that "humming bird" tack weld is a good idea for me to remember. It serves you well as you progress. Rich
Build Log Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack [COMPLETED BUILD]
Hello Duncan. Enjoying your build thus far and think they way you are approaching the bulkhead fit and supports is great. I also use the “spot weld” with CA glue principle. Used it for my planking as well rather than nails. Being a beginner I’m not sure if this a the best technique (guys and ladies on this site will know for sure) but worked for me. Enjoy your build
Looking good. Am enjoying watching your progress. You have some ideas that I wish I'd thought of as I was working on mine. And yes, paint the cockpit area while you have free access to it. It can be a pain to work in areas like that once they are covered up (even if all you are doing is some touch-up).
I'm watching with interest as I have this sitting on a shelf. I'll be starting as soon as I finish The Norwegian Sailing Pram.
Well I did it. I thought for a long time. It didn’t seem right to plank the hull and use a piece of OSB for the cockpit floor.
I like your decision as there is integrity in consistency! Rich (PT-2)
Well, with a lot of H&FF (more F than H) I’m reading to glue the deck. I made sure that the hole for the rudder shaft was clear of glue. Hard to see here but it is just forward of the #9 bulkhead.
Good morning Duncan. Good thinking re rudder hole. Looking good so far
Some decking for the deck. I used a straight V-profile chisel. Not sure how this will look later. I think I will put a coat of finish on it before I glue it to the bulkheads. If it looks bad I can flip them over before
gluing. (they are the mirror image of each other) I got the hang of using the tool after awhile. Might have to put a coil of rope in a couple of places.
gluing. (they are the mirror image of each other) I got the hang of using the tool after awhile. Might have to put a coil of rope in a couple of places.
The more I looked at the “planked” deck the better it looked. So I clamped and rubber banded it to the bulkheads. Looks ok. Needed to shorten the starboard side of #8 and shim the same side of #7. Then the deck came down on the tops of all 10 bulkheads. I will glue it tomorrow.
The deck is glued in place and all the heavy sanding of the bulkheads to receive the planking is finished. (I hope) I sealed, with polyurethane, all the surfaces that will not be glued to or painted . The reason is I have seen basswood really bend when you put water on one side. What will high humidity do to the model when it is finished?
Started the planking. After bending and fitting I glued the garboards in place with CA. I like using CA because I can clamp the plank in place and when everything is right then glue it. The instructions with the kit says to use white glue. Is there a problem with CA for planking that I don’t know about?
Does that mean that CA does not make a solid bond?
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You could probably start an entire thread on the subject of adhesives 
My own experience is that CA tends to get brittle with age and have a tendency to let go after time, especially when dealing with wood whose dimensional stability it subject to fluctuations in humidity. PVA/wood glue will flex slightly, but CA will not.
For me CA works fine for structural work (fixing bulkheads to keel, etc.) where subsequent work of planking will keep everything rigid and stable, but for planking I like PVA as my primary bonder. This is especially true if you haven’t been able to perfectly bend the planks to shape before applying them.
Now, I should remind you that I’m still very new to this hobby and what I offer is my opinion (In aviation we would say, “technique only; not procedure”) I think you’ll want the opinion of others with more experience than I.
My own experience is that CA tends to get brittle with age and have a tendency to let go after time, especially when dealing with wood whose dimensional stability it subject to fluctuations in humidity. PVA/wood glue will flex slightly, but CA will not.
For me CA works fine for structural work (fixing bulkheads to keel, etc.) where subsequent work of planking will keep everything rigid and stable, but for planking I like PVA as my primary bonder. This is especially true if you haven’t been able to perfectly bend the planks to shape before applying them.
Now, I should remind you that I’m still very new to this hobby and what I offer is my opinion (In aviation we would say, “technique only; not procedure”) I think you’ll want the opinion of others with more experience than I.
Well I have learned a lesson with CA. You can’t always see where the little drop wants to flow. This is the second time I got some glue on the center board. This time I could not free it. Oh well it’s an optional feature and this is a learning build. I’m a little discouraged but I will have to move on from here.
Planking is going well. Each plank needs a little adjustment.
Planking is going well. Each plank needs a little adjustment.
I think that the warning tag on the vise really means to say" this hobby can get expensive with all of the tools and toys that will be acquired!"
Nice progress.
Rich
Well the sheer strakes are glued. That means that the hull is finished. I don’t think so. There is yet a lot of filling and sanding to do. It is very relaxing, just sitting and sanding.
The sheer strakes could be a little wider and longer for that matter. I choose to glue this sheer strake level with the deck and fill the gap lower on the hull.
The sheer strakes could be a little wider and longer for that matter. I choose to glue this sheer strake level with the deck and fill the gap lower on the hull.