With the bulkheads lined up it is time to put stringers on. Notches need to be cut in the bulkheads so the stringers pass through the edge. This part is extremely critical to the result of the hull as there is no going back once the glue has set so I need to be sure and check alignment throughout the process. Keeping alignment is tricky as the stringers try to force the bulkheads off centre as you put them on. In this case I put the outer stringer on first which pulled alignment out by a few mm. However then I put the inner opposing stringer on which perfectly countered this. It was a relief to check bulkhead alignment again after the glue had set to discover alignment was still perfect.
Here is the "multitool" I am using to cut out notches. It is great, it allows very precise cutting as you can cut slowly, kind of like a knife through butter. The downside is that is very loud. I made the decision to not put the notches in until the bulkheads were lined up so I could be sure I put them in the right place and with the laser level, the straight runs are exactly that.
Hi Rodney you may find it easier to fit the keel stringers first and work your way down to the gunwales. There should be very little movement once the tops of the frames are locked in place relative to each other.
ReplyDeleteThanks Greg. I was going to start with the keel stringer but was put off by the amount of bend it has.
ReplyDeleteNo, never keel stringers first. The other stringers will give some stability to fit the keel stringer. You can make saw cuts on the "inside" of the keel stringer for more easy bending.
ReplyDeleteBernd
Thanks Bernd.
Deletelooking good Rodney. You are doing a great job
ReplyDeletecheers
Bryan and Mary
Thanks. It's nice to have some encouragement :)
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