: I would like to know the relative merits of building with the forms mounted
: above a strongback and likewise the pros and cons of building with the
: strongback running through the forms. Also, has anyone tried using hot
: glue instead of staples as mentioned in some earlier postings on
: stapleless construction. Thanks in advance.

Hi Tom

My thinking on the subject is " Use Both ". That is what I'm doing. I'm basically just building Ted Moore's "Strong/Bench," and using uprights to mount any other forms or strongbacks over the bench. Lets face it, like Mike says, the internal strongback is probably best, but, you do need a bench to work off of, and you still have to mount your strongback to a level and straight bench. I'm building a Putz Walrus at this time, with shortened forms ( ala Paul Jacobsen's numbers ) atop my strongbench and I have a Great Auk in the planing stage for use with the internal strongback as called for in the plans and Nick's book. I will build 2 or 3 " U " shaped forms to set the strongback into and align it with. The bench is a neccessity, and as you need it anyway, why not build it properly and functional for other uses later on. ??? My .02c worth. :) Happy building.

Rehd