Tired of waiting for my local wood supplier to dig out some Sycamore I chose to look further afield. Within easy reach (45 miles up the A303) I discovered Yandles wood merchants (Link) tool shop and craft centre. Not only was their self selection department open, the variety of woods is amazing and the prices significantly lower than I have been used to paying in Exeter.
I came away having spent more cash than I needed to complete the boat. Some too good to overlook that will come in handy for later projects. The Sycamore plank freshly cut from the tree is complete with waney edges. The creamy white texture is easily worked and will soon take on a golden honey colour, once varnished and exposed to the light.
The gunnels are in place, plugged with dowels into the holes that were the ones made by screwing temporary fixings, while the epoxy glue set. The epoxy was thickened to make it adhere better to the vertical surfaces. Also attended to is the motor well edges that have the lovely white contrasting wood enhance the appearance of this design. A cosmetic indulgence to spend so much time at this stage.
The 35 fixing dowels/plugs whittled down individually and laborious but satisfying.
Now using Abranet, an open abrasive fabric that does not clog like sandpaper does. I do recommend it to any woodworker. Also recommended is diamond abrasive sharpening stones that put a keen edge on steel with the minimum of effort.
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On the to do list :.... fit windscreen and cleats (after the deck is varnished) . Box in the batteries and switch gear. Run control cables through rear bulkhead. Fit seal to base of motor well. Fabricate and fit front seat backrests. Fit support rails to road trailer. |
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Grey tinted screen dry fitted to be supported each side by an additional pair of knees |