: I would like to build a cedar-strip seat similar to the one detailed in
: Nick's article dated Thursday 20th August. How do you generate the pattern
: for the internal form? I have thought of a few options but they all
: involve sitting in something sticky thick and wet and waiting for it all
: to go hard! What about builders plaster in a thick polythene bag? You
: could make up a strong wooden frame, place the bag and plaster inside the
: frame, change into a pair of tight fitting underpants or swimming trunks
: and, with a good explanation for those close to you of what you are trying
: to achieve, and the help of a good long book, some good music, some beer
: or wine, something good to eat, a charged mobile and a few very good
: prepared reasons as to why you are presently unobtainable, sit on the bag
: with knees slightly raised and wait without the expectation of an
: exothermic setting reaction, for it all to go hard! How long would you
: have to wait? Quick setting cement may be another option but probably the
: most hazardous! Plaster of Paris may be a bit safer if the bag should
: burst! Once the form has "set", a profile copier made up with
: wooden dowel rods in a support strip could be used to copy the profile
: onto strips that would form the seat. Any other options? A
: three-dimensional digital copying unit? Perhaps I should stop thinking
: like this!

Hi Tony,
Nah, keep thinking like that. But do it while working at something.

Instead of cement or plaster-of-paris (the grades used for medical and art purposes is fairly fast setting) why not make a profiler like a butcher's block? Make the moving blocks smaller, of course.

Sand, damped with a temporary binder, would work as a impress medium but the surface would have to be fixed with something like lacquer spray. Maybe thin plastic would do as a surfacing. Just wriggle on the sand and leave your mark. Then pour plaster-of-paris into the impression, smooth the surface and use that as a working mold.

I'd wear something bulkier than underpants or swim shorts, you'll need some room for the thickness of your paddling clothing.

Some extra wild thoughts for you,
Mike Savage
South West Cork