This morning it's cleats, floors and beams. The first of many more similar days I'm guessing. At the end of all this there's the reward of having to scarf join the sides.
Already I've been nervous. Worried that my first laminated Deck Beam would stick to the mould. But happily at lunchtime I took the clamps off (no movement at all), still worried, but a good thunk against the jig loosed it up fine. I mean it was covered in grease proof paper, but better that than half in plywood.
I gave it a quick blast with the sander and it actually looks quite good. After it sets fully, I'll take it down to timber. Spot the rooster in cognito?
The procedure I use to laminate the beams varies little from that detailed in the Paradox Builders handbook. One technique Ihave been adding is to alternate the grain of each strip.
To achieve this, before ripping back a batch of strips, mark one end of the blank with pencil, then as you lay up the strips switch the direction of every second strip. One obvious benefit is to strengthen the finished piece by distributing weak spots in the natural wood. It's not something I can take credit for, I read it somewhere, possibly in a Wharram building guide.
FAST FORWARD:
I now have four Deck Beams prepared & although we need six I'm holding off from building the other two till later. These are "Intermediate Beams" because they float between bulkheads 1 & 2, 4 & the transom. They are not needed for first dry fit (bulkheads & Side Panels), & their length is not accurate ly identified in the drawings. It is possible to make them extra long & just cut them to size when the sides & bulkheads are assembled, but I feel uneasy about building waste. It's cool though, I'm a patient fellow.
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