> Mike, Thanks so much for the clarification(s). About the depth to sheer
> thing, what is the fist-thumb thing?? Is this an old, Inuit thing? The
> article says 5.75-6.5 inches. Is there another way to determine this
> depth? ie based on ones height or weight...? Or should I just go ahead and
> stick out my thumb, reminiscing about my days in jr. high?? About the
> keelson-in the article it is listed as 1x1. However, it appears much
> thinner than it is wide. How thick do you think it must be?

> Another question that comes to mind is what sort of finish ought to be
> given to the wood? When? Thanks again for your reply. Kelly

A good finish for the frame is a mixture of turpentine, kerosene, and linseed oil. Putz recomends this in his book. I used it on a greenland style paddle that I made and it works well. The wood will get wet on the surface but it seems to stop the water from penetrating.

What are you planning on using for the skin, and what are you going to coat the skin with?

Mike Hanks