I am about to start on the copper plates on the Constitution. Have never worked with them and need help. I don't want to use the tape, using the loose plates. I assume you start at the bottom and work up to the water line. Fore and aft plates will meet WL at an angle. I guess you cut them to make a strait WL. When do you do the keel? First or last or in between?
Thanks

The constitution had 2 full rows of copper plates at the water line parallel to the waterline. When I built my wooden Constitution I started with the keel and worked my way up to meet the 2 rows at the waterline. The rows below the waterline should meet the waterline rows with a curve or an angle like you said. Hope that makes sense.