Search found 22 matches

by fonz
Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:14 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Varnishing ... to roll or not to roll
Replies: 8
Views: 6149

Re: Varnishing ... to roll or not to roll

Hello Cruiser. In my opinion using a foam brush and roller is the wrong way to go. Firstly I would thin my fist coat of varnish 20 % and the second coat 10 %. Coats 3 and 4 full strength. When varnishing such a large surface it is very important to maintain a wet edge. A foam brush makes this very d...
by fonz
Mon Jul 08, 2013 4:52 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Varnish cure time?
Replies: 4
Views: 3777

Re: Varnish cure time?

Hello, Just a couple of questions first, What brand of varnish are you using. How many coats of varnish and is the only one that is slow drying. And how long did you leave the last coat of epoxy before applying the varnish. Knowing these questions may help with with the question. But I feel you need...
by fonz
Sun Jun 09, 2013 8:56 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Basic question - How do you determine grain direction
Replies: 3
Views: 2756

Re: Basic question - How do you determine grain direction

Hello Cruiser. As you are aware numbering your boards is of the up most importance when it comes to strip matching and grain direction when making you cove and beads. Grain direction in western red cedar has little or no effect when cutting your strips. Number all strips at the same end of the board...
by fonz
Mon May 21, 2012 7:47 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: laying up first coat of fiberglass
Replies: 3
Views: 2192

Re: laying up first coat of fiberglass

Hello Back paddler. I Have built 10 canoes and I have used a roller on every application . From the first to the last coat with no problems. The only advise that I will give you is to role very slowly . If you role to fast you will a bubble issue.
by fonz
Tue Apr 03, 2012 6:22 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: how should I attach the seats?
Replies: 5
Views: 2746

Re: how should I attach the seats?

Hello Jimmar : No matter the length,design or layers of fiberglass and epoxy all strip canoes flex. And the rougher the conditions the more flex. If you hull mount your seats you greatly limit the ability for the canoe to flex which causes more stress than your joints will take over time. I know fib...
by fonz
Thu Mar 29, 2012 7:31 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: My 1st time epoxying,.(fiberglassing)
Replies: 11
Views: 6010

Re: My 1st time epoxying,.(fiberglassing)

Hello Chipper, Just for future reference if you leave 24 hours between coats you must sand. To get a chemical bond with the epoxy the second coat should be applied 5 to 8 hours after the first coat of when it is no longer tacky which should be around that time. If you wait 24 hours you must sand to ...
by fonz
Tue Mar 27, 2012 6:25 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: My 1st time epoxying,.(fiberglassing)
Replies: 11
Views: 6010

Re: My 1st time epoxying,.(fiberglassing)

Hi Chipper. First off I don't feel the temperature of your work area is an issue. Before making an educated guess I would like some more information. Such as: How long between the first and second coat, did the first coat seem so soak into the wood and glass well, can you estimate how much of the se...
by fonz
Tue Mar 06, 2012 6:29 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Bubbles in the third coat
Replies: 2
Views: 1276

Re: Bubbles in the third coat

If you are sure the bubbles are in the third application I would use a cabinet scraper on the bubbles then lightly sand with 120 grit paper. If the bubbles disappear you are in the clear. Just be careful with the cabinet scraper not to go to deep. If this does not work I would sand off the third coa...
by fonz
Thu Mar 01, 2012 6:59 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Charity
Replies: 2
Views: 1476

Re: Charity

Hi Lisa, To try and answer your question by saying a Canoe can be used more by the average person than the Kayak which in general takes more skill to operate. I feel you would do better with the Canoe in the number of tickets that may be sold. This is my feelings as far as Ontario goes but I realize...
by fonz
Sat Feb 11, 2012 11:01 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Sanding Cured Epoxy
Replies: 6
Views: 3351

Re: Sanding Cured Epoxy

I hate to dispute Glenn Smith but I feel 80-100 grit sand paper is over kill to sand epoxy for your first coat of varnish. 120 and above will etch the surface to make a mechanical bond for the varnish. If you need a sand paper such as 80 to smooth the surface or remove runs you should consider using...
by fonz
Fri Feb 10, 2012 6:18 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: varnish brushes
Replies: 2
Views: 1484

varnish brushes

I am not an expert but I am in the process of finishing my 7th canoe. In the past I have used an OX hair Chinese bristle brush made by the Purdy company. Last week I purchased a new brush From Lee Valley Tools. This brush is a Bager, Sunk, and Hog hair bristle brush. it costs about $50. bucks. I kno...
by fonz
Mon Feb 06, 2012 3:54 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: spar urethane vs. spar varnish
Replies: 2
Views: 2149

Re: spar urethane vs. spar varnish

Spar varnish is made up of natural oils such as tung, linseed or soya. Spar urethane is a synthetic oil base product. As a rule varnish will have a color to it where most urethane is clear. Varnish will darken with age, example old furniture. Urethane as it gets older tends to crack as it harder tha...
by fonz
Wed Jan 25, 2012 9:41 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Charity
Replies: 2
Views: 1476

Charity

I have been building cedar strip canoes for many years. I have read this form for many years and have learned a great deal from you the builders and lovers of the art of canoe building. Two years ago I was commissioned by Ducks Unlimited Canada to build a canoe which was sold In Oshawa In 2009. I am...
by fonz
Wed Nov 30, 2011 7:36 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Canoe no 3 just started.bending stems with heat gun hint.
Replies: 2
Views: 1510

Re: Canoe no 3 just started.bending stems with heat gun hint

It looks like things went well. What type of wood did you use?
by fonz
Wed Nov 02, 2011 2:54 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Lineage of Bear Mt. Ranger Lines explained by Ron Frenette
Replies: 7
Views: 12198

Re: Lineage of Chestnut Canoe plans offered by Bear Mt.

great question, and I have no idea what is the answer. Mr Glen Smith has the answer to everything ? I am looking forward to his answer to your history question. look for a second opinion.