Redbird stems

Tony In Paradise, Ca · Thu Aug 12, 2004 7:03 pm

Im having trouble visualizing the fitting of the outside stems. I read the directions in canoecraft and read about it on stem faqs (Green Vally boats site.) However I dont get it. Very frustrated. Any ideas ? Thanks, Tony

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 8:43 pm

Maybe this link will help you: http://groups.msn.com/CanoesKayaks/outerstems.msnw

tom in caledonia · Post by **tom in caledonia** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 2:30 pm

Hi Glenn and Tony. I was just reading Canoecraft last night and looking at my Redbird stems. To facilitate bonding and looks Ted tells us to round off the inside portion of the inner stem where it is exposed to the inside of the canoe. I'm just not sure if he means all surfaces, just the end or something else. How much and to what profile do you round off? Thanks in advance.
Regards
Tom

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 4:17 pm

That would just be the portion of the inner stems that is horizontal and pointing towards the sheerline as the stems sit on the molds. Just a small roundover (1/8") is fine. That would be the portion called "Section A" on page 117. Also roundover the inboard end of the stems where they come against the stem mold and first station mold.

tom in caledonia · Post by **tom in caledonia** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 9:55 am

Thanks Glen. No doubt will be talking to you again soon.

patrick pfeifer · Post by **patrick pfeifer** » Sun Aug 22, 2004 10:24 am

Well, we have the strongback built and now we need to make the molds. i have another question about the stem. On the redbird plans, it says the stems should be 3/4 by 3/4 for both the inner and outer stems. if you use 1/2 inch plywood for the molds, should you also use that for the stem mold, or should you make the stem mold out of 3/4 inch plywood so that the stem doesnt hang over the edge of the mold. Thanks, Patrick

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Sun Aug 22, 2004 11:19 am

I would use the 1/2" ply for the stem molds. When you shape the "rolling bevel" on the inner stems you will be removing material and digging into the stem molds. Using 3/4" stem molds will create more work for you during this phase.

patrickpfeifer · Post by **patrickpfeifer** » Sun Aug 22, 2004 5:50 pm

Ok, another stem question, (sort of) on the station 8 mold, which side of the line on the stem should it be on, left, right, or centered? (the plan shows a lign on the stem mold for the station 8 mold, but it doesnt say which side to put it on. thanks.

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Sun Aug 22, 2004 6:40 pm

You put it on the same side of the line as stations 2 to 7.