: Thank you Etienne,
: I was already looking at your pics but have not realized that you layered
: strips. But I can tell you, I printed out some of the pics from your
: building log and hang them up in my garage to keep me focused and
: motivated ;-)

: How wide where the strips you used? 3/32" (equals about 2.4mm here in
: Europe)? That will give me a problem as I have no access to a planer. I
: already tried to cut thinner strips but failed due to the tools I have
: available. Maybe I have to ask one of the carpenters around here to help
: me out.

: What about using even thinner strips but then wider ones (similar to layers
: of veneer)?

: What do you think: Is the foam core a stupid idea?

: Regards Roger

Hi Roger
Its nice to know that my webpages are actually being seen. One is never really sure if thay are just floating out there in the ether

I didn't have a heatgun when I built mine and wanted to get on with it so I went the lamination route. I suspect that the heat gun may be easier. I have never tried it. It would also be useful at the front end, where a little gentle persuasion is also required. I left the planks very slightly stepped at the front end of the hull ( perhaps one mm) and sanded off the ridges.

I used a thicknesser (pictured bottom left) to take the strips down to about 2.5 mm. You could go even thinner if you wanted. There is plenty of strength in this small part of the hull once it is glassed and the tiny bulkhead is in.

Thicknessers won't go thin enough so you have to lay the strip on a support plank and run the two through together. I find you can just hold the strip down with your thumbs as you feed it. The cedar is very forgiving, but even grain and a sharp blades are essential. Goggles are recommended when cutting this thin as the blades are rotating toward you and thin planks can shatter.

If it was too easy we wouldn't bother doing it. Don't give up on the strips. if you get your stern station set up solidly you can even apply boiling water to achieve your ends. or your bends if you prefer.

Send us some photos as the job progresses.

All the best

Etienne