Fastening stem band
Fastening stem band
On my last canoe, I could not decide wether to glue the stem band or to screw it on. I understand that the regular approach is to use bedding compound under the band and to screw it on with countrsunck brass screw every 5 inches. Here is how I solved my dilemma. If you don't want screw heads to show, this is an approch worth considering.
- drilled holes every 5 inches as recommended as well as two on the part that goes on the bridge of the canoe
- sanded the cove part of the band wiht 50 grit sandpaper
- bented and adjusted the band carefully and temporarily fixed it with strong tape
- used the same holes to drill into the wood
- filletted each hole (band and wood) with a steel bolt
- removed the band in order to glue it on with thickened epoxy
- spread the epoxy and fixedthe band again with tape
- used brass bolts and spreaded them with some epoxy before threading them into the holes but leaving the head sticking out by about 1/8 of an inche
- after the hole thing dried out I simply did cut the head of the bolt and filed and sanded the bolt flush with the band
The final result is that the band is well fixed and that the fasteners (bolts) can't be seen unless you look very closely.
Here is a picture of the final result. Of course I selected the best portion. If you look closely there is a bolt just about in the middle of the picture.
- drilled holes every 5 inches as recommended as well as two on the part that goes on the bridge of the canoe
- sanded the cove part of the band wiht 50 grit sandpaper
- bented and adjusted the band carefully and temporarily fixed it with strong tape
- used the same holes to drill into the wood
- filletted each hole (band and wood) with a steel bolt
- removed the band in order to glue it on with thickened epoxy
- spread the epoxy and fixedthe band again with tape
- used brass bolts and spreaded them with some epoxy before threading them into the holes but leaving the head sticking out by about 1/8 of an inche
- after the hole thing dried out I simply did cut the head of the bolt and filed and sanded the bolt flush with the band
The final result is that the band is well fixed and that the fasteners (bolts) can't be seen unless you look very closely.
Here is a picture of the final result. Of course I selected the best portion. If you look closely there is a bolt just about in the middle of the picture.
- Glen Smith
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
- Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada
François, I can't see the picture again, just a red "X" and I have verified with at least one other member and he can't see it either. Also, the properties show a file that is more than 600 pixels in width, this causes us to have to scroll off screen. Could you please limit the photo size to 600 pixels wide in the future.
- Glen Smith
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
- Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada
- Glen Smith
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
- Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada
- davidb54321
- Posts: 214
- Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:05 pm
- Location: Presque Isle, Maine
- Contact:
Yes, I can see it. Very nice job Francois!
David Bartlett
"I don't fully understand everything I know!"
http://photobucket.com/albums/b81/davidb54321/
"I don't fully understand everything I know!"
http://photobucket.com/albums/b81/davidb54321/
- Glen Smith
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
- Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada
- Glen Smith
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
- Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada