Welcome, Lou. I also just purchased the Fair American, and I found the instructions a bit intimidating and outside my comfort zone. I will probably read the instructions and plans through at least twice, and have read two books on planking in general. I am probably a few months away from putting glue to wood. I have to say, that I am amazed at the degree of help that is available here. I recently finished the 1805 SWIFT. During that project, I reached out for some help, on what I thought were basic novice questions, and got great input. A really good butch of people here. Good luck.
