Yup, a most excellent thread subject, hope to see lots more input! I'm in the habit of posting web journals of my builds for some unknown reason, and the last two are particularly aimed at illustrating tips, jigs, and tool hints. It started with the Merlin Canoe site, and now continues on the Outer Island No. 2 one.

In the photo below is my shop-made strip holder for working those tapered ends. They're made out of scrap in seconds, and no way I can overstate how helpful these little dudes are towards achieving precise fits. Also note the common hardware store hard rubber sanding block with the sandpaper stuck to the "wrong" side. It becomes uncommonly handy when used this way.