After some delay, the extra-long drill bits and silicon bronze screws required for the dinghy’s stem arrived. I drilled the holes for the locking screws and the copper nails, and then shaped the inner face.
With the inner face at its final shape, I needed to make blocks to facilitate clamping the joints tightly closed:
Yesterday, after a dry fit, with the nails up to, but not crossing the joint line, I applied Sikaflex EBT ( a filling/sealant/glue compound) to the joint surfaces, using the toothed side of a hacksaw blade to create a thin even layer on all mating surfaces..
The stem was then put back together, initially secured with the locking screws, and the clamps. The nails were driven home – cut-outs in the clamping blocks allowing for this.
I left it clamped up tight for 24 hours, to allow the Sikaflex to ‘cure.’ Today, I took off the clamps, and roved the nails, with assistance from Craig and Sylvia doing the ‘backing up.’
It was great to be using my homemade roving kit, to get the nails roved, and their ends peined over.
The stem joints were now secure. I checked the template on the stem once more, and cut the outside face of the stem, using the bandsaw and then spokeshave.
I had feared that the apex joint would not be as tight as it was in the dry fit. However, the extra time spent to get the clamping effective, was worthwhile. I am chuffed with the end result.
As I removed the clamps this morning I noticed, for the first time, the manufacturer’s name DAWN on one of the F clamps I have been using – it had been brought over to England from Australia by my Dad in 1962, shortly before I was born. I’d like to think he would approve of its use on this project.
The next job is to dry-fit the keel to the stem, and do the final shaping of the transom end of the keel. The wood for the transom and planking is scheduled to arrive this coming week.
An amazing amount of work.
Well, it’s a start! The wood for the transom and planking should arrive this week, so I can crack on with making the transom, transom knee and then setting up the moulds. I also have to cut the rabbet into the stem where the ends of the plank are recessed into the stem. Plenty to keep me out of mischief!
Best wishes to you both.
Ah perhaps you are more Australian, well subconsciously, than you think. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/313886
Ah, yes, I think you may be right. But, I certainly won’t be throwing it at birds!
Hoping we can visit Ox in not too distant future.
Best wishes to you all,
Stuart
Ah, yes, I think you may be right. But, I won’t be throwing it at birds!
Hoping you are all well.
Best wishes
Stuart
Dear Stuart,
Thank you for sharing this, it reminds me of my own involvement with the first PG boat @ IBTC. Was she ever named ‘Charlotta’ do you know? I hope that your project is progressing well.
Yours Aye
GB
Hi Gareth
Thank you for getting in touch. I am not sure what has happened about naming the PG boats. I am due to go and learn how to do letter incised carving, in order to carve the name on my dinghy!
What are you up to these days? Such a shame that the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted your course.
Regards
Stuart
I was involved briefly, Sep 20 to ~ Jan 21 in working on a Yorkshire One Design in Barton upon Humber, in the lee of the Humber Bridge. I made a couple of moulds, took the lead on bedding the keel, the centre section steamed ribs and manufactured and fit the deadwood at the front of the Keel. That led to an opportunity to build a wooden companion for a steel Humber Barge. The project got as far as the detailed design stage but foundered again due to impacts of COVID-19 on the YOD and barge owner’s boatyard. An unsuccessful job application, dalliance with the NHS mental health provision and successful job application led to ~ 6 weeks employment carrying out periodic electrical inspection and testing between Cheshire, London and Exeter. Then informed that I don’t meet the requirements of my employer … unsuccessful in completing my probationary period or somesuch. Hmmm snakes and ladders!
I am just sitting down to draft a letter to those practising the arcane art of Boatbuilding to enquire about short term opportunities to hone my existing skills and develop new boatbuilding competence. I have also been on the edges of Men in Sheds, laying a workshop plywood floor, testing the building’s electrical supply and installing the new workshop supply. Also talking to the local https://www.libraryofstuff.co.uk/index.php/team. All promising projects, together with the aspirations of the nearby boatyard owner across the river but little prospect of keeping the wolf from the door!
On a brighter note my younger daughter and I reached her first mountain summit on Yr Wyddfa in late July. Though the top was in the clag with long queues for the summit we bypassed them … finishing off over Lliwedd, the views over the Llyn peninsula and South and East were stunning!
Are you still in contact with Bob?
Wow, that sounds tough. I do hope that you find some regular work, and that it is fulfilling. Might be worth dropping Fran a line, as she has lots of contacts, Diggory Rose too.
Rather lost contact with Bob, who has left IBTC.
Good luck!