By screwing these clamp blocks straight onto the plans made a simple and effective shape to attach the Stem, strips of cedar that had been steamed and held with clamps in place so that it conformed easily to the shape. Once the pieces were ready we applied glue to each piece and clamped them to these blocks. Small blocks of wood screwed down are actually more effective as it's easier to get the clamps flat against all surfaces. Using these jigs we found the laminates slipped upward and we had to force them by hammering a block ontop while we tightened the clamps. Problem: By using cedar clamped hard onto these blocks the pressure dents the timber easily under pressure
Solution: To use sacrificial pieces of cedar on either side. Soft wood is excellent to use this way, often when nailing or applying alot of pressure to wood.
Final Product, planed and checked against plans, ready to be fitted.
How is it?
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog on the process of making a Stem. The description that explain what's happening is clear and from this I gain some of the problems you had while building the stem and how you overcame these.
The photo of the laminated stem placed ontop of the drawing is great.
Can I please have a copy of this, as I will use it in the future?
Cheers