2014 Building of 18th Century Sailing Battle Ship Poltava

Summary

The video script details the construction of a ship named 'Potala', showcasing the meticulous process of assembling its frame using modern woodworking tools. The ship's frame consists of 46 ribs, each made from carefully cut and processed oak timber. The team relies heavily on Jett company's equipment, particularly their jointer planes with helical spindles, for finishing the wooden parts. The project highlights the blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology in shipbuilding, reflecting the historical significance and the passion for the ship's construction in St. Petersburg.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ The construction project involves the assembly of a ship with a keel set, using modern woodworking tools to create frames and other parts.
• 🏗️ The ship's construction requires the creation of 3 assembly areas and a separate marking area for producing large curves known as 'ribbons'.
• 🔨 Frames are considered the 'ribs' of the ship, with a total of 46 needed, each consisting of 15 separate parts or 'ticks'.
• 🪵 The process begins with cutting old logs using a circular saw, followed by planing and shaping them into blanks for the frames.
• 🛠️ Modern tools such as jointer planes with helical spindles are essential for the finishing work, which were previously used for roughing in the Soviet era.
• 🔧 The jointer plane's segmented spindle allows for easy blade changes and the use of double-edged blades for both roughing and finishing.
• 🚢 The initial vision of the project was vague, but it was clear that heavy-duty woodworking machines would be necessary for processing large timber parts.
• 🏠 Once the ship's body is formed, medium-duty machines will be used for interior work, including doors, gun ports, and smaller parts.
• 🇷🇺 The company Jet is well-represented in Russia and has been chosen for their equipment, documentation, support, and understanding of the project's needs.
• 🌳 The construction of the ship, named Poltava, involves a significant amount of oak processing, which is rare in modern times.
• 📚 The project team is pleased to support the ship's construction, showing a deep interest in the history of St. Petersburg and the shipbuilding process.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the lines plan mentioned in the transcript?

The lines plan is used to reproduce the various parts of the ship under construction, ensuring accuracy in the building process.

How large are the parts being reproduced for the ship?

The parts being reproduced are vast, ranging from 6 to 11 meters in size.

What is done in the marking area?

In the marking area, big curves called ribbons are made, which are then used to produce blanks from timber.

What is the purpose of the blanks in the ship construction?

The blanks are brought to the assembly area to be used in the construction of the ship's frames.

How many frames are currently being worked on, and how many will there be in total?

Currently, 20 frames are being worked on. There will be a total of 46 frames.

What is a frame in the context of ship construction?

A frame is a kind of rib of a ship, consisting of separate parts called futtocks, with 15 futtocks in each frame.

How are futtocks made for the frames?

Futtocks are made by taking an old clog, cutting it with a circular bench saw, planing it, and making a blank for the frame.

What modern tools are being used in the construction process?

Modern tools such as planes and rotors are used, which are essential for the work and replace older tools like axes and hand saws.

What is the advantage of the jointer plane mentioned in the transcript?

The main advantage of the jointer plane is its segmented spindle, where blades are fixed at an angle, easily changed, and double-edged, allowing for better finishing.

What was the challenge faced prior to the construction process, and how was it addressed?

The challenge was the need to cut and process a lot of round timber, requiring heavy-duty woodworking machines. This was addressed by collaborating with the Jett company, which provided the necessary equipment.

What role does the Jett company play in the construction process?

Jett company provides a wide range of equipment essential for processing wooden parts, supported by comprehensive documentation and support.

Why did the project team choose Jett equipment over others?

The project team chose Jett due to their reputation, the quality of their equipment, and the comprehensive support they provide, which includes documentation, manuals, and staff explanations.

What is the significance of the Poltava project?

The construction of Poltava is a significant and interesting project, particularly for those living in St. Petersburg, as it ties into the city's rich history.

How rare is the processing of oak in the construction of Poltava?

It is very rare today to process so much oak in one place, highlighting the unique nature of the project.

What makes Jett machines ideal for the Poltava project?

Jett machines are ideal for processing the wooden parts needed to build the ship, providing the necessary capabilities for both heavy-duty and medium-duty tasks.