Working on the frames

The frames and molds function like the ribs of the boat. The five frames are permanent, and will be in the boat when its completed. The two molds, one forward and one aft, are temporary, and are included to help with the planking process.

Each frame consists of three pieces. There is a floor piece that runs parallel to the bottom of the boat, and two side pieces that run up the sides of the boat. The pieces, are attached together with marine grade fir plywood gussets and epoxy.

At this point we've just completed cutting out and planing down the frames and cutting out the gussets. Our epoxy order was delayed, but it should be here on Tuesday and we can start gluing then.

Setting up the shop

Since Drew has been back we've been working on setting up the shop a little. We moved the jig around a little, and build a bench for us to work on. We also set up more lights. Here is a shot of drew setting up a light.

You can also see a little plastic room we constructed in the garage so our landlords can continue to keep things in the garage safe from sawdust and whatnot.

The jig in the foreground has been reinforced and we decided in the end to glue it to the floor. Its super sturdy now. Since this picture we've added the centerline that the boat will be built around.

The Building Frame

The building frame is not part of the boat, its like a bench that the boat rests on as we build it. The molds, which are like the ribs of the boat, are attached to this frame. It is important that the frame be level and straight. Especially if you are building it on a cracked concrete floor...

So, the other day I brought over the bearers (the long pieces that run lengthwise). Drew had previously screwed them together and planed and leveled the tops. I cut them to their appropriate length: 18' 1 1/2". It took me a long time to feel comfortable that they were truly parallel and at the right distance from one another. When I felt good about it, I added the two crossbars that you see in this picture.

Today, I added the legs of the frame. Again, I took a long time to make sure that everything was level every which way. In the end, I think I did a good job. Here is the frame with legs.

I know these aren't super exciting pictures, but we have to have patience, okay? Bear with me here. Maybe tomorrow I'll pose nude in the middle of the shot or something.

JD arrives, shit gets done

Okay, I got up to oly a few days ago. Lets see, its been six I think. The first few days were a rush as Drew and I tried to go over everything we needed to talk about before he left for Paris on the 4th.

We went over the plans, looked through the tools he's been collected, talked about what should be done while he's gone, and went to look at the garage he's found where we can build the dory.

The people whose garage it is are really great, and it seems like things are going to work out there. The only problem was that there garage was full of dirt from a medium sized gardening project they'd been working on. Of course, they were willing to clean it up for us, but given schedules, work, homework, etc, it was going to be a week or more. Of course, since I have nothing but time, I volunteered.

See the garage in its former glory:



After 600 pounds of dirt gets scraped up and taken to the dump:


Next step: Build the "Building Frame"