Shopsmith Forums

Well my cedar strip canoe build has passed a milestone today, I got the first fill coat over the fiberglass by next weekend I should be ready to flip her over and strip the forms. It's been an interesting project, great way to learn and my first real woodworking project, is it perfect, NOPE, but its mine hand built warts and all. Come to think of it, its kind of like me, little out of square, little rough here and there but functional and fairly attractive to most. I can promise the next one will be better.

The shopsmith has been invaluable. I planed the rough lumber, cut strips, cut out and finished the forms all on the shopsmith. I wanted to say thanks to all the members here looking at all the posts of things you've done gave me the courage to tackle this project, although not done, I can see the end in sight now. Here are a few photos of the project. No particular order, various stages of building, unlike some here Im not much for archiving my progress.

Here are a few more photos

Wow! Looking fine!

Looking good! Just yesterday I cut the plywood for the strongback for my canoe (for those who don't know the strongback iss the structure the canoe forms are erected on). Used my Shopsmith (with a home built outfeed table inspired by Dusty's designs).

Al

Great job. That project should keep you out of mischief. How much time do you think you have put into it so far? Did you follow plans or do you have experience in building wooden boats.

fredsheldon wrote:Great job. That project should keep you out of mischief. How much time do you think you have put into it so far? Did you follow plans or do you have experience in building wooden boats.

Thank you, I probably have 100 hours in so far. I have NO experience building boats, but it's addictive as all get out. I've been looking at a sail boat plans or possibly a kayak next. To be honest, its really a pretty simple project. There is a local teacher/maine guide Gil Gilpatrick, lives a couple towns over from here, who put out a book on how to build a wood strip canoe, I've read it quite a few times and have followed it pretty close. Gils book relies on you being able and confident to fill in the blanks in his instructions. Its not a step by step tell all guide.

algale wrote:Looking good! Just yesterday I cut the plywood for the strongback for my canoe (for those who don't know the strongback iss the structure the canoe forms are erected on). Used my Shopsmith (with a home built outfeed table inspired by Dusty's designs).

Al

Al, Im glad to hear your moving forward. Please post photos of your progress.

newportcycle wrote:Al, Im glad to hear your moving forward. Please post photos of your progress.

I'm way behind you! I'm not even done with the strong back so far! When I've got something to show, I'll post some pics. Meanwhile, your progress is totally inspiring me!

Long ago I thought I would like to build a cedar strip canoe. I never really had the space, or the courage to even try.

A tip of the hat to you, for a job well done!

John

Super project very well done!:D Nothing like a first big project to show us all how versitile the Shopsmith can be. Especially when guided by talented hands like yours. CONGRATULATIONS!!!