The Shipwright's Vade-Mecum [By D. Steel].

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1805 Excerpt: ...towards building a ship from design is, to construct draughts for that purpose, namely, plans and sections drawn with all possible exactness, examined by proper calculations, and fit to be submitted to the most accurate scrutiny. Of these, the principal are; first, the Sheer Draught, or plane of elevation, upon which the whole length of the ship is represented, according to a side view, perpendicular to the keel, as upon a section supposed to be cut by a plane passing through the middle line of the keel, stem, and stern-post. (See Plate I.) Secondly, the Body Plan, or plane of projection, in which the ship is exhibited according to an end view, so as to present the outlines of her principal timbers, and shewing the projection of her frames relatively to each other. It is supposed to be described on a vertical section, at the midship bend, or broadest part of the ship, perpendicular to the sheer plan, and comprehends a delineation of the shape of every frame timber in the ship. Thirdly, the Half Breadth or Floor-plan, supposed to be described by an horizontal section cutting the whole body of the ship, lengthwise, at the broadest place on each timber. On this draught, which is generally placed under the sheer draught, are described all the sections or curves that may be imagined to cut the ship horizontally, lengthwise, &c. In this draught the curves of the transoms, called the Round-Aft, are also marked, and sometimes the breadth and thickness of the timbers. It is called the Floor-Plan, as being that on which the whole frame is supposed to be erected, and as exhibiting the upper side of the keel, with all the floors, &c. To the above may be added, the draughts exhibiting the Disposition of the Frame Timbers and Planking; the profile of the Inboard ...