Build Notes

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CanoeFrame

We'll throw up some not-quite-random notes that have occurred to us as we've built this first canoe. In time we hope this can become a knowledge base that will be of service to future builders of this kind of boat

- Tools that work

 - Shopsmith disk sander (?" diameter)
 - drum sander... need to improve it: currently just aluminum stock, abrasive-wrapped, chucked into the lathe
 - table saw with featherboard
 - awl/pick (piercing station molds for wiring stringers on)
 - thin wire

- Tools needed

 - infeed and outfeed rollers for tablesaw
 - zero-clearance insert for tablesaw
 - bandsaw

- Processes that work

 - pencil line on strongback
   - didn't do taut wire, seems ok so far
   - helps that strongback is very rigid and flat
 - wiring stringers to station molds: 
   - enables single-handed stringer installation
   - assists even when workers are plenty
 - adhering temporary clamp-holding wedges to stringer ends
   - CA glue is easy to knock loose later
   - strong double-sided masking tape may serve as well
   - friction tape on angle blocks could eliminate need for adhesion to stringers
 - lashing the ribs to stringers
   - use artificial sinew: beeswax impregnated nylon, available at leather stores
   - use a square lashing technique, frap clockwise then spiral clockwise up the rib to the next junction. (if that detail worries you :-)

- Processes that need refinement

 - assembling + adhering stem assembly
   - need flat surface, nonstick (maybe bluetape)
   - maybe nail in place?
 - 2"x4" as station mold cleat
   - adequate, but...
   - could be more right-angled if ripped to square section
   - simple lever/bender to clamp stringers to stem

- Redesign/Improvement Ideas

 - Build Strongback with station locations planned
 - Build reusable station molds with retractable stringer hookers