: I'm going to make my forms for my kayak tonight. I'll be using 3/4" 11
: ply guatambu plywood. I have some reservations about using a 2 x 4 for the
: strongback though. Framing lumber that we get in this area is really
: crummy. You can hand pick it in the lumber yard and it looks nice and
: straight. But after you take it in your shop and it continues drying, it
: can wind or curl considerably.

: I've considered laminating up a 2 x 4 beam out of kiln dried oak. And, I've
: looked at making the ladder type strongback as shown in Nick Schades book.

: I'd like to hear many opinions in order to assist me in making a choice.

: Thanks,

: John John,

I got my plans yesterday. Have read through the book quickly once and will re-read it with a yellow highlighter before getting much into this project. I have, however, thought about the best support for the forms and I've pretty much decided to build the box beam from 3/4" plywood. I believe this will eliminate the uncontrolled factors one gets with 2 X 4s. Mark