24March2009
Posted by bavarian under: kayak building; kayaks.
Someone emailed me the other day on how to ‘bury’ pin striping into the fibreglass. I have used the following method to bury striping and veneer artwork into the cloth as well. Going through the steps will result in a surface that is completely flat and devoid of bumps. The effort is spent on making the highlight look like an inlay as opposed to an onlay.
- Sand the surface. On cedar I rarely go higher than 60 grit ALWAYS finishing with sanding in the direction of the grain.
- Lightly wet the surface to raise any compressed grain. Use a damp cloth and a hot iron pushed on top of the damp cloth to swell any deep bumps. (i.e.: staple holes)
- Lightly re-sand still using the 60 grit and a long board to get a fair surface.
- Apply dye or stain that you know will be compatible with epoxy if you want.
- Apply seal coat of epoxy to harden and stabilize the surface.
- Lightly scuff sand the epoxy because there will quite likely be a few raised grain hairs still.
- Before the epoxy completely cures, apply your automotive tape, being careful not to stretch it. For veneer I simply apply a generous amount of epoxy on the backside of the veneer and lay a piece of plastic wrap on top of it plus a weight. On a kayak you can hold it down tightly with shrink-wrap. Roll out any bubbles with a roller but do not squeeze out all the epoxy.
- Let the epoxy set up but not fully cure.
- Before the epoxy cures lay down your glass, and finish as you normally would.
- Around and over top of the surface of the veneer brush on another layer of epoxy and along the line of your tape do the same thing. Extend this well past the ‘bump’ of the line generated by the artwork or tape.
- Sand with the long board (mine’s a 10” ;P) in all directions. What you’re trying to do is blend the surface in with the surrounding layer of epoxy. The long board will highlight low areas that can be filled in. Don’t cut into the edges of your tape or veneer.
- Repeat above process until no more low spots show through. Please don’t sand into you glass mat!
Here’s a link to the Osprey Triple Kayak from Pigmy Boats that I’m building. I’ll be doing this process soon on this kayak. In the meantime here’s some of the one’s I’ve done.
14January2009
Posted by bavarian under: timber frame.
Using recycled timbers from a railway trestle I have built this bench during the Timber Framing Program at the College of the Rockies in Kimberley. Here’s the sketch up model which you can download and see here.
Timber frame scarf joint bench held together tight with purple heart wedges.
15December2008
Posted by bavarian under: Google SketchUp.
This is my latest design. Click on the picture to see the full model. Sketchup 3D Warehouse allows you to see the models in 3 dimensions without having to download the model or use the software. More detail is seen however if you download and view the timber frame with a version of Google Sketchup.
Timber Frame Entranceway
26November2008
Posted by bavarian under: Google SketchUp.
Using Google Sketchup I have completed the plans for my timber frame shed for the pumphouse. Using scripts made by Northern Lights Timber Framing I can also print off dimensioned drawings for all the components!
Pumphouse Tie Beam
14October2008
Posted by bavarian under: Google SketchUp.
A great tool to do some ‘virtual’ woodwork with is Google SketchUp. You can create, modify and share 3D models. It’s easier to learn than other 3D modeling programs, which is why so many people are already using it. Northern Lights Timber Framing has a great reference page for using SketchUp for timber frame design. Below is my design for a small timber frame for a well system. All the joinery elements are included in the design. Click on the image to go to the Google SketchUp 3D Library.
A small timber frame structure for a residential water well & pumping system
2July2008
Posted by bavarian under: kayak trips.
Kayaks at Sechelt Inlet
While it was planned to be doing an overnight paddling excursion up Indian Arm, there were other factors at work to keep us away from the water.Approaching the Iron Worker’s Memorial Bridge, we were passed by many police cruisers. In the distance we could see no traffic, other than a poor soul wanting to enter the water by other means. Listening to the radio, there was a traffic accident on the Lions Gate Bridge, soooo… we sat outside and had a nice BBQ to celebrate Canada’s 141st birthday.
Canada Day 2008!
28June2008
Posted by bavarian under: travel alaska.
Just a few more weeks before we begin our Alaska adventure. The price of fuel continues to climb with each passing day, so this will quite likely be our last big driving adventure with a fossil fueled vehicle.
Mini home on wheels!
Ushuaia in a snow storm!
Starting in Vancouver, British Columbia, will make a quick run north with limited stops to Atlin and then set a more leisurely pace to Inuvik, North West Territories before heading South to Anchorage, Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula then slowly make our way South back home having completed about three weeks of travel. Although it will have been ten years, we will be completing our trans continental trip in Inuvik with a little celebration. A landmark of having traveled both continents, North to South by vehicle, too bad we couldn’t finish the trip with ‘Rusty’, with any luck his metal has reincarnated as an Audi R8!
