I think the reason I build stemless is because that's how I did my first one so that's what I know. Easy to just keep doing the same thing. I think I'll try at least inner stems on my next build though. Speaking of different build methods and fitting the bottom strips I've been thinking I should try something different there too just to see if there's something I like better. My first couple builds I did the alternating strips meeting at the keel. The last couple I've run the straight keel strips. It's kind of tough to get them right at the final form on each side since it's a V shape but once they're on the rest of the stripping is pretty easy. Between the straight keel strips and the shoes that will be added to the stems later it eliminates twisting of strips, everything lays pretty flat so it's easy to fit. I think it makes a pleasing pattern this way too. I've got a couple Mahogany strips that will be added somewhere on the bottom yet.
Anyway, I'm intrigued by the method of letting the strips run wild past the keel line on one side and then cutting them down the center, leaving you with only one side to fit in place. Seems like that might work well. Maybe next build, with inner stems and no shoes.
Did you alternate the stem strips on your other builds?
Yes, I've always alternated the stem strips, except when I forget. I don't know that it makes a big difference. That's what I read when I did my first one so that's what I've done since.
This is the first build where I've kept track of hours. I'm very interested to see what I come up with.
I think balance is the key to life. We all get carried away at times. The things we are passionate about drive us, but in the end, you still have to come up for air once in a while. I'm not telling you what to do. Only you can do that. Just my perspective
Good advice and I wish I could take it but up to this point in my life I haven't found a way to control that. All my life I've been all or nothing and it hasn't been until the last 5 or so years that I've actually realized it, so at least I can see it coming now. In the two or three weeks between finishing my last build and starting this one I was at loose ends. I sat around not doing much of anything productive or active. I've certainly got other projects that I can do but I just don't have the drive to do them, I'm waiting for that bug to come back around to finish them. I'm just happy to be focused on something now or else I'd be going crazy and scouring real estate listings for cheap land in SE Arizona and planning a January escape to a warmer climate....which is one of the things I found myself doing between builds.
Someday I'll burn out on this and move onto something new. Maybe in a few months and maybe in a few years. I never know but I've got to strike while the iron's hot. It's what I do.
Alan
