Then today a Wooden Boat Forum thread about "Why sail wooden boats?" (the first post is good and, I think, the second response is excellent) got me thinking. My response to that post was that I am developing a new appreciation for wooden boats, the tools used to build them, and the people who do build them.
With those two recent posts/threads in mind, I thought I would share my reactions to some of the tools I've acquired while building my boat.
Block Plane
I was intimidated by the idea of buying, tuning, sharpening, and using a block plane. After a lot of research and discussion with experienced woodworkers, I bought a Stanley block plane on eBay. It is not an antique or a museum piece of art - it is a nice working tool.
I figured out how to sharpen it and used it to shape the rudder. While a plane is a tool that removes wood to form the desired shape it is also a tool that puts you in touch with the wood and, really, the boat. I am thoroughly enamored with this tool and cannot imagine any wood working project that could not benefit from the use of a plane.
Japanese Saw
The first time I ever heard of a Japanese saw was in a Michael Storer Wooden Boat Plans forum (referred to as MSDF for Michael Storer Design Forum) thread. A day or two later I read something more in a Wooden Boat Forum thread. Based on that I bought an inexpensive one at Home Depot.
This is a great tool! It is a pull saw, which means it cuts on the pull stroke. That took a short while to get used to but it is a charm to work with. The saw does cut on the push, that's just not where the most efficient cut occurs. This saw allows very precise cuts and is easy to control. I found myself using this saw for cutting out my hull panels instead of the power saber saw.
Clamps
Accepted boat building wisdom asserts there is no such thing as having too many clamps. When I began this project I had four C-clamps, and was not particularly anxious to spend a small fortune in clamps. However, while exploring eBay, I found a source for bar clamps at a price that seemed reasonable. I now have 16 bar clamps - and will probably buy another set of 8. I also found spring clamps at Home Depot for a buck apiece - and make a point to pick up one or two each time I visit the store. I have collected 20 of those so I am well on my way to having enough clamps to squeak by...
Saw Horses
Early on in this project I saw a set of saw horses in a post by a Goat Island Skiff builder in Chile (the internet is a great thing!). Knowing they would be useful for assembling the hull, I decided to build a set. Last weekend I bought the materials and built a pair of saw horses.
Reading the description of these did not prepare me for how massive these horses are! They are solid, heavy, and very impressive. I like them enough to make another set.
So, while I would love to have a band saw (not sure why as I have access to one) or a thickness planer (again, I have access), these low cost tools have been impressive additions to my collection.
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