: I went in search of 12mm plywood (half inch) this afternoon and came up empty
: handed.

Use 3/4 inch plywood.

Go to a thread begun by John Caldeira on Wednesday 5 November about his Night Herron. On the 5th he posts a picture of his strongback, built to the specs in Nicks book, and gives some details to Robert P.

This is how I build my strongback. I also inserted the end forms into a slot cut into the strong back as John C. did and it helps to keep them straight.

Nicks book illustrates how to cut your 4'x8' sheet of 3/4" plywood to offset the scarfs on page 70. I found a 4'x6' piece on the shoulder of the freeway so I did some math and came out with adequately offset scarfs and next to nothing left over.

Judson