I'll give credit to Jay Babina for the sanding method of making a scarf. But I rarely use a scarf. Structurally, a butt-joint will work fine. I have been using a 45 deg. thru-the-thickness/ 90 deg across-the-width, butt-joint. The angle just serves to limit the amount of light that shows through. Making 20' long strips prior to installing them on the forms just makes long pieces which are hard to handle. I have found it easier in the long run to make all the joints while installing the strips on the forms.

The only place I bother with pre-scarfed strips is the sheerline or pattern detail lines where I want a long piece to create a smooth curve.

> 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