Has anyone ever built one of these models?

[bobt]

http://www.canoemodelkits.com/

My wife has got me one for my birthday and I'm really looking forwards to starting but I'm wondering if there are any pitfalls before I get going?

[Twiggy28]

I'd be tempted to just build a canoe that you can use? Why build a huge model that you can't? Slightly more effort and money and you have a usable item not an ornament.
I've no experience of the link but they look good.

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[Twiggy28]

I'll add to that I appreciate the present but I'd scale up!

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[bobt]

I'd be tempted to just build a canoe that you can use? Why build a huge model that you can't? Slightly more effort and money and you have a usable item not an ornament.
I've no experience of the link but they look good.

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I hear ya but I'm not short of canoes atm and I'm quite looking forwards to having the model in the house.

[Twiggy28]

It would make a great talking point. Good luck with the build.

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[Mal Grey]

That looks great Bob, though I hope its one of the smaller ones you've got or you'll be at it for ages!

[bobt]

Yes. it is the smaller version. I hope it will be a talking point but I'll need to up my game in the woodworking department if the topic of discussion isn't going to be how crap it looks

[Potty Paddler]

Not built one of those and the end product should look sooo much better than mine ... I'm looking forward to the build thread

[flat cap Andy]

What fun and if you ever decide to build the real thing then you'll know what to do!

[stinkwheel]

Looks big enough to make into an outrigger.

[JimW]

No, but I suspect the key to success is using appropriate modelling tools rather than regular tools - a decent craft knife instead of a saw for example, pin vice instead of 6" metalwork vice, that sort of thing.

[bobt]

No, but I suspect the key to success is using appropriate modelling tools rather than regular tools - a decent craft knife instead of a saw for example, pin vice instead of 6" metalwork vice, that sort of thing.

Good call.

[bobt]

So the build has gone reasonably well so far, to the point where I'm ready to apply a coat of something. I'm not going to use epoxy (I didn't get it with the kit) and I'm thinking either varnish or stain. There are some red cedar strips which I'd really like to bring out and enhance. Is it worth doing something different with them first or will a varnish bring out the difference anyway?

Thoughts anyone?

[stinkwheel]

Is it going to have to be actually watertight or is it purely decorative? Because I personally find oiled wood looks fantastic, really brings out the lusture.

[bobt]

Purely decorative. I agree about the oiled wood but my concern is whether the glue might eventually crack? I wonder if a varnish might hold it together better?

[Chainsaw]

I did a ship model about 15/20 years ago using woodworking glue and then danish oiled it. Have had no issues. Oil gives a nicer finish if the wood is smooth, varnish let's you away with it not being as smooth. Oiling is a bit more forgiving, too much and it's get worked in, too little and you can slap some more on. Varnish, not so much..

Think either will be fine, down to personal preference.

[bobt]

Thanks, my sense is that the oil will bring out the red cedar a little better so I'll probably give it a go.