>

I use a power plane and a belt sander in boatbuilding with good results. You have to be very careful. When the little voice in your head is telling you not to make anymore passes you must listen. It is the final pass that does all the damage.

I am somewhat afraid to let nick schade read this, probably should be
> embarrassed, but have to report that I cannot figure out how to shave a
> plywood/glass structure with a stanley plane. Especially inside curves.

> So I cheated, and used my trusty 4x24 belt sander. I think I might be
> saving time - it took an hour on the coaming of my clc 18, removing the
> extra plywood, and another quarter inch all around the inside where the
> laminates were not perfect. Now the thing looks perfect enough for me,
> even though it is not perfectly fair in the tightest recess of the forward
> curve. It only took the whole hour because it was so difficult to maneuver
> the machine around.

> It took 15 minutes to curve the sheerclamps preparatory to fastening the
> deck.

> It took ten minutes to sand away the flashing of plywood after fastening
> the top, after a quick pass with the jig saw, and another three to put the
> 1/4" radius around the top edge.

> Same speed for other trimming/ shaping events in my garage.

> Does anyone else use belt sanders on their boats?

> PS I am about to treat myself to a modern 3x18, which weighs maybe half
> the 4x24, for this sort of non-workbench work. I wish I could justify a
> large table sander.