Craftmanship details

[Ocean Spray]

How about a thread showing photos of unique craftsmanship that you have incorporated into the building of your boat . . . . . maybe a custom tiller, a beautifull breasthook or quarter knee, a little carving, wood cleats, oarlock pads . . . . tastefull, good looking, functional . . . . something simple that really sets off your boat.

[Sailor]

What's going on here? This thread is an awesome idea and nobody is jumping at the chance to show off some little bit of their work? If I had a digital camera....... and a boat I had built, I'd be all over this thread with pics. Come on guys, some of you are craftsmen of the highest order, let's see your work.

[nzmrs]

Hi great idea if I can only figure how to use the upload facility. I have some photos of students' work on the 1904 B Class gaff cutter Ngatira. Can anyone help?

[mmd]

Post your photo on some photo-hosting site such as Photobucket.com.
Open the photo.
Right-click on the photo and select "properties".
Highlight the address (URL) and press ctrl-C.
Open the thread you wish to post to on the WBF.
In the message box, type:

the URL address that you copied

and you get:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/mmd_ns/bowviewwithbuildingcrewanddesigner2.jpg

[Wild Wassa]

"This thread is an awesome idea and nobody is jumping at the chance to show off some little bit of their work?"

Sailor, If you read Dave's thread on the 'Three elements of craftsmanship', I wrote, " 5. You can't see what a craftsman has done."

How can you show what you can't see?

Plus, I'm excluded, from this post, I'm a boat restorer, I don't build boats but I do I like to post shots (so I'll find a way around this).

Plus Tom wrote (on Dave's thread), " It's not possible to define craftsmanship." Until we can define it, we are all excluded.

A further point, Ken wrote (again from Dave's thread), "Fit, function, finish." With all respect to the boat builders above, I can't see a scrap of finish in their painted hull. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and view it as just a rough attempt at an undercoat. Until the boat is finished and you 'can't see the craftsmanship' because we can definitely see the build ... the boat above is just a boat in progress and could have been built by anyone ... except by me of course because I don't build boats ... and if they want to seriously fix that crappy paint job, they should give it to a painter.

Warren.

[Ken Hutchins]

Ok here is an example a finger jointed edge scarf in a plank instead of the conventional butt joint with a backing block. This is something that will be totally out of sight when the boat is finished, an example of fit. Finishing will be easy the plank is perfectly fair to the others.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid81/p0a86206838a1833cc24385a518ebe544/fafd4aba.jpg
Here is another example the pivot for the stasil boom which will be mounted on the bowsprit. Also shown is the nuts for the prop shaft. Examples of fit and function.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid171/p0886adfe713344dc1cf6555f50162c81/f3e69b7f.jpg
Might as well show some patterns for castings, other work that will be out of sight in the finished boat.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb4e6f51f2cf59989738a3644fe362ad5/ef75e2a1.jpg

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Believe it or not, even though I'm thoroughly enjoying sailing Tidbit, work on Dove has not stopped. The shipwright continues at a glacial pace. But is doing lots of little Craftsmanship details. I stopped by yesterday to check on the progress and saw a wonderful designed and executed back combing. Made out of beautiful clear oak. It has compound curves and a little more substantial that the cracked & rotting previous one. This one has a laminated lip that fits over the deck but looks as if it is one piece. The lip guides water to the small scupper holes on the port and starboard side. To anyone not knowledgeable about the boat it would not even be notices, it is just a subtle elegant solution.

He also has made some super elegant scarfs in cracks in the rub-rail. Also a small area on the port side of the hull had some bugs eating a long hole. He gut out the bad and places a scarfed piece that fits perfectly and will be painted to never be noticed. Really very nice little detail work.

If I get down this afternoon I will photograph some of it.

[StevenBauer]

How about this paintjob Warren?

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid108/p814c419febd2daab4010a4bb973a2c18/f949d99a.jpg


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid108/p6b4b41ad259b6912ad587c727b790fa9/f949d9bc.jpg


Not my work but I love little details like these:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid56/p316d4899ced80e996f15865b1c24557e/fc759ade.jpg

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

As promised

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p73061d0f8173e712cf7aee26e0f6dd2f/ef74c37a.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p37cac5150f45728827b301ba598c88f1/ef74c190.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p259df4e0327c1f519882897525ab592f/ef74bf3c.jpg

Here is the thin old one next to the new one

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p27d37ff1307f993da909347badd2a799/ef74bc31.jpg

[Sailor]

That's what we're talking about guys. And craftsmanship may not be describabel, or visible but it is discernible. Show us the pics and we'll pick out the craftsmanship. Remember the "Attention to detail" article WB used to have? This thread could be that.

[Canoeyawl]

Here is a pair of Wee snatch blocks
http://www.gunkholing.org/images/block2.jpghttp://www.gunkholing.org/images/block1.jpg

[Bill Perkins]

My boat has no ornament , but if we're going to post structural detail too I've got a knee I really like .Working right on top of the lofting I could plane down to a dead perfect fit where the seperately laminated stem , knee , and keel come together ; the largest and single most important joint in the boat , glued and bolted . It's now hidden behind a bulkhead with a large volume of foam block carved to fit . http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid54/p8769b63ebcbff02c7bec5dc6940a6295/fc83da77.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid54/pfe8e22cb864827154eb3824af9c0cd85/fc83db03.jpg

[Dave Fleming]

Here is a pair of Wee snatch blocks
http://www.gunkholing.org/images/block2.jpghttp://www.gunkholing.org/images/block1.jpg

ACES, Jake!

[Concordia...41]

Dave's floors:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid11/p908b09fc5d6552668691a63adfdb351e/fe103c89.jpg

It'll take 50 years to know if it made a difference or not, but because the original white oak floors deteriorated horizontally along the grain lines, Dave incorporated the edge pieces. Theory being that even if the floors deteriorated, the sections joining the frames would have horizontal and semi-vertical grain and therefore would not be so subject so splitting.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Front hatch

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p020214879df82e5f587a0bfcde80a63c/f03a1eed.jpg

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

WHOA PETE !!!!!!:eek:

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

.. one more... Top for my cockpit cabinet... it's complete, but I have not pics of it yet.


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p7b64a01d9420e3bbf706ea2fe5553dd3/f0135c62.jpg

[Bill Perkins]

But will it melt in the Sun ?

[Lew Barrett]

Hey Peter,
What kind of Simple Sailor goes to sea with hatches like this?:D
Lew


Front hatch

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p020214879df82e5f587a0bfcde80a63c/f03a1eed.jpg

[Lew Barrett]

This 4/4 teak table replaced a melamine covered ugly thing and we think fits the Monk style well.
Lew

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid200/pe0127d41fcd5c293694cfc5d073cfa5d/f05baa50.jpg

[Lew Barrett]

Maybe not the best picture of the wheel but it's said to have been the builder's (Ed White, Lakewood Boat Co) gift to the original owner and it is hard enough to varnish, let alone contemplate building.

Lew
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid197/pa47e4c65deac51b91d13ba5c1127b015/f10a5f0b.jpg

[Sailor]

PMJ you can work in my shop ANYTIME. That is absolutely incredible. You should be posting pictures everyday. Of course that means upping your production and ensuring that we have new items to drool over but I'm sure you can do it. Man, to be a thousandth as talented.....

[Sailor]

PMJ, would you be so kind as to tell us what it is we're looking at? What kinds of wood how the joinerwork was done etc?

[Wild Wassa]

"How about this paintjob Warren?"

Steve, What do you think that I would seriously say?

Apart from, good composition benefits from simplicity, simplicity is a sign of good taste and good taste is synonymous with ... Minimalists rule OK.

OR, that paint job is twee but pictorialism has it's place ... somewhere.

Warren.

[Wild Dingo]

And if you hadnt realized it yet...

What Wassa first said created not only the MOMENTUM for others to post the pics first asked for... but also the INSPIRATION for them to do so!!

In typical Aussie fashion he (as we say) "took the phiss outta yer" and you all went for it!! :D

Well done ol son well done :cool:

ahem... at least thats what I think he did and Im stickin to it!! ;)

oh by the way... perfekshun is a state of delusion a mysterious state of euphoric mental fantasy of the totally unattainable... although we all aspire to perfekshun we are unable to attain it... never have never will as there will always be that little "uhoh" that small blemish that "mmmm" factor... but try we must and try we will and always we attain a level of beauty that we enjoy and cherish... but perfekshun? not gonna ever happen get used to it get over it and move on :cool:

[Wild Wassa]

Craftsmanship details? ... let's start with a few minor details.

How about, a few bits of Gaboon marine ply ... waiting on the craftsman? Don't hold you breath it could be along wait.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pa79729779ac9cdd51411b7e5e0948b3a/ef729c22.jpg


This is about as close as I'll ever get to a boat builder ... I know he is somewhere in the room.

I feel like a boat builder ... so where do I find one this time of night?

If anyone laughed at this, you have just excluded yourself from the Guild of Crafstsmen ... being a craftsman is not a laughing matter. It is like dating a German chick, you can love her but she won't always love you back.

Warren.

