> I am in the process of building the rudder steering assembly from Nick's
> book. I am unsure what wood (or other...) to use for the sliding track
> assembly. I suspect that soft wood like cedar or redwood will wear too
> quickly. I have some oak, nut experience with oak and epoxy did not live
> up to the longevity test. I have some teak, but it is oily and I dont
> think that will work. I have some apple. And probably some maple. I also
> am wondering if some 1" x 1/4" aluminum angle wouldnt be better,
> if its available. Has anyone else built and used this and can offer
> comments? Teak is structurally good,if the grain is right for the loads.Maple is not stable when wet,and binding etc may occur,from swelling,movement,etc.Teak and epoxy do not work all that well -the teak has to be de-oiled prior to application.Properly shaped seasoned teak will be slick enuf for sliding parts,and is plenty strong if dimensioned properly. Wax the sliding parts with candle wax,and put tung oil on the rest.Should last -it has on many sail boats for decades.Give the sliding parts some slop,and chamfer the edges so theyll not hang up