Making laminated gunwales

[HighPlainsDrifter]

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?

[Jim Dodd]

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.

[HighPlainsDrifter]

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

[Cruiser]

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

[Jim Dodd]

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

Actually that is a feature strip, with all the Paper clips. I used Aspen, and the darkest WRC I could find.

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.