Lessons Learned

The following is going to be an ongoing list of "Lessons Learned" from building the latest wooden ship models, so hopefully I don't do the same thing again on subsequent builds.  These all assume the specific plans don't say otherwise, of course.

• Ensure the top of the bulkheads are evenly aligned with the top of the false keel when gluing them in place.

• When cutting out laser-cut parts, if possible cut out any holes from the template after cutting out the main template - this will minimize the chance of breaking the template.  For example, one of the stern pieces of the Mayflower had 3 windows to be cut out - I did this before cutting out the main piece, which only left a little sliver of wood where the main connection was. 
  
  Luckily I was careful and it didn't break, but it very easily could have broken.

• If installing a false deck, use elastics to hold it down instead of trying to balance weights on top.  This will make it easier to glue the bend on the side edges.  If you need to fix this, use drops of CA (glue) and hold it in position while it bonds (usually about 10 seconds, depending on the type of CA).

• If the bow of the hull is rounded (i.e., like the Mayflower), maybe use filler blocks to help keep those planks rounded when attaching them.

• When spiling (bending along the wood's edge instead of its width), taper the strip first.

• When installing stealer planks, make sure the fitted ends are held tightly together while waiting for the glue to dry.