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Hi Dean,
I'm not sure I want to be considered at the upper limit of that trait. But it is a stage you want to get done to your satisfaction. Spending 6 hours is not out of line (in my humble retentive opinion). Rhed is right about the light. When you think the hull is smooth, turn out all the lights except for a flashlight, and hold it parallel to the surface of the hull. Walk from end to end in both directions and see if you have any ripples (they're easiest to see if you clean off the fine sawdust off the surface first). If you see any ripples or irregularities, you should consider working those areas with a long board. If you don't want the ripples showing on the varnished surface, you either need to sand them out now, or fill them in later with epoxy. It's easier to take care of it now.
When checking for uneven sanding by wetting the surface, I use denatured alcohol if I want it to evaporate quickly or mineral spirits if I want to see the entire hull wet. (make sure you allow it to fully evaporate before applying epoxy)
Hope that helps.
Ross (come to think of it, my middle initial IS 'A')
This is an archived message from The Kayak Building Bulletin Board.
Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
