!
thanks,
Leighann

 

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A couple thoughts:

One my preference is to use a good sharp carpenter's chisel over a hobby knife for work like this. the chisel is a bit beefier and feels easier to control in the hand. The key is to have a good stone (fine emery cloth and a glass plate also work very well) and to keep the chisel sharp.

Second, pay attention to the grain in the wood... I suspect you're learning this pretty quickly anyhow... since grain curves, you want to cut in the direction that has the grain pushing the tool up and away from the cut rather than pulling it down and into the cut. The latter results in gouges and chips.

Third, learn to take many long shallow cuts rather than going for a lot of material removed quickly.

Welcome to the hobby. I hope you come to find it rewarding and enjoy the many hours it can demand. It's a great way to distract yourself from other cares.

...oh yes... keep a good supply of Band-Aids and disinfectant on hand. They're also tools of the trade.

 

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