Hi Simon;

My techniques have changed over the past weeks, as I'm working on different parts of the boat now. I am using hot air more than steam, but the results are the same - The hot air on my present "twisting" strip operations seems to be faster, but conditions are different. The sheer strips are the worst of all for stapleless construction. But once you get past these, it is all downhill . . .

The absolute first strips to go up represent the biggest problem. You can only secure them with hot glue at the stations, and with wood glue at the bow & stern. It is best to work with full length strips at this juncture, even if you have to scarf them together from shorter strips. Using clamps, tape, and hotglue, get the sheer strips into place as best as you can. You should not have to steam these first strips. Use duct tape to secure the glued sheer strip joints at the bow & stern, and go back and reposition the sheer strips at each station, using hot glue as necessary. There is not much "holding power" at this point, and the wood glue joints at the bow & stern together with the duct tape are the real workers. Subsequent strips will only make this initial layup attachment stronger. If you constructed the plywood clamping jigs I described, their use will make it easier to position the earliest strips as you are attaching them.

I have to go and color Easter Eggs now, please write if you need further clarification, and please don't drive any staples in the meantime . . . [g]

Spidey