Thanks, Paul. I could not figure out how to email you directly. My email is msr.cdn@gmail.com. I appreciate your advice. And thanks in advance for any pictures you can share of your build.

The cedar I purchased is full 1" that i can rip in half if necessary and I have a lot of 1/2" walnut and 1/4" maple on hand so I should be able to navigate the tougher spots. I had planned on a homebuilt hatch as that is what I did on my wife's Auk and it came out pretty nicely.

I will try to contact Nick for his input on the sheer strip. It seemed pretty straightforward until you said something. Now I am worried I might be overlooking something obvious. Living and learning.

Thanks, again, Paul.

Mike