Search found 13 matches

by Michael Freeman
Sat Mar 19, 2005 10:41 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Seat Hanging Question
Replies: 13
Views: 4467

Just a question... Should I be thinking of switching those silicon bronze bolts out and countersinking with a plug? Nope, that's how cedar/canvas canoe makers have hung seats (silicon bronze carriage bolts) for over a century. If you didn't do so when you installed the bolts, I would remove them an...
by Michael Freeman
Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:53 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Seat Hanging Question
Replies: 13
Views: 4467

According to another boating site if stainless steel is covered with epoxy it will corrode. Needs to have contact with the air to prevent corrosion. Vern I don't doubt this was mentioned on another site, but I would take issue with this. Its possible that they mistakenly installed steel bolts and n...
by Michael Freeman
Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:33 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Cane Seats
Replies: 6
Views: 2396

I can also recommend Gil Gilpatrick's book. The chapter on seat caning (written with a Maine sense of humour) is the best in the book, and has very clear step by step instructions. You really can't go wrong following his directions. The book also has an interesting chapter on paddle making. http://w...
by Michael Freeman
Sat Jan 08, 2005 10:51 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Strongback for Prospector 16'
Replies: 9
Views: 2965

Re: Strongback for Prospector 16'

Kate, It is possible to cut all the Prospector molds from 24" wide plywood. The trick is to remove 2" from the overall height of all the molds EXCEPT the stem molds, which have a 2" notch cut from the bottom. In other words, the station "0" mold, which is approximately 25-1/...
by Michael Freeman
Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:19 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Sanding Epoxy
Replies: 2
Views: 1924

Hi Ed, What you need is wet/dry automotive sandpaper (the kind with dark gray grit) so that you can wet sand. Get a bucket of water and a sponge. Dribble water on the area you are sanding with the sponge as you sand, and your paper will not clog up (provided the epoxy has fully cured). Rinse your pa...
by Michael Freeman
Wed Dec 15, 2004 4:05 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: caning seat
Replies: 9
Views: 5825

Dave,

You can mail order caning supplies from North Bay Canoe in Corbeil, ON. Nice people.
http://www.nbcanoe.com/mod.php?mod=cart ... &menu=1103

Michael
by Michael Freeman
Thu Dec 09, 2004 9:59 pm
Forum: Paddles, Techniques, Boat Transportation, Storage & Maintenance
Topic: Oil or Varnish Finish
Replies: 16
Views: 66453

Definitely oil on the handle and shaft - your hands will thank you! I varnish my blades (they're glassed), but always oil the shafts and handles. I don't paddle that often, and usually only need to re-oil the paddles at the start of the season.

Michael
by Michael Freeman
Thu Dec 09, 2004 9:37 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Another Newbie asking questions
Replies: 2
Views: 1677

Re: Another Newbie asking questions

Hello My question is, and I've seen similar posted already, but here goes. The way i see it I have a choice of laying the first strip in one of three ways.....follow the water line, follow the shear line, or let it go where it wants. I kind of want to follow the shear line. Am i setting myself up f...
by Michael Freeman
Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:31 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Butt joint VS scarf joint
Replies: 6
Views: 5840

Jim, I used butt joints on my Prospector, but rather than making straight 90 degree butt joints I made mine 45 degree butt joints. When well done they are all but invisible, particularly in darker woods. http://imagehost.vendio.com/preview/mi/mikerfns/canoe_butt_joint.jpg When viewed from the 1/4&qu...
by Michael Freeman
Wed Jul 07, 2004 4:32 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: best epoxy?
Replies: 11
Views: 7661

Epoxy Safety

Rod gives good advice. You would be wise to follow it. Epoxy resins and hardners are synthetic chemicals and as such they have inherent health hazards. All chemicals have risks and epoxy is no different. It is safe ONLY if handled and used properly. You can minimize and greatly reduce the risks of e...
by Michael Freeman
Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:28 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Should I Add a Rib to a Nomad?
Replies: 15
Views: 6012

Re: Should I Add a Rib to a Nomad?

... I plan to use two layers of 6 oz. cloth inside and out below the 4" waterline. Perhaps this is enough to stiffen the bottom sufficiently. Thanks for your help - Bill. Bill, I do not own a Nomad, but I have built a Prospector which has a similar hull shape, particularly in the mid-section w...
by Michael Freeman
Sat May 29, 2004 10:17 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Epoxy Curing Problem
Replies: 9
Views: 7992

What Jim D. said. Acetone is a much better solvent for epoxy than laquer thinner. Use it safely though - outdoors, with rubber gloves and safety glasses.

Good luck,
Mike
by Michael Freeman
Sat May 29, 2004 10:12 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Help! Question about adding stability!
Replies: 9
Views: 7606

The simplest way to improve stability is weight in the bottom. The lower you can make the center of gravity, the more stable the canoe. Try a couple of bags of traction sand in the bottom. Nice and heavy, conforms to the bottom and won't scratch your finish. Adding a keel will NOT increase stability...