(Finally) starting from scratch.

[Roybrew]

Wood is very pleasing to look at. I'm to cheap to fork over big money on a canoe. When we are in Knoxville TN I stop at an outdoors store that sells the nice sleek carbon and space age material canoes. They hate to see me coming because they know they'll have to clean the slobber and drool off of the boats after I leave.

I'm looking forward to see how the sumac looks. You ever worry that you might screw up? Lots of time goes into one.
Roy

 

[Gamma1214]

I'm looking forward to see how the sumac looks.

If I had to guess, I'd say the Sumac is still a couple of years from being built (trees are tiny, very few are worth even cutting up, it takes awhile to air dry, etc).

You ever worry that you might screw up?

Nope. I'm pretty sure I'll screw up. I'll try not to make a habit of it.

 

[Kliff]

I'm almost the exact opposite of Idiot Savant. I have exactly one build under my belt, and have started the trim work for a second. I've been working with wood for well over 40 years. The skills and techniques are challenging for the most experienced woodworker, yet can be done by a novice. You can use virtually every tool in a well equipped shop, or make do with fairly minimal tools. I'd be reluctant to do a build on a short timeline, and I can't envision doing it as a way to make money, though I know people that do. Each build (again I only have one) you can choose to stick with tried & true, or get creative.

That being said, I also make my own fishing rods, forge my own knives, and several other activities that I could most likely buy cheaper, if I factor in the time involved. I guess I just like tinkering & building stuff.

 

[Kliff]

Gamma: If you're still cutting strips, I think it was Cruiser that posted this suggestion in his solo tripper build thread. While the strip material is still in plank form, assess any knots that you want to try to keep in the final strip material. Outline with a little painters tape, leaving a hole where the actual knot is. Put painters tape on the bottom side. Put a few drops of epoxy on the knot, wait for it to green cure, then scrape flush.

I did this, and don't remember losing a knot that I treated.

 

[Gamma1214]

Kliff, I cut some of the strips (Aspen & Cherry) last summer and the rest in February (in the backyard... I caught a nice day). I'm not too worried about breaking out or losing knots but I'll keep what I can. These are trial runs but, so far, the biggest trial has been getting the chaos to stop so I can actually work on it.

As for rushing through... I'm going to have to really push if I'm taking it to Ontario in July. (I'm already figuring I'm taking the Sawyer but I'll try)