Shaping the outer stem

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wb9tpg
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Feb 10, 2011 7:01 pm
Location: Versailles, KY
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Shaping the outer stem

Post by wb9tpg »

I'm shaping the outer stems now. How much should I round over the leading edge of the outer stem? I do have a brass stem bands but I'm thinking I may not use them cause I like the look of the wood better without it.
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Glen Smith
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Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada

Re: Shaping the outer stem

Post by Glen Smith »

I go with about a 3/8" radius.
fonz
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Joined: Fri Aug 19, 2011 3:45 pm

Re: Shaping the outer stem

Post by fonz »

Take the stem band and pitch it as far as you can. I presume you have built a traditional canoe, and know you want to add metal. I am sure you have done a great job on your stems. Don't mess with perfection and tradition. Metal stems were never around when the canoe you are building was developed.
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TC in Twin Lake 1
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Joined: Thu May 05, 2011 8:06 pm

Re: Shaping the outer stem

Post by TC in Twin Lake 1 »

I left mine square edged even though I wasn't using a stem band. I prefer the corner on these with a slight round over with my sander.
wb9tpg
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Feb 10, 2011 7:01 pm
Location: Versailles, KY
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Re: Shaping the outer stem

Post by wb9tpg »

OK, I'm skipping the brass stem bands. I like the wood look too much. It's coming along nicely and I got the 2nd outer stem glued on tonight.

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I love the Japanese saw rasp

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