Scarfs

The fiberglass has arrived. The epoxy is soon behind it. Today I set up the edge of the bench with a metal strip to help support the end of the scarf cut. I plan on scarfing the 3/8" bottom 4 1/2" and the 1/4" sides with a 3" cut to get a nice 1:12 ratio. I have also decided to go with the hand plane method.

With the top piece of plywood staggered 3" back I started the scarf with the fore plane to remove the steps, then worked my way toward the bench plane to level it all out and then finished it off with a block plane and belt sander.

I practiced with some 3/8" boards with a 1:8 ratio cut. As you can see in the top picture, the lines were wavy. The picture below is closer to the finished product. I used the belt sander to help smooth it out once I had take out the steps with the various planes.

I have chosen to do the scarfs with the hand plane because it will be helpful to have the skill down for when I have to do river side repairs.

Here is a picture of my first scarf. It turned out to be a little bit harder on the 1/4". As you can see there was a tiny bit of tear out and its a little wavy for my liking. I plan an cleaning it up a little bit and getting to work on the rest of the scarfs.

After speaking with some of the silverbacks and going deep into the depths of the internet, I now know that I need to sharpen the handplane blade.

Sharpening the handplane turned out to be extremely beneficial.


Links of Gluing:
http://fretwaterlines.blogspot.com/2015_12_01_archive.html

Understanding Bench Planes:
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/tools/understanding_bench_planes

The Only Handplane you Need?
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/tools/woodworking-hand-tools/handplane-need

Scarfing Joints:
https://idiotintheboathouse.com/2015/01/09/scarfing-up-a-joint/

First Cuts

 The shop continues to evolve. The fiberglass has been ordered. Can't wait for the epoxy to arrive.

In the meantime I measured out the bulkheads and hit them with the circular saw. Which just so happens to be 5". This takes it out of play for doing the scarfs.

Finished up the rest of the bulkheads and saved all the scrap materials for use later.

Next up is the transom/bowpost and doing the scarfs on the 1/4" plywood sides and 3/8" bottom.

Scarfs: Turns out there are many different processes and I have yet to make a decision on the process to use. Right now I am leaning toward the hand plane, or building a jig for the router (This seems like the cheapest and easiest option). Below is a handful of websites that go over the different processes.

Hand Plane:

https://idiotintheboathouse.com/2015/01/09/scarfing-up-a-joint/

Scarf Lengths:

 https://glen-l.com/wood-plywood/scarf-butt.html

West Systems Jig: 
 http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?145992-Using-West-s-Scarffer-tool

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?130598-Goucheon-Brothers-Scarfing-Jig-Use

Home made Jig:  
Home Made Jig

http://www.montana-riverboats.com/phorum/read.php?3,20735

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/attachments/wooden-boat-building-restoration/23591d1216680359-plywood-scarph-joint-ratio-routerjig700px.jpg

https://sandypointboatworks.com/index.php/wood-boat-school/boat-building-articles-journals/plywood-boat-building/113-making-a-proper-scarf-joint-boat-building-joinery

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/columns/nichols/index3.htm 

http://epoxyworks.com/index.php/plywood-scarffing-methods/

Introduction, Building References, Bulkheads

Briggs Dory Build 

Day 1: The first cuts. We cut the 3/8" AB Marine Douglas Fir 4- Ply into the desired heights for the bulkheads. Next, will be making the diagonal cuts on the bulkheads to finish them off before glassing. 

I still need to clean out the garage a bit more to make room for the boat. The fiberglass and Epoxy orders have been placed so the building will be placed on hold until their arrival.

Notes: This was day one of actually creating sawdust. I have spend a ton of time researching. Below are some of the resources that I have been using. (Speaking of which, I'd like to thank everyone that has posted information on these forums and blogs. It has been extremely helpful and an inspiration)

Books:

Boatbuilding with Plywood by Glen L Witt

Drift Boats & River Dories by Roger L. Fletcher

Fiberglass Boatbuilding for Amateurs by Ken Hankinson

How to Fiberglass Boats by Ken Hankinson

Inspirational Books:

The Doing of the Thing by Buzz Holmstrom 

The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko

Plans:

Andy Hutchinson - Grand Canyon Dory - Classic

http://hddories.net/about-whitewater-dories/dory-designs/

Blogs:

http://kellyneu.blogspot.com/2009/10/day-1.html

http://www.westtavaputs.com/2015/12/tools-of-trade.html

http://fretwaterlines.blogspot.com/2015_12_01_archive.html

Forum:

www.montana-riverboats.com

www.mountainbuzz.com

forum.woodenboat.com

Sketup Models: Building multiple boats from different designs in sketchup really help me visualize how the build will go. Especially with getting the different bevels down on the bow and stern.