Posted by John Nichols on June 27, 2005 at 01:01:55 from 165.91.196.79 user Mcneacail.
In Reply to: Re: Copper & bronze nails posted by David Bamford on June 24, 2005 at 00:13:27:
The book that comes with the plans suggests that finishing is easier if the heads are not proud of the timber. I tried not predrilling on a test piece and the head did not enter the timber at all. This white oak is so hard that it is barely scratched by anything except sharp tools. I have now learnt to finish the plane so it cuts paper with ease. (And me if I am not careful). It takes but a few minutes to predrill the holes on the plank before fitting it to the hull. I can get all the holes in a nice row and finish for the heads.
I have learnt a lot more with this last plank, which was at a significant angle to the previous plank. About 30 degrees relative rotation. When planing the edge it is best to angle the plane so that it cuts the thin edge of the plank first and then rotate the plane around to finish off the bevel to the correct angle. I overcut the last plank and have a 5 mm thick line of beading compound exposed on the outside. Inside it is a tight joint. As I say often I am learning.
It takes a lot of practice to cut the bevels and even with the gauges it can be difficult at times.
Once you start with predrilling - then I am going to finish that way.
How wide are the planks on Scarab? I meant to measure them in England but I forgot.