lets talk about boat stuff and other items

This is just a small sideways step to talk about the tools and other items that I have used thus far to build the project. If no one reads this then cool, if people do then great.

I will get this out in the open now. I have not been asked to do any of this, I don't get a hand with anything. I am just some random member of the public. I just wanted to talk about what I have used to make this project to date. If anyone in Australia wants to contact the people I have gotten stuff from then cool.

This is an expansion of the costing of the project tab.

I'm a creature of habit. If I find brands that seem to be good, I will generally stick to them. I am also a local. I kind of think Australia sells itself short and we can do more. I don't pine for the days for fords being made in Brisbane to return and a return to more things being made (well I actually do but that's a different conversation), I just think we're getting totally swamped by an imported culture. now that I have lost most readers, back to the build stuff.

My tools for the most part are my tools. I get the best I can or think I will need. I have taken some chances on some tools and so far, I'm on top.

Plywood and MDF sheets

you will need a full sheet of 12mm and 6mm Lightweight Marine plywood.

I used most of a sheet of 12mm MDF to make jigs for the ribs of the boat.

For my sheet goods I tend to use Plywood & Panel in Darra, QLD.

MDF is MDF, it is only what I used to make a pattern so I could use the table outer for what it was intended for. See the earlier build blog about the process.

Glue types being used in this project.

PVC glue

This is just what I have used. it seems to work ok. HH-66.

The instruction method I used is in this file.

HH66 instructions.pdf

Download PDF • 106KB

Epoxy Resin used

where I really take no credit is the glue types used.

I totally understand we all have our own type and brands of glue we like to use. I have used 3 or 5 brands of epoxy in the last 10 years for a variety of reasons. It was for a few reasons that I wasn't looking forward to using so much of this glue type in the project.

Prior to this project, my main go-to epoxy was West Systems using a 105 resin and 206 hardener. I have also used it with one of their black tints. It is good stuff but fluid. I have also had one or two bad experiences with it where I've experienced something like a thermal run away and it cured way, way, way too fast in the measuring cup. like a run away thermal reaction.

I wanted a solution where I didn't have to fully think about what thickeners I needed to add and in what ratio. I have seen this company at various wood shows around south-east QLD and I knew this was an Australian Company (tick) , and I found out that they were very local to south-east QLD (tick). and because of my trade show wandering, I knew one of their products was already setup with a thickened product. It was thick like a toothpaste and tended to stay where it was put.

I have since used this product on all of the frame-building processes of the boat to date. I am impressed.

it is the Bote Cote Epox-e-glue. it comes in various colours, sizes of container and I really do like it. easy to mix on a 1:1 ratio, already thick. yeah I like it. I only wish for this project they had a 2kg kit and I had hind sight because I would have bought it.

Then again I kinda wish it was also in a small dual piston dispensing cartridge for small repair work and application.

because I have had success with their epox-e-glue I am also going to try their BoteCote Marine Epoxy system with their tropical hardener for the small amount of fibreglass work I need to do. I will update this post after my experiences.

Really good company, give them a try.

stand out random items encountered in the project so far

1. A low angle block plane - if you're working with timber (I'm assuming you are given you're reading a timber boat blog), get a decent low angle block plane. damn handy to have.

2. a mini cast iron hand plane - small and cute but great to have. buy 2 and use one as a paper weight.

3. I am really hesitant to plug a major brands tool but this is one of the exceptions. A Milwaukee 2 speed 1/4" screwdriver. Model M12BD-0. Really good little tool and I am really happy that I have had this drill. there I said it is a drill when it is treated like a driver. I have a small range of drill bits for this tool and it has been the main drill used for this project. it has now become my go to drill for most things having pushed another dill out of the way. There is a fuel version of this tool, I don't have it so I can't rate it with honesty.

4. A band saw, just get a small one. I have a cheap bench top one that has been used for the project.

5. tongue depressors. just get a box, really needed to mix the thick epoxy

6. empty plastic ice cream tubs. again needed to mix glue.

7. an understanding wife/significant other

8. to be updated as time goes on