> All in all, it looks like Im headed in the direction of a strip afterall.
> I undertsand Luan is a good inexspensive wood, but when inquiring at
> lumberyards for "strip suitable" wood, exactly what thickness of
> the shheets am I looking at? I understand I cut the strips to 1/2",
> but whats the actual thickness of the sheet of wood? 1/8" ? Is it
> plywood strips or veneer? or...?

> Lastly, how much is a milling kit anyway? You kno, for beads and such.

> Yes, Ill be ordering the forementioned book!

> Best,

> Pete

I try to get nice 1x8 boards in 10 or 12 foot lengths. I rip them in half, cut a 2 foot long taper ofr a scarph joint on the same (top?) end of each ripped piece and glue these to make a long (18 to 22 foot) plank that I'll cut some full length strips from. This wastes a bit of material, but is easier to align than scarphing the thinner strips individually, and the wood color matches well at all the joints on the finished strips. A few full length strips lay out the basic lines of the boat nicely. after you start with them, you can continue with strips that are shorter.

The strips are ripped to 1/4 inch (not 1/2) or thinner. 3/16 thick strips are also common. If your board is a nominal 1x something then it will be about 3/4 inch thick, and give you strips that are 1/4 by 3/4. I like to get deck material, which is frequently nominal 5/4 stock. It usually measures anywhere from 7/8 to 1 inch thick. You'll need fewer strips if you use wider ones, but they are harder to fit, as they are a little less flexible. Of course, you can rip these again, and get some strips that are 1/4 inch thick, but just a bit under 1/2 inch wide. If they are a nice wood color, thin stips make nice accents.

Hope this helps.

Paul G.Jacobson