http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/ Sun, 12 Apr 2026 05:45:14 +0000 Working with Wood - SierraWest Forum en http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/800/the-dr-grunge-advanced-wood-clinic Mon, 02 Jan 2017 17:34:19 +0000 Working with Wood KKarns 800@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
First and foremost, and please remember, the techniques and methods are not "how to do it", but rather just "how I do it". We are all unique in how we go about detailing stripwood. There is no right or wrong, success or failure, however, to achieve a desired result there are some guidelines.

I cannot over emphasize the contribution Brett has made to this hobby and to the "science" of detailing stripwood. If I don't have anything else, I have enthusiasm! I studied Brett's manuals and his methods for detailing stripwood and came to the realization early on that if I could, in my mind, master the art of detailing the wood I would be well on my way to achieving the results I envisioned. Brett instilled in me the concept that the coloring, detailing, and general care of the stripwood is the single, most important, factor to a realistic and quality model. I took this to heart and spend more time and get more enjoyment out of working with wood than anything else. It lays the foundation to the character and story your model will betray.

I stated "Advanced Wood Clinic" which I believe warrants some clarification. Brett provides comprehensive instructions for detailing stripwood in two main formats:

1. The manuals included in each and every SWSM kit. My advice is study these manuals carefully. They are tried and true methods and if followed will result in a superior, beautifully detailed structure.

2. The Craftsman Kit University, accessible from the SWSM Home Page. Go to Online Clinics and then select
"Adding Texture and Details to Stripwood". This is an excellent tutorial that compliments the manual instructions. This tutorial is supported by the video link "Adding Details to Stripwood".

With this plethora of detailed information Brett provides on detailing and finishing stripwood, it begs the question; why have the clinic presented here?

Brett lays the foundation for quality, highly detailed, stripwood in the above tutorials. However, the modeler will develop his or her own variations, techniques, and styles. This clinic will explore what I like to do with my wood and how I achieve the results that you've may have seen here on the forum. We are attempting to do in an afternoon what nature and the elements take years to do. So, if we are able to achieve this type of weathering and detail in a short time...that's some powerful stuff and creates a structure full of character and realism. So off we go...



This is our first glimpse of our beloved SierraWest Scale Models stripwood. This gathering happens to be from the Loco and Service Shops kit. Brett carefully packages and sorts the stripwood and seals them in individual labeled bags. In my experience his wood is always of high quality, details beautifully, and is sorted and packaged for ease of use and assembly.



So...grab a fist full and lets grain and stain some wood!

Is that a BlueSky Company Warehouse manual?...more on that later.
]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1278/getting-that-silver-grey-look-karl-a Wed, 31 Mar 2021 00:03:45 +0000 Working with Wood Karl.A 1278@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
It seems like everyone strives for that perfect look, the aged grey faded and weather beaten effect, the feel, the conveyance of age.

So, lets kick this thread off anew as requested in another build thread in order to keep that thread 'clean' and focused on it's build.

Proto pic's of sun bleached, tannin rich, fade to grey and just plain simply beautifully aged structures are welcomed to give us all inspiration, something to strive for and to follow.

Personally I just use chalk and alcohol, 3-4 steps, keep it simple and follow Brett's guidelines, easily repeatable and looks great every time.

]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1485/two-color-wood-staining Sun, 09 Jul 2023 23:02:28 +0000 Working with Wood vietnamseabee 1485@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
I use a method which has been very successful for me. Because I don’t want to hijack Ken’s thread I’ll explain it here.

I firmly press the strip wood onto wide blue painters tape and stain the exposed side of the strip wood.

After the stain drys I carefully remove the strip wood from the blue painters tape. I then again firmly press the strip wood (unstained side up) to a new piece of painters tape and apply the new stain color.

The painters tape virtually eliminates the seepage of color from one side to the other. The strip wood must be firmly pressed onto the painters tape so care must be used in removing the wood from the tape.

I’ve used this method on wood roofs where I want the silver gray color on the exposed side but a warm wood tone on the underside.

I Hope I’ve explained this clearly

Terry ]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1381/ultimation-slicer Sun, 12 Jun 2022 20:03:07 +0000 Working with Wood MuddyCreekRR 1381@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1283/glue-question-for-wood Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:46:25 +0000 Working with Wood Pappy 1283@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
I have noticed on other builds from other folks here, they are using Canopy Glue 560.

Which glue is preferred by you guys.

What are the plus's and minus's for these two glues]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1174/twin-boards Fri, 19 Jun 2020 19:46:44 +0000 Working with Wood CarlLaskey 1174@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions two of them were cut back to back so twin board's









Sorry Dad just passing by.



The other two. ...........Carl..........]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/761/91-alcohol-or-70 Sat, 03 Sep 2016 03:06:50 +0000 Working with Wood SteveCuster 761@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions

I made a batch of A&I using 70% instead, I noticed no splotchy effect. The board on the left 70% the one on the right is 91%


The one on the left is 91% in this photo, the right is 70%.

