Scarfing jig

[Dale K.]

I have never done any scarfing. Of the two builds that I have done that required longer than 8' pieces, I used butt blocks. They, of course, leave flat spots. I have seen various techniques and various jigs used to make the scarf joints. Some seemed better than others. I came across one the other day that I believe may be the simplest and most efficient one yet for the amateur builder. The jig is very easy to make and requires a router. The results seem very predictable. Here is the link to a series of photos as part of a lapstrake built Ian Oughtred Guillemot:

http://www.gilesfamily.id.au/Navigator/ScarfingJig.htm

Be sure and take the time to look at all the other photos. Nick built a very nice boat. He has also built a Welsford Navigator. Both were very nice builds.

[rjw]

Thanks for the link.

I've thought of that same basic technique, but with the two boards/planks to be scarfed lain side to side and cut simultaneously.

I don't know if that would help or not.

[v-driver]

Yet another way, one that I used with a similar router jig, is to stack the two pieces to be joined with the scarf. Stagger the upper plank back about (slightly less than) the linear distance of the planned scarf (length b-c in the image) and cut both planks at the same time. Because you can align the length of the planks, it permits perfectly aligned scarf angles.

[kens]

I used a router for all my scarfs, both lumber , and, plywood.
There is links to my setup in my Double Eagle build.
If scarfing ply with the router then the Raptor brads would be a big help.

[Lowka53]

I have been planning to building a similar scarfing jig for my router but on larger scale large enough to do full sheets of plywood once I get it built I will post it on forum in tools section

[lakeracer69]

Something like this? Here's what I made.

[Dale K.]

Something like this? Here's what I made.

I like it. Now I feel like going out and making some scarfs!

[Paul Kinneberg]

Something like this? Here's what I made.

lakeracer69 looks nice, simple, and straight forward how did it work? Any chance you can post a couple pics of a joint in process and completed? I am looking to do this on my CS build any where butt blocks would show. I am looking for a cleaner look on the finished boat. Thanks Paul

[Lowka53]

Something like this? Here's what I made.

I like the simple design what i have in mind is based on a panel saw but seeing what you built looks good and should work

[lakeracer69]

Have one that uses a circular saw too. Have to look for the pics.

The router one will put a 12" scarf on 1/4" plywood. Yes you heard right. I posted this a number of years ago here.

[Dale K.]

The router one will put a 12" scarf on 1/4" plywood. Yes you heard right. I posted this a number of years ago here.

12" sounds a little like overkill. I suppose there might be a time when that would be needed. Isn't the standard an 8:1 scarf? That would be 2" with 1/4" plywood.