: CLC tells the novice to get their hands on batten, defined as a 17' length
: of1/4x1/4 perfectly straight and clear. It serves the same purpose on a
: large scale as the french curve does on a small scale.

A good source of precut batten material is the local lumber yard, under the
heading of "parting stop". Used in the fabrication of wooden windows, I found
them 16' long, approximately 3/8" x 3/4". I purchased them for keel, chines,
and sheer strips on a Walrus, but notice that they make a "fair" to middlin
batten, if you don't have facilities to cut them yourself. Good luck, Scotty