The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Hey, Joble,
I've used MAS slow on two canoes now, and both times I recoated at around 24 hours as per Newfound. No problems at ~70 degrees F. I wasn't as diligent about checking the times on the MAS literature, but seems to have been no problem.

Nice to have that first glassing experience behind you, huh. Sounds like everything went to your satisfaction...whew!!! Actually, that becomes one of the fun parts once the angst is over with, Now you're back to sanding. Remember that sanding epoxy puts a lot of toxic dust in the air, hope you've go...

Looks good, Chris. I've built the Gary Dierking design Ulua at 18 ft. It's fast and fun to sail and paddle, though not really of volume enough to do long-range expeditions like yours. Gary has a great site about a very spartan expedition around New Zealand. http://web.media.mit.edu/%7Etim/pix/2004_n...

I did mine (both of them) alone, but only after I watched Newfound's glassing video. I was able to go at it with confidence and everything went fine. I used MAS slow epoxy and had plenty of time. I encourage you to use small batches (4oz or less) so that it won't start to kick before you're finished...

Great looking site, Erik. I'm especially impressed that you have a link to building a Hawaiian Outrigger...very thorough indeed. All kidding aside, this may be the most complete collection of links that I've seen to date. Thanks.

Now we're talking, Finn. You're going to have a ball with this project...great way to spend the long winters. Hope you can find a place to build. We're all behind you, don't be shy about asking ?'s BEFORE you find yourself in a fix.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both.

Aloha, Finn, OK, enough small talk. You've been on this forum at least 4 times, and you're still wanting someone else to build you a canoe. I'm sure there are a bunch of folks that would love to sell you a handmade canoe, but by now (if you've been paying attention) you should be asking about what d...

Ed's right on about the two blades he uses the most...me too. I had the old proprep one with the screw on blades, and was constantly swithching between the two, so I bought another, the new and improved quick release. It is MUCH easier to change the blades, holds them well...go for it.

On my first canoe I had a good bit of squeeze-out due to using the syringe technique and not knowing exactly what I was doing. I wiped the glue off with a damp rag and found there were lots of places where the glue penetrated the cedar to the point that it looked different after epoxy. Using Glen's ...

You can cut a mortice the length of the pieces with a table saw and insert splines instead of biscuits Leaves the spline showing at the ends of the pieces but it's not objectionable at all.

I took Glen's advice and went to the beauty supply store. I got a dye applicator squeeze bottle and it was WAAAAY better than using the syringe on the first canoe.

I have the same Bosch as Glen, and it's great for most things. I, too, use the soft pad for most things, and highly recommend getting the vacuum dust-collection hose. I've had one go bad after sanding epoxy without vacuum collection. It gums everything up pretty bad. Much safer using the vacuum, too...

Aloha, Mark, She's looking great! If you aren't comfortable with the glassing process after doing your research, consider getting the glassing video from Newfound Woodworks. It'll give you a good idea of what it's actually like to do the process and willgive you the confidence to dive in. http://www...

Thanks, Bud, Just goes to show you that even a rank amateur can build a boat. I'm going to go out and try this today. Any tricks for sharpening the more severely rounded edges of some scraper blades? I found myself using one with a radius of ~5/16" a lot for cleaning up fillets and getting into...

Most any lumber yard can order clear cedar for you. I got some 16 ft 2x6's for deck rails and benches last year that was really nice stuff. It was plenty to do a canoe and was about $450 as I recall. It took about two weeks to get here after ordering. Certainly more expensive than using stock cedar ...