I have read where some builders have made laminated gunwales using a mix of soft and hard wood strips (maybe 3/16"). This seems like a solution to the problem of finding long clear hardwood stock or scarfing shorter pieces.
I assume the process is similar to that used when laminating wood for internal and external stems. But making 15' gunwales (or so) sound messy. What I found interesting was the weight savings for using mostly cedar capped with a hard wood like ash. Has anyone made laminated gunwales ? Pitfalls? Tips?
Making laminated gunwales
- HighPlainsDrifter
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:30 pm
- Location: Brookings, SD USA
Re: Making laminated gunwales
My Strongback serves as a long clamping table. I cover it with plastic.
The real secret to laminating gunnels, is Clamps, and lots of them.
Oh and epoxy mixed with fillers.
The real secret to laminating gunnels, is Clamps, and lots of them.
Oh and epoxy mixed with fillers.
Keep your paddle wet and your seat dry!
- HighPlainsDrifter
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:30 pm
- Location: Brookings, SD USA
Re: Making laminated gunwales
Jim
What kind of wood did you use in your layup? Any chance of seeing a picture of the laminated gunnel on the canoe?
Thanks
Joe
What kind of wood did you use in your layup? Any chance of seeing a picture of the laminated gunnel on the canoe?
Thanks
Joe
Re: Making laminated gunwales
HPD, I like to skarf gunnels together first, then slice them up, you can see the process here a few paragraphs down
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2006&start=60
Brian
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2006&start=60
Brian
Re: Making laminated gunwales
Actually that is a feature strip, with all the Paper clips. I used Aspen, and the darkest WRC I could find.HighPlainsDrifter wrote: ↑Tue Jun 29, 2021 9:24 pm Jim
What kind of wood did you use in your layup? Any chance of seeing a picture of the laminated gunnel on the canoe?
Thanks
Joe
Aspen, or Poplar would make a good laminate, with a hard wood outer.
I I cap my gunnels so the glassed edge of of the hull is completely sealed.
I usually scarf the splices for my gunnels, ( 10-1) right on the canoe.
Keep your paddle wet and your seat dry!