This is an archived message posted to the Kayak Building Bulletin Board. If you would like to ask a question about building kayaks, you can post a new message.
I am just beginning a wood and canvas kayak. As a beginner, I plan to rely rather heavily on George Putz's book as well as related advice I can receive here. A few start-up questions: (1) I will be building in my unheated garage in Connecticut, although I will periodically be using a small electric heater. Putz recommends fastening with screws and epoxy. What kind of epoxy is recomended for these conditions (temperatures may vary from 15 degrees to 55 degrees in a 24-hour period)? I am assuming that some of the concerns I've read on this Board relate more specifically to strip building epoxy use and that the limited adhesive-related epoxy usage called for by Putz will raise fewer temperature-related concerns. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. (2) I plan to follow Putz's approach and, assuming availability at local yards, use quarter-sawn ash for the keelsons and keel, and quarter-sawn Eastern white cedar for stringers, chines and gunwales. Any thoughts on alternative woods if these are hard to come by? Should I be concerned about structural integrity if 17 foot lengths are unavailable and I need to scarf shorter lengths? (3) Finally, assuming the wood stock has been planed to proper thickness (7/8 inch), is it possible for a beginner to rip the required 3/8 inch strips using a portable circular handsaw (Putz appears to do it) or should I make sure to access a friend's table saw? Thanks in advance for all your help.
This is an archived message from The Kayak Building Bulletin Board.
Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
