2001v-drive

skfitz wrote: Why couldn't you laminate plywood for the stringers?

Shawn,
Due to the problem of finding decent Doug Fir in some parts of the country, we have discussed other options. One of them is the use of LVL (Microlam). Certainly a decent product and it being load rated you sure wouldn't need to worry about the large voids typically found in common plywoods. A plus is it comes already laminated and in any length you need!! It's my #1 choice. before getting into the higher costs/lamination requirements of a composite.

SNobsessed wrote: skfitz wrote: Why couldn't you laminate plywood for the stringers? What Pete didn't emphasize was that plywood typically doesn't come in 14 foot lengths, so there would be a weak spot where you have to overlap the layers. Plus plywood is pretty famous for delaminating when it gets wet.

Not true.

The last wood wing I took apart had laminated spars with scarf joints. Not any weaker.

Tim

Pete, thanks for the Jamestown suggestion, they are $20 cheaper than West on that evercoat. And for how to set up the links.

As far as the boat goes, I know you like to keep it traditional, but I'm with F & F, my boat has already been completely customized for wakeboarding. I am not worried about re-sale, if I ever sale it, if someone doesn't want to give me what I ask for or like the way I have customized it, then to bad. That's why I want to use the best possible material for the stringers, my boys may inherit the boat in 18 years.

Now, I know Overtons isn't the preferred site for ordering materials, but has anyone ever used the Overtons (or any other brand) non-slip coating. I know evercoat makes a good product, but I don't like the fact that you have to mix gel-coat for the color.

Two more suggestions for stringers:

1) I have heard of doing fiberglass stringers, making a mold of the stringer in the boat, then pouring the epoxy mixed with glass into the mold. Anyone have experience with that?

2) Boise Cascade has a manufacturing facility ~ 30 min. from my house that produce engineered wood beams. I may go talk to them, let them know what it will be used for and see what they say.

speaking of tig welding, I had a clambake today and decided to heat the pot so it would retain heat in the garage (no water in it)...I rented the pot and yeah, fk i burnt a hole right through it, it was aluminum and it looks like about 150.00 pot...I'll find out tommorow when I tell the guy Im buying his pot. I guess I'll take this one and tig a round patch in it. expensive day.

bradtm16 wrote: I know evercoat makes a good product, but I don't like the fact that you have to mix gel-coat for the color. Two more suggestions for stringers: 1) I have heard of doing fiberglass stringers, making a mold of the stringer in the boat, then pouring the epoxy mixed with glass into the mold. Anyone have experience with that?

Brad,
Evercoat products lean towards the DIY guy walking into the local marine supply. There are other sources for gel like U.S. Composites or MiniCraft of Florida. Pre pigmented gel is available from them. The only problem is a color match and the quantity you need to buy. I do know MiniCraft does have quarts.

There is a product meant for casting. "Seacast" is heavy and very expensive! Making a mold isn't as easy as you may think. Some have tried to use the old glass over the stringers as a mold by digging out the wood. With both methods, I question the amount of time/cost needed VS just using the conventional wood method. With the Seacast, it would definitely be more expensive.

Also, you need to keep in mind the strength factor of the wood compared to casting. Seacast claims to be made for the purpose but I wouldn't recommend mixing your own. Here's why: In order for the mix to cast/pour, you would need a very high percentage of resin and very little filler. This will make for a very weak mix. The resin itself is weak and It's really only a "glue" to hold the glass together. The glass is what gives a fiberglass composite the strength.

Pete,that laminated beam stuff is pretty cool But was under the impression that certain glues used in ply could not be encased because they cure/breath for years.Is this accurate or hearsay?

Shaft had a nick in it so I chucked it up just to be safe.It was very straight so I spun her and buffed the seal area.



The I took the window frame and sprayed it with satin black epoxy paint

Man Ryan you are making some good time, your making the rest of us look lazy. Impressive tool collection too, but I do think you could use a larger lathe

Gary S wrote: Man Ryan you are making some good time, your making the rest of us look lazy. Impressive tool collection too, but I do think you could use a larger lathe

Gary I assure you my shop is very humble,I am however making very good time

form&function wrote: Gary I assure you my shop is very humble,I am however making very good time

Well it got my attention Ryan. I've always wanted a lathe, don't know what I'd do with it but I want one. A small mill would be nice too.

Gary S wrote: I've always wanted a lathe, don't know what I'd do with it but I want one. A small mill would be nice too.

Gary,
Good used are very plentiful and cheap!. Lots of tool/machine shops out there that have sold off their equipment to used dealers. Check ebay or even keep a eye out in your local classifieds.

We even have 5 or 6 Bridgeport's out in the "graveyard" but there are so many of them available used that they aren't worth anything. (plus they aren't in the greatest shape - lots of hours on them!!)

BTW, no machine tools out in the back in your graveyard? Just horns?

8122pbrainard wrote: Good used are very plentiful and cheap!

I've had an eye out for exactly what Ryan has and haven't found one yet; not close anyway.

Yep Ryan has a big one, some of us just have to use what we have to hand, in my case its not how big but what you can do with it.

BuffaloBFN wrote: SN206 wrote: I know a guy in Ardmore, OK thats giving a 9" lathe with tools away if you want it, I just don't have the room right now. Any chance this is what miniature furniture was made on years ago? I could give it a good home.

My friend owns a machine shop and says it is a good one, he just dosen't have a need for a small one. Forgot the brand, but it begins with a "S"

SN206 wrote: I know a guy in Ardmore, OK thats giving a 9" lathe with tools away if you want it, I just don't have the room right now.

Thanks for the thought, if you were close I'd be there in a heartbeat