[Mrleft8]

PMJ, would you be so kind as to tell us what it is we're looking at? What kinds of wood how the joinerwork was done etc? Lemme take a stab at the wood ID. Mahogany crotch veneer, "Blistered" Maple, or "Peanutshell" Andora veneer, Satinwood veneer, Ribbon stripe Mahogany...... Close?

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Okay comments first:

Ken, those castings and metal pieces are fantabulous... I would love to get into doing that stuff.

Lew, I noticed that table the first time I looked at your boat pics. It's a beauty, and I thought it was original.. perfect style. The wheel would be a grand exercise in profanity from a building perspective. :D I lust after your boat.


Margo: I remember the floor pics from the first time they were posted, with Dave in the pictures... It makes me sad, but it makes me re-embrace the idea of craftmanship being a lasting monument to someone too..:)

Joe: You have two boats now that I think you should NEVER sell. Dove may really surprise you at how delightful she is to sail.

Warren: Your paint work makes me feel like a hack. I'm sure that's just the level you do everything.:D

Lefty, Sailor: Lefty is close. The main frame of the hatch is African Mahogany. The marquetry panel is African crotch swirl mahogany. The corners and center of the compass rose is Bosse pommele, which is african in origin. The edges and compass points are Zebrawood. The frame is a splined miter, with a teak blind half lapped frame underneath to hold the weatherstripping.

The Anchor inlay is mahogany, on a background of Bosse pommele, with an Iroko outside frame. The backing is 3/4 marine fir ply. All the inlays are epoxied, then clear coated in epoxy, followed by ten coats of Epifanes. Both panels will be covered when the boat is in port.

Just a comment: That Bosse Pommele is absolutely stunning... it has the looked of quilted birdseye satinwood, to give you a comparison that doesn't exist, but the texture does.

another hatch pic.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p7789bf9d5ce7b611f8cd56985797b733/f03a1c16.jpg

[Sailor]

Pmj You Are A God. Come Build My Deck Furniture

[westinghouse]

Okay, George post those pics of your raised panel bulkheads. Nat G. would be proud.

[westinghouse]

And Joe, when Dove is done it is time to trade in those Marple chisels for some Two Cherries or the like. Man, those blue handles bring back a lot of memories. Great chisels, but I don't know if they can be honed to trim armhair (well, you can do it, it just doesn't last long).

And PMJ, well, what Sailor said. Nice work!

[sawcutmill]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid188/pc0ad04f4ef880973d8692a7871714d0a/f216b305.jpg

[kc8pql]

A few of my Buehler Jenny:

http://i2.tinypic.com/vhu5oy.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/vhu5i9.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/vhu6ja.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/vhu893.jpg

[Sailor]

Jenny is beautiful. Thanks for the pics. I like the trim around the drawers it really sets it all off.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

KC8ql.... that is absolutely beautiful work... congrats. I love that chest. stunning work.

[kc8pql]

Thanks.You do pretty well yourself.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

ahhh... I had help... JMAC is the marquetry artist around here, he gave me some good advice.... so did Bruce Hooke.

[Paul Girouard]

Nice work guys :) ;)

[Lew Barrett]

So many pretty things here; it's a testament to many fine skills .
I've been working on these decks for many weeks now. Here are a couple of shots four coats in.There are four more coats to go. The seams were old white lead putty, but kept the water out for many years. They were tight, but getting ugly. Ten years ago , a good friend of mine came up with the clever idea of "masking" them with automotive striping tape. He called it "faux Detco, and it was a great success. They looked amazingly skookum for a long time, but last year they finally started to leak and it was time to do the job properly.
I had the decks professionally caulked, I've just been doing the finish work. The finish work, I immodestly point out, has been significantly more time consuming than the caulking, which only took a few days. It will be a great relief to be through with this project, as there have been several challenges thrown into the mix and the boat is unusable until it's done for obvious reasons. To put it bluntly, white is harder than black....but it's not obvious if you've never done it before.
Lew


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pd3a7b11dd12212e7116404f95eef421d/ef6bd2bb.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p2eed12c8cff35bb3f18b0456073f1dcc/ef6bd2d3.jpg

[Bob Perkins]

I have two to add:

Here is a section from the transom where I cut out the holes for the exhaust ports:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid191/p05d9229381e0aa9fe1c637577f800361/f1d7ffef.jpg

There are 2 layers of Okume Plywood, one layer of 1/8" mahogany. Then Solarlux stain, 4 oz. glass cloth, 3 layers of epoxy and 2 layers of varnish (not rubbed out of course).

Really what I'm showing is the power of vacuum bagging for cold molding vs. Staples. The vacuum made these tight glue lines and a rock solid hull.

