With planking complete, I have sanded the inside of the hull, and begun varnishing the planking and backbone. Doing this finishing step now ensures that all the wood will be sealed properly, before I start installing the rest of the floors, frames, etc on top of the planking. It also helps me to keep the wood grain free of the dirt and dust which will be present for the remainder of the build. Now it is now time to install the remaining floor timbers in preparation for framing!
With the planking complete, it is time to review the review the class notes, double check measurements, and consult the stock pile of wood. Having procured the appropriate white oak bending stock for frames(or ribs) and stock for the floor timbers, it’s time to mill my stock to appropriate dimensions, and call in a friend or two to help me steam bend and fasten the frames.
The last planks are ready to mount! Shaped, sanded and now drying after a pre-varnish. I seal all mating surfaces before assembly to ensure water cannot wick into the grain over the years. This is a step many larger builders often skip, because it adds extra time that you just don’t have in a high production setting. This attention to detail is one of the many benefits of custom “one-off” manufacturing.
This is my #113 Stanley compass plane that is at least 70 years old. It is my best friend on these curvaceous planks. It is a specialty plane no longer produced by high quality makers. This is one of many woodworking tools rarely seen in use outside of a few specialized trades. Wooden boat builders must search for high quality “user” tools many of them antique, discontinued or handmade.
As I approach the sheer, the flexible planking must be carefully made if I want the shape to conform to “class rules”.
