Slow going this weekend. Only put in a few strips on today, although they were some very satisfying strips. There are now two full end-to-end curved strips installed, the first was the white poplar, now joined by the matching walnut.

The reason I've installed the two parallel like this is that when I fill the different colored areas, the joints between the colors will stay precise and well defined.

First "fill" strip installed.... There are really not that many pieces left, although most of them will need to be shaped to fit, curved along the strips here... time consuming for sure, but each piece will have a sense of accomplishment! More to come......

ARTISTIC INSPIRATION FROM BOB?

I've never been very artistic(or musical or anything else!) but with wood I do okay.....
Here's the start of the contrasting deck strips. Poplar for this, I found some nice clear very white poplar, looks like it will work really well with the walnut. More soon, hope to get some work done this weekend.

ALMOST TO THE ARTWORK PART OF THE DECK

Here's the latest:
The bow strips coming together, keep in mind that these are only about 3/8" wide (1/2 width of the 3/4" standard strips)

Stern view:

It's flipped! Hardest part of the stripping process starts now..... Skinny little strips needed to wrap around the variable radius of the outer portion of the deck. More soon!

Couple of shots of the completed hull!!

football going





going



going



gone! Almost, last strip of the hull photo:

The bow is all covered


The "Football" has begun

Stern view, I can't wait to see the hull done & glassed

Last few days..... Slow going with one arm!

A few more pics from the last few days' progress....


The stips have turned the corner... Really starting to take shape

Actually have the first pieces of the center "keel" strips laid. The stern is one cut & glue away from done, fitting strips from here forward..... Won't be long till she gets flipped!

Sunday April 6th.... Progress..... Slow But Sure.

Lots of glue! A little tedious, as you have to plane edges of each strip to follow the shape of the boat. doesn't take long to see the shape of the boat coming to life....

Clamps are my friend!!!!

Long view... Remember I'm building with walnut, can't wait to see the smooth and glossy wood as it grows.....

You can see my wife's boat hanging in the background. I have to finish this by August, we're taking a trip to the Apostle Islands with some great friends from Tennessee.

More soon.

BACK TO WORK!

So the reason for cutting all the strips before my shoulder surgery was so I could do some work on the kayak without having to lift heavy stuff.

So here's Saturday, April 5th's progress: