Building The Vera Cruise

[BarnacleMike]

Looking GREAT, Carl! Congratulations!

[mrintense]

Not much to report on. Been pretty busy with Spring yard work. I've slowly been cutting additional notches for the chines when I can get a spare moment or two. Hoping to get some work done this weekend, but still have a lot of yard work to attend to

Also wanted to say that I haven't been participating in the forums much lately for basically the same reason. However I occasionally do get time to read a few entries and I want to say well done to all the latest work.

I am continually amazed at the quality of work I see. It's great inspiration for me as I continue on my own project.

[mrintense]

Here are a couple of additional shots of my progress. This is the first chine being scarfed together.

And here is the other side as I am fitting the second chine.

I've posted another update with more details on my blog.

Slowly but surely getting there!

[Roberta]

Look's good, Carl!!

Roberta

[John56]

Looking good!! But those saw horses look heavy......

[billy c]

Carl-
that is really showing off now that you are getting a few of the long bits in place!
now i see what a tight fit you have in your garage
bet it's nice though to be able to be outside working again
-Billy

[mrintense]

Look's good, Carl!!

Roberta

Looking good!! But those saw horses look heavy......

Carl-
that is really showing off now that you are getting a few of the long bits in place!
now i see what a tight fit you have in your garage
bet it's nice though to be able to be outside working again
-Billy

Thanks Roberta

Thanks John, and yes, they are quite heavy . Nearly busted my gut lifting them from their position alongside the wall (having to reach over the lawn mower and other assorted stuff). But you can't beat the price.

Thanks Billy, This really starts to show the boats shape. But I have to have good weather, (thankfully most of the time here), because the chines are far too long for my garage. When I begin final fitting and glue up, it will have to be an extended session with no rain. And I am really wanting a larger space to work in. Might have one in a few years, we're thinking of moving, but for now, well, it will have to do as is.

[steveh41]

Carl,

Great looking curve on the chine log!

I admire your efficient use of work space...

Regards,

Steve

[mrintense]

Carl,

Great looking curve on the chine log!

I admire your efficient use of work space...

Regards,

Steve

Thanks Steve,

It is cool to me as well.

As for the space, well, not much choice in the matter.

But I do appreciate the compliment.

[mrintense]

Many of you probably saw the video of the shipwright (I think his name is Louis) who came up with the technique for steam bending planks in place using plastic sheeting rather than a steam box. This technique intrigued me because it seemed to address the challenges I was facing with bending my chine blocks and sheers, namely lack of space.

Well I went ahead and tried this technique out and I wanted to let everyone know what I found out.

The technique does indeed work. I've used it several times now to bend my 1-1/4" inch chine. It's very convenient to use and because heat is continually applied even during bending, you get the maximum effect of the steam.

To recap how it works, you basically loosely wrap the chine with 6 mil plastic sheeting, fold the long edge a few times and staple it together, stick the hose from your steam generator in the end of the envelope about halfway, stuff rags in the both ends to keep the steam in and then begin steaming. I also placed a bucket under the low end to capture water that dripped out.

I've written a more detailed explanation in my blog, but here are a few pictures to give you the basic idea.

Here's the chine wrapped and the hose in place as well as the rags. The hose was also tied to the chine to keep it in place.

I purchased the steam generator from Rockler. It's made by Earlex and works great. Here is the link. http://www.rockler.com/steam-bending-ki ... n-download

[mrintense]

Here is the chine being steamed and I've already applied the bend using ratchet straps. I couldn't get anywhere near this amount of bend before steaming it.

Here is the steam generator and plastic wrap I used. The wrap is from Home Depot. 6 mil by 25 feet by 10 feet roll, about $25.00

[Lowka53]

I am glad to hear that this process worked well

[mrintense]

The steaming is continuing to go well. I've managed to get the first chine bent all the way to the stem. Today I will be making the angle cut there and going for the final fit. I have a few tweaks to do to the chine notches on the same sie before I can actually glue it into position.

The second chine is also well along. I should have that bent down to the stem by the end of the weekend.

And I've started working the first sheer as well. Getting into a roll now.

I just bought a Bosch oscillating multi tool. First time I've owned one of these. I'm thinking this will making cutting the remaining notches much easier. I can see where this will be a very handy tool.

Here's an overall shot. Not the best, but it's difficult to get back far enough to capture the entire boat.

[neel thompson]

It is all coming together nicely Carl. She is looking good...

[sscobra]

Nice work Carl. I keep forgetting to get in touch with you and setting up a time for me to come over and admire your work in person. Skip