Redbird Stem Shape

[Tony In Paradise]

:? Whats up with the strips at the stem ? Do I force tweek the ends of the strips around the stem ? Help Dean, Help !

Thanks, Tony

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Hey Tony,
I'm a bit unclear with what you are asking about. The only guess I have, is I think you might be talking about the strips around the turn at the bilge. (The ones that are almost flat at midship, then twist to vertical at the stems) If so, Martin Step uses a c-clamp to twist the strip to get it in the correct position where it glues up against the rolling bevel on the stem. He leaves the strip long and uses the clamp to get leverage to twist, then ties it off to the end of the strongback. http://www.greenval.com go to builder's notes, then no staple method for more on this.
If that wasn't the right guess, post some more details of the problem you are having.
(location of problem area on stem would be good and describe what is happening now)
I'm curious, how did you go about shaping your stems?
The inner stem should have a rolling bevel on it to provide a glueing surface for the strips.
John Michne has a good method of shaping the inner stem using sanding sticks. http://www.michneboat.com
I cut the strips off about 1/4" long past the end of the stem. I will take them down later to the surface of the 1/8" leading edge, which should give me a good matching glueing surface for the outer stem.
Paradise, would that be Paradise, CA as in gold mining country?
Thanks for asking for help, but....
Glen is the expert on these matters, I'm just the "spert", a first time builder who likes to flap his lips excessivley. I hope this gives you something to go on. Mr. Smith may have hit the hay for the evening, but he'll be back on in the morning.

[Glen Smith]

Hi Tony,

As stated by Dean, more detail is needed. Do you have "Canoecraft"?

[Tony in Paradise]

Hey Dean and Glen,
Thats a good idea Dean, using the c clamp. I wasent sure if it should require that much twisting. But I see why now. I was a little flusterd when I posted my message.
Where are your on your Redbird? Im almost to the top of the stems with my strips.
PS; yes it is Paradise Calif. Across the valley from you.
Thanks again, Tony

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Hi Tony,
I've got about 4 or 5 strips to go to completely encapsulate the keel area of the inner stem. I hope to get to work on it a bit this weekend.
Paradise is some pretty country, a friend from high school moved there. I chatted with her online a couple of years ago. Nice gal, happily married to a garbage truck driver.