Another Two Weeks? How did that happen?

I knew time has been slipping by and that I have not been keeping the blog up to date. On the other hand I did not think I had done much worth reporting. I mean, how many times can I report on sanding the rudder or shaping the centerboard? These are tasks that are necessary but take time and are not glamorous. So, this morning when I decided I wanted to report on what I've been up to, I was surprised to see I have been pretty busy after all.

Stanley #5 Jack Plane: Two weeks ago I took the plane apart and, as reported, it was a mess! I bought mineral spirits, steel wool, and a big-enough plastic bin. I soaked the parts in the mineral spirits and scrubbed everything with the steel wool. Remarkably, the dirt and grime washed away and I was left with collection of rusted parts. The Dremel tool fitted with an "abrasive finishing buffer" (think Scotch-brite like material) removed much of the rust from plane body. I was left with a reasonably clean plane in need of paint. But I am not interested in refurbishing the tool to "like-new" condition, so I am satisfied with its appearance for now.

The sole of the plane was rusted and in dire need of flattening. I purchased some 1/2" ply, a piece of acrylic (glass would be better but I haven't found what I need just yet), and some bits and pieces (i.e., a 2 x 2, some glue, duct tape) to fabricate a platform to insert into the WorkMate to sand the sole of the plane.

Once the rust was removed I squiggled a reference line on the sole with a permanent marker. As I continued to sand the sole, the reference line would be sanded away - but whatever part of the reference line remained would indicate low spots. Once the line disappeared the sole would be flat. I was surprised how quickly the sole cleaned up.

Honing and sharpening the iron (blade) looked like it would be more work than it was worth. The back of the iron was pitted and the cutting edge did not look very good. I was seriously considering buying a new iron but decided to ask for opinions before spending the money. The advice was, "If you feel like spending $35 on a new iron, go ahead but the pitting is common on old irons and the edge just needs to be worked a bit." So, I flattened the back of the iron (sanded it smooth) and decided to purchase a honing guide to hold the iron at a constant angle (important and necessary).



I am happy to report the jack plane has been cleaned, sharpened, reassembled and put to work! And it works beautifully!

Centerboard: The centerboard blank was laminated (reported on two weeks ago). The lessons learned from the rudder project helped smooth out and speed up the laminating process for the centerboard blank. Once the epoxy set up, I removed the clamps and began shaping the centerboard. That work continues but I must say the jack plane is making quicker work of it than the block plane. I am glad I have both tools (and according to a good friend, I need at least one more plane - a #4 smoothing plane).

Here is the centerboard cut to its profile shape (the emerging foil shape is not apparent in this picture).


Scarfing Jig: A previous report describes the need for a number of "scarfed" joints, and a relatively simple jig for cutting the pieces to be scarfed together. I have begun building the jig. A 2' x 2' piece of 3/4" plywood and some 3/4" square stock have been cut up and glued together to form the sides. 3/4" plywood will be cut for the cross pieces and ought to be glued up later today. I will pick up the materials (masoninte and some 3/4" stock) for the carriage later today, too. The Japaneese saw (see earlier reports) worked very well in making straight square cuts - better I think than I could have done with a powered jig saw. I am happy with that tool, too!

New Tools: I ordered a metric tape measure, some foam brushes, and some spring clamps last weekend. The tape and brushes were delivered on Thursday and I expect the clamps to arrive early next week.

While I understand that the metric system is more logical and should be easier to use than the imperial system, it is going to take some getting used to metrics. However, a simple calculation (multiple 5/8" by 6) using imperial measures turned out to be even easier in metrics (16mm x 6). I still think (and visualize) in terms of inches, so I need to work on that.

The 1" foam brushes are for working with epoxy and they are disposable. The best price I've found for them in a store is 40 cents apiece, but I paid 27 cents each (including shipping) for these.

The spring clamps will be useful for clamping the chine logs to the hull panels, framing to the bulkheads, and the gunwales, inwales, and inwale spacers (when the time comes!). Actually, I am planning to purchase the plywood for the hull panels and bulkheads soon. I can build the bulkheads here in the apartment.