Starting to laminate a fresh stack of quarter-inch strips into an arched roof support.
Houseboat update, Monday, January 7, 2019 -- Starting to laminate a fresh stack of quarter-inch strips into an arched roof support. Thinking a few steps ahead, it occurs to me that the inside curve of these arches will be a visible design element of the cabin ceiling, constantly on display as evidence of how much I care about aesthetic considerations. I think I care a lot, so that surface will be sanded and finished to a warm amber glow. So it occurs to me that it's easier to sand now, while it's flat, then later, when it's the inside curve of a glued-up laminate. The sanded surface will be stacked against the taped face of the jig with no glue, so it should be quite clean when I release the clamps after the lay-up hardens into its form. I should have thought of this before I produced the first four such arches, but I have nine to go, and "better late than never."
Today started with the correction of a mistake, and ended with getting Jersey Girl's...
Houseboat update, Saturday, August 31, 2019 -- Today started with the correction of a mistake, and ended with getting Jersey Girl's central roof ready for fiberglassing. Late yesterday, pushing past sensible physical limitations, I decided to get a jump on installing the starboard roof overhang. It's a good thing I got only a little done, because I discovered this morning that it was 3/16 inch wider than the overhang on the port side. I doubt anyone would have noticed, but I know it would be a source of continuing irritation to me! I could zip through this in a few seconds with a power saw, but with questionable balance and awkward position, that might result in disaster in the blink of an eye. So I used a Japanese pull saw and a little elbow grease, and it took about 20 minutes to correct the error. Next, I installed the rest of the overhang, and when that was done, filled the remaining grooves with a thickened mixture of epoxy and silica powder. Over the next few days, I will sand the entire area as smooth as I can reasonably get it, then use a fairing compound to eliminate any irregularities, sand again. God, I hate sanding.
The starboard gull wing has its face board installed and its green fairing glop applied.
Houseboat update, Friday, October 25, 2019 -- the starboard gull wing has its face board installed and its green fairing glop applied. When this cures, I'll sand it down, then fiberglass it. Now, on to the same treatment for the port side, and a whole bunch of long- deferred little details that have to be attended to.