Here is where I am today:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pd172c95863f97ab10f0d494761aeb24d/ef6afb27.jpg

Here the deck planks are glued in place with ~250 *clamps* and 1/8" tile spacers keeping things lined up.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Your boat is impressive Bob... Beautiful work.

Lew, I lust after your boat. but you might have to come with it :D

Here is a finished shot of the cockpit cabinet I built. It will store a few odds and ends out of sight. It's painted white inside.


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pf22c04be2922bacc6efccfc1cf33d099/ef695777.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc18fe69837e6a2b435090f7d6d30ba28/ef695f84.jpg

[Bob Smalser]

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/7711190/139932221.jpg

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/7711190/139929543.jpg

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/7711190/101687783.jpg

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/7711190/101677187.jpg

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/4518261/60037711.jpg

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/4664832/58825193.jpg

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/4664832/140015233.jpg

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/4639129/58622485.jpg

[Ocean Spray]

We're really beginning to see some great "craftsmanship details". I hope that this thread continues into the future with these gems.
Now that I have FINALLY figured out how to post a photo, i will join in the thread that I started with a transom photo of my latest project, a 15'00" Ducktrap Wherry.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p9b076a1998347401935144e6cc005c5f/ef6960b8.jpg:) :) :)

[Lew Barrett]

Thanks PMJ. I do come with it, and so does my dog. Rita will need some hatches to meet Jardine levels of expectations....;)

[Ocean Spray]

Bob Perkins, what or where are "clamps"? . . .are they screws with washers in the joints? Nice looking boat, good job! Polysulfide for the joints? What is Solarlux stain?
Bob S., those are some fine looking traditional details. What is the hinge for? . . . . access to the centerboard? Do you have a shot a little further back so I can see the whole picture. I really like those bronze jam cleats with the sheaves built in to the cleat. Were they custom?
Peter, are you a cabinet maker? Where did you learn how to do inlay?

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

"Where did you learn how to do inlay?"


Right here is where I got advice. That hatch is my second attempt. The first attempt and it's repairs got Fubared...it wasn't weather ready. :(


Bob Smalser... I love that box and leather strap for the winch handle. and the steering gear...nice.

[Bob Smalser]

details. What is the hinge for? . . . . access to the centerboard? Do you have a shot a little further back so I can see the whole picture. I really like those bronze jam cleats with the sheaves built in to the cleat. Were they custom?


Many CB trunks need clearance for the CB's bronze strap to clear the box when lowered or raised...hence the hinged cap.

Winch handle sheathes can be simple birdsmouthed sections:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/7483424/97909701.jpg

I buy all the salvaged bronze hardware I can find at flea markets and Ebay. Usually several boats ahead of time.

[L.W. Baxter]

Does a nice piece of wood count? This is my Douglas Fir sternpost.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid138/pa7578ea17fad20217ebad66a69413ce0/f726105a.jpg

[Ocean Spray]

Sternpost to . . . . .?

[Bob Perkins]

Bob Perkins, what or where are "clamps"? . . .are they screws with washers in the joints? Nice looking boat, good job! Polysulfide for the joints? What is Solarlux stain?
...
The screws and washers are the clamps :D

The seams will get some white stuff, not sure who's yet...
Solarlux is a water based dye that is UV resistant and epoxy will stick to (unlike a fair number of oil based stains). The Kayak guys have had good luck with it so I gave it a try.

[L.W. Baxter]

...sternpost to a 26' Calkins Bartender, O. Spray.

Here's another shot I like, looking at the framing of the bottom aft.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid153/p1745e0f47d692e262cd8b0ba2e2d09a8/f589e33f.jpg

Not claiming any special level of craftsmanship...as Wassa says, "could have been built by anybody"... but most people don't, eh?

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

:cool:Nice job LW... that's a nice pic too...

[Ocean Spray]

Enclosed are a couple of shots of a pair of light weight oars that we recently made for a Nutshell Pram. The shaft(loom?) is hard pine, actually 1.5" dia. closet rod from Home Depot, the blades were made from some left over sitka spruce and mahogany blade tips. The mahogany tiller is for my old one design 24' Raven and was made from wood recycled from an old sign.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p577ff37b52125cdee89825863689ffc4/ef5dbe4c.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p4b65785034175c670050030fd9efb5b3/ef5dbf62.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pbaa4a2de85cb17fbfc1981cde50d856d/ef5dbe5a.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p979274ed4ab764fa4fab7ae6905e5128/ef5dbe41.jpg

[Wilson Fitt]

I havn't posted here for a long time, so I thought I'd give the new forum a whