Search found 1363 matches

by Jim Dodd
Fri Dec 08, 2023 10:43 pm
Forum: Boat-Building Tips & Techniques
Topic: Second layer of Glass?
Replies: 5
Views: 39143

Re: Second layer of Glass?

I double layer the bottoms of all my canoes, when I build them ! It not only adds wear resistance, but also adds stiffness. You never know where a canoe will be used ! Why not build for rugged use ? If you are just building a canoe for looks ? Skip the extra layer. If you plan to paddle it ? Add the...
by Jim Dodd
Wed Nov 08, 2023 11:39 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Epoxy Types
Replies: 1
Views: 19295

Re: Epoxy Types

I know many have said, that two gallons is enough. I've always preferred to have extra epoxy. In case something goes wrong. Better to have extra, than run short. You can always use the extra for repairs. or use making other things. I use RAKA, and buy the three gallon kit, two gal. of resin, and one...
by Jim Dodd
Fri Oct 13, 2023 6:51 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: exterior hull finishing question
Replies: 1
Views: 19019

Re: exterior hull finishing question

Hi Peter

Those shiny areas don't fill good, unless they are sanded.

If you are not getting into the weave of the cloth ? Keep sanding.

Staple holes are notoriously hard to fill.

Jim
by Jim Dodd
Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:08 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: So I bought a plan for an Endeavor kayak ..
Replies: 2
Views: 20134

Re: So I bought a plan for an Endeavor kayak ..

I always used the story, " At Least it will keep me out of the Bars !"

Oh ! When you go to buy supplies ? Pick up something she likes. M&Ms did it for me a few times !
Good Luck on the Endeaver, and the Wife !

Jim
by Jim Dodd
Tue Sep 05, 2023 9:20 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Ted and Joan retiring
Replies: 0
Views: 101824

Ted and Joan retiring

Here's to wishing both Ted and Joan a Happy Retirement !

They have left a great Legacy , that we all have benefitted from , I know I have !

Thank You so much !

Jim Dodd
by Jim Dodd
Sun Aug 27, 2023 9:26 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Which epoxy should I choose
Replies: 1
Views: 18862

Re: Which epoxy should I choose

Sorry for the late reply. There are so many different choices to be made, when building a canoe ! I consider 85 F a near perfect temp to work with epoxy. If this is your first time ? Be sure to have at least one helper ! Some one with epoxy experience would be best ! Resin choice is one choice. Appl...
by Jim Dodd
Tue May 02, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: New Solo Canoe - Freedom 15'3" and 16'2"
Replies: 84
Views: 648562

Re: New Solo Canoe - Freedom 15'3" and 16'2"

If you build a 13' solo, or stretch the plans equal to a 15' canoe ? The seat location should be the same. I make my seats deep enough to allow me to shift my weight comfortably, so I can adjust trim. The front edge, 5-6" aft of center, has worked for me. https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/...
by Jim Dodd
Mon Mar 20, 2023 9:17 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Rescued 12’ solo from landfill
Replies: 6
Views: 37057

Re: Rescued 12’ solo from landfill

You are welcome Bert. It depends how far you want to take the restoration. Check the gunnels for rot or splits. If they look good and solid ? Sand them, and evaluate . If the hull is built with epoxy ? Give it a good sanding, removing the varnish, down to the glass. Be careful, but sanding into the ...
by Jim Dodd
Sat Mar 18, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Rescued 12’ solo from landfill
Replies: 6
Views: 37057

Re: Rescued 12’ solo from landfill

WOW ! What a find ! Thanks for the pics. They make it much easier, to give a good response. I gave your pics a look over. It appears to me it was built with Polyester resin. A sure test is to scratch it, and give it a sniff. If it was Polyester resin, it will have a fiber glass odor. Epoxy , not so ...
by Jim Dodd
Wed Mar 08, 2023 11:43 am
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Shaping the Stems
Replies: 7
Views: 49190

Re: Shaping the Stems

You will like the Jimmy clamps ! Adding the zip tied 1/4' plastic tubing, saves a lot of fiddling. With one hand, and one motion, you can have the strip securely, clamped in place. I'm glad to have shared this simple clamp modification! You can zip tie to the blocks that you use at the forms too. ht...
by Jim Dodd
Mon Jan 09, 2023 8:04 pm
Forum: Builders' Forum
Topic: Wood for first build
Replies: 4
Views: 36773

Re: Wood for first build

Hi Kaptur 1. Always work with dry wood. Pine is probably my least favorite. In building a canoe, you put a lot of time and materials, in completing it ! No sense in going with an inferior wood, for strips. 2. I hand beveled the strips, on my first three canoes, before I saw the light of bead and cov...
by Jim Dodd
Tue Nov 29, 2022 9:11 pm
Forum: Boat-Building Tips & Techniques
Topic: When stripping the Football
Replies: 2
Views: 30237

Re: When stripping the Football

The first time I did this ? I just used one stand. I was nervous ! The second stand, makes it work ! I'd recommend a Helper, when tipping the strongback, especially the first time ! I find tipping makes a lot of things easier ! Fitting strips, sanding, and cutting the center line. By the way, your P...
by Jim Dodd
Mon Oct 31, 2022 9:46 am
Forum: Boat-Building Tips & Techniques
Topic: When stripping the Football
Replies: 2
Views: 30237

When stripping the Football

It took me several years of building strip canoes, before I started tilting the canoe and strongback. This wasn't my Idea, as while visiting Martin Van's canoe shop, in Ogalea (Spl) Wisconsin. I took note of his rotating strongback. His reason at the time, was to keep the glue he was using, from run...
by Jim Dodd
Sun Oct 30, 2022 10:03 am
Forum: Boat-Building Tips & Techniques
Topic: NewSpring Clamps for Bead and Cove Stripping
Replies: 17
Views: 59506

Re: NewSpring Clamps for Bead and Cove Stripping

I have now had the opportunity to really put these clamps to the Test ! They work great ! here is a few pics, of my latest build, and clamps. https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/y390/JimDodd/IMG_3714(1).JPG https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/y390/JimDodd/IMG_3743.JPG https://hosting.photobuck...
by Jim Dodd
Sat Oct 29, 2022 7:46 pm
Forum: Choosing a Design
Topic: Freedom 17 vs Nomad 17, which is easiest to build for an absolute novice?
Replies: 2
Views: 34822

Re: Freedom 17 vs Nomad 17, which is easiest to build for an absolute novice?

I agree with Randy on his hull choice. As for tools ? So many come to mind, so I will a list a few of my favorites . A Shinto Saw Rasp. ( You can buy just the rasp, without the handle ) my preferred method of use. A Quality Japanese Pull saw. No Stanley junk ! If you are using staples ? A Bostich /S...