: Heat Gun? For what?

: Just start at your shear. Are you doing an inside Stem and finishing it with
: an outer stem piece)s)? What are you building? You'll be able to bend it
: right up to the tip of the bow (usually). What sometimes happens is the
: you will have to do a few filler strips at the bow because the amount of
: strips won't fill the entire bow area. Do you know what I'm talking about?
: You probably have a book or instructions?

: Most plans have shear markings and it's as simple as that. Run it right down
: to the bow tip and stern tip. Strips bend really easily especially when
: you start fastening them in the center of the boat. Once you start you'll
: see that it's pretty easy. It's always a little nervous getting started.
: Most important thing is to sight down those forms and makes sure your bow
: and stern forms and in perfect alignment. Other than that, with strip
: building you can't screw up.

Actually, I've read Nicks book, the instruction manual, and the helpful tips section of Vaclav's site - the boat, btw, is a Storm LT. The upsweep through forms 1 - 4 is pretty sharp - I tried bending through a 3/4" strip that I had - no go. I'm getting some 5/8" - perhaps I'll enjoy more success. If not, I'll track down a heatgun.

OneOceanKayaks builds on an internal strongback. I suppose I could've gone with an external, but as a 'newbie', I hate to deviate so much on the first boat! Though I did decide to include an internal stem, which isn't part of the directions.

I appreciate all the responses, especially from the experienced crowd. I'll keep ya posted.