Cedar Strip Mold

 The process starts here..View it below!

*keep in mind that the canoe is constructed upside down until all of the cedar strips are laid.

The first few strips stapled into place.

A few more...

About 15 staples per strip...about 80 strips total...half way there.

This picture was taken with 27 strips per side. The contrasting wood pattern is just for looks and added character.

This is a view from the inside where my cedar strips hit one of the stations. The use of shims allow for less breakout from the staples and provide more curvature.

I've hit a point now where I have to build up one side at a time until i get to the center of the canoe. Then i finish the other side.

Stapling on the last few strips to complete one side.

The beginning stage of using the block plain to create a nearly perfect straight line.

One side is completely done. After three hours of hand planing (using a chisel and block plane) I cut away the access wood to the center line to create a straight edge, I can now begin laying strips to finish the other side.

Cutting the rest of the strips was a chore. It was time consuming and consisted of merely a trial and error method.

After this experience, I've realize that I dont enjoy hand-cut compound angles at all.

After the last strip is glued into place.

The mold complete.

Here are two very much appreciated helping hands removing the 1300+ staples.

Now that my mold is complete, I will start a new page on the sanding and fiberglassing process.  Check back soon!

---

Back To Home Page

View the next step- Stem/Stern