P35
22. Spiling Operation:
Figure 27:
This would no doubt be one of the most interesting operations that can be performed in the planking operation. Spiling is used to obtain a correctly shaped odd plank where other than bending a plank laterally, the plank runs or curves away from the previous laid planks. A plank regardless of the hull shape should be allowed to lay in its natural position. Look at figure 27 and imagine the paper card is a plank and it’s not going to lay in the manner we want it to lay. That is a gap at the bow is evident between this plank and the previous one. Forcing it and bending it laterally is going to result in the clinker plank look. We don’t want that as most hulls are carvel built, that is smooth with all planks butting edges against each other and not overlapped.
In the sketch the gap has to be overcome. By using a scrap of paper card, the cardboard back-cover of a writing pad is excellent for this operation. Cut a strip of card wide enough to allow suitable marking of the card to get the right shape of the spiled plank. More is better than too little in this case.
Figure 28, 29:
Temporarily pin the cardboard strip over the bulkheads with one edge securely fitted against the previous laid plank. Again do not force the card to fit the shape let it lay naturally as shown in figure 27.
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