: Hi Elliott

Sorry it took so long to get back. Had to locate Nick's book and see what he's got in there for a bench. He uses saw horses. Is the beam sitting on the saw horses? If so, I would take some pine or plywood 3/4" and make an upright for each one to contain the beam. Like a tuning fork, or similar. That way the beam won't move around, and you can raise the boat up to where you are more comfortable working on it. ( if it's too low, that is )

Since there is no sag, then I would just line up the beam holders, drop the beam in them and attach the ends with some screws. Then slide the middle one around until you get the beam straight as possible. To anchor the saw horses so they won't move, I'd get some sand bags and place them around the feet of each saw horse. Also, I'd take a sharpie marker ( felt pen ) and mark the floor at each leg. Then, if you stub a toe and move a support, you can move them back into place. As was mentioned, once you get the first few strips on, it should hold all in place the rest of the way. Be sure to strip equally from both sides. Even that's no guarantee. there's already been one boat built with a little curve in it in the last year. I say, start with the basic foundation and get it RIGHT ON! then the rest of the adjustments will be minor.

The beam itself is in great shape it is just the side to side thing
: constantly moving the forms a little here a little there. As you know im
: sure ,the beam is strongest vertically. however not as strong side to
: side. i am using 3 of the stands mentioned in the book so there is no sag
: there i will just have to shim the stands to make the strongback perfectly
: level as my basement floor is not. once i have the stands set i am
: wondering how to keep them in the proper plane so if i kick one it doesnt
: screw everything up again. I would hope anchoring the things to the floor
: is not the answer.

Oh well such is life,

Wrong answer there!! There aren't to many things about woodworking that can't be corrected. A short board would be one. Unless you have one of the new board stretchers. I myself can't afford one and no matter how many times I cut the things, once they're too short, they are always going to be.

thanks for responding Rehd.
: Elliott

No problem, Just hope this helps!

Rehd

( oh, you could probably stiffen up your beam by adding a cross piece inside, out of Pine or fir, going side to side )