> I'm getting set to start an Outer Island, and am having some difficulty
> locating 20' northern white cedar. For cleaner looks and ease-of-building
> (in my apartment), I'd like to avoid scarfing. I've made quite a few calls
> here in Michigan; even Newfound Woodworks, makers of strip kits, only has
> 12' strips available. Is 20' white cedar impossible to come by these days?

> If this is the case and I have to scarf, I'd like to do the
> cleaner-looking through-the-thickness scarf. Nick's book shows a belt
> sander for this, but this wouldn't fly with my neighbors (buncha pansies.)
> Would I get a decent edge if I made a mini-miter box for this and used a
> small, fine hand saw?

> -Or- Should I consider white pine? It looks like it would add ~3# to the
> boat.

> Thanx, Dean

Dean, check out Basswood. It should be a local wood to your area. It's almost as light as cedar, light in color and I have found it locally for $1 a board foot (rough cut but almost clear).

Larry C.