: I need to hear from builders who use square-edged strips rather than cove and
: bead strips. What kind of results? Does anyone use square-edged strips?
: Thanks, Glen

Depends a bit on the particular design you are building. Some seem to be a breeze with bead and cove, and others actually work a lot better with square edge strips.

If you are doing a lot of inlay or decorative patterns then the bead or cove edge has to be removed from some strips --making then square edged -- so that you can insert the decorations. Obviously starting with square edge strips saves that step.

IF you are buying strips you will probably buy bead and cove strips. If you are making your own strips then the time involved in setting up a router or shaper to cut your beads and coves is going to be your major concern. The time involved in actually running the strips through the milling process is about what you would need for hand planing any strips that needed special fitting.

Also consider the cost of the bits for making those bead and cove edges. You could buy a nice handplane for about that. those bead and cove bits will have just that one function, while the plane can be used in many different projects for decades to come. Of course if you do not have a router and a router table already then you are talking about some more money upfront.

Now, if you are making many boats, and have the tools on hand, or are willing to invest in them, then there are advantages to using bead and cove strips. You may get a reduction in sanding time and in some cases you can hang the strips faster. If you are in business this can be a major timesaver, and thus reduce costs.

Just some thoughts on the matter.

PGJ