I've always heard it didn't matter which type and 91% would minimize warpage due to less water content. I did another experiment and found that the same was true with chalk techniques. I got significantly less splotchy coloring when using 70% over 91%. I'll be sticking with 70% from now on.

-Steve




]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/1102/signage-on-wood Tue, 14 Jan 2020 14:17:03 +0000 Working with Wood vietnamseabee 1102@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions





I came across a UTube video the other day about applying Ink Jet printed images on wood. It seemed to have merit so I did some experimentation.

I can't seem to find the video again to post the link so I'll try to explain in word what the procedure is.

The photos attached show the image I chose to try (Perkins Produce). The first step is to create a mirror image in a photo editing software. I used Photoshop but there are many free/lowcost programs as well.

Next, printing the reversed image. Use mailing label paper (Avery, etc.) and peel away all of the labels leaving only the carrier sheet. The surface to print the image on is the slick surface that the mailing labels were discarded from. The slick surface prevents the ink from penetrating the paper and remains wet enough to apply to the wood surface.

The printed, wet inked image is carefully laid on the wood surface and pressure is applied to the image with just finger pressure rubbing the entire image while holding the carrier sheet in position with your other hand.

I did three applications....raw wood, painted wood, and alcohol/chalk stained wood...see for yourself the results.

The image shown is HO scale....seems like O scale would show better results....if very sharp resolution of the signage is needed this method would not be acceptable but in a weathered and aged model I think this might work for me where I want the illusion of a painted sign on the wall/fence

My opinion is that I will continue to experiment on board fencing and vertical board siding....I doubt the results would be acceptable on clapboard siding.

I'll continue to search for the video in case my verbal description is unclear

Terry]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/986/duluth-plumbing Fri, 12 Oct 2018 19:57:47 +0000 Working with Wood JimK 986@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
Any suggestions would be most welcome.]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/984/weathered-fence Mon, 01 Oct 2018 17:45:41 +0000 Working with Wood vietnamseabee 984@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
Terry



]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/851/old-derelict-shack Sat, 29 Jul 2017 04:40:06 +0000 Working with Wood Robert.G 851@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions













]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/159/wood-coloring-experiments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:09:25 +0000 Working with Wood brownbr 159@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
The first pic is straight black IA followed by drybrushing in tan, gray, then linen.
2nd pic is a few boards with varying formulas of black/brown IA.
3rd pic is of the same boards lightly sanded to highlight.

I have also ordered all of the chalks suggested by Brett to give those a try as well. I would be interested to see what others think the advantages are of IA or chalks or both.

Ideas/comments/suggestions welcome.



]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/803/stian-formulas Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:56:27 +0000 Working with Wood Leonard 803@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions Thanks for the help,

Leonard]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/709/how-to-use-rembrandt-chalks Mon, 23 May 2016 09:16:38 +0000 Working with Wood TrowGen 709@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
Trow Davis
California]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/412/making-the-ship-look-like-fresh-wood Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:23:11 +0000 Working with Wood MitchN 412@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/572/brown-ai-solution Mon, 11 May 2015 15:20:55 +0000 Working with Wood cinstan 572@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions Stan]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/146/jts-practice-sessions Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:47:15 +0000 Working with Wood UncleJT 146@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions
However, today I took the plunge and decided to try texturing and coloring some scrap pieces of wood and wanted to share my initial results. The wood I am using is some inferior quality scale lumber that my dad and I ordered last year for his projects. We were very unhappy with this particular manufacturer as, in addition to the poor quality, it is not scale lumber at all. Despite ordering O-scale lumber, what they sent doesn't scale to any dimensional lumber in any scale. So, I now have plenty of scrap lumber to practice on.

In the following photos, I cut the stripwood to 8" lengths using a razor saw to break the boards and tried to add texture with a brass brush as Brett describes in his manuals and clinics. I then applied a wash using 408.3, 408.5, and white chalks. I think I should have added a little black as I didn't get them quite as dark as I wanted. I'm not sure about the texturing either as I don't see as much wood grain as I do in photos of others work.

What do you guys think? I'm definitely going to practice more before I start building a structure. Once my confidence level is up a bit more, I think I will start off with the O-Scale Lineside Shed as my first wood structure.

I appreciate any and all comments.



]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/65/fuzzy-wood Tue, 24 May 2011 12:07:03 +0000 Working with Wood Brice 65@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions I am curious about how you guys get rid of the "fuzzies" after distressing the wood.
I am modeling in O scale.

Thanks]]> http://www.craftsmankituniversity.com/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussion/90/peeling-paint-opinion Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:55:13 +0000 Working with Wood Bill 90@/vanforum/index.php?p=/discussions



But the front wall has me frustrated. Something doesn't feel right to me:




I was thinking they look too speckled. But maybe it's not the peeling paint boards at all. The two blond-ish colored boards in the middle or the really dark one about 4 boards to the right throwing things off? Or maybe I should just chill out and leave it.
My wife's boyfriend hit me in the face with a tire iron once, so if you tell me what you think...it ain't gonna hurt my feelings!]]> en