: Hi everyone,

: Before I start installing my first strip, I wanted to get some feedback on
: the use of hot glue. The messages I saw were pointing to use as little as
: possible, which I agree with. When do you remove the hotglue or most of it
: - eg after finishing the hull and before starting the deck? How do you
: deal with the hotglue when stripping the deck. Does it come still easily
: apart?

Andeas,

I'll try to tackle your question above. From the demonstration I saw at the Rendezvous, just a dot of yellow hot glue is put on the forms, then the strip is held in place against the form and butting up to the adjacent strip that has already had a thin bead of wood glue on it. After a few seconds, when the hot glue has set enough to hold the strip, you move on to the next form, another shot of hot glue goes on the form, hold the strip to it until it sets and so on and so on.

Meanwhile, during this process, use 1 or more spring clamps as required between the forms to align the strip being glued to the previous strip. To quicken the pace further, you can add another drop or 2 of hot glue next to the spring clamps to hold the strips in alignment until the wood glue cures. This allows you to remove the clamps out of the way and continue on with yet another strip. Before long you're done!

I think the method of choice for removing the hot glue is a sharp scraper. Scrape the outside to remove the hot glue. Sand. Then glass the hull. Once you remove the hull from the forms, repeat the process on the interior. When you do the deck is a little more difficult for me to answer as I haven't been there yet. Could depend on what type of strongback you're using.

Hope this helps.

Gary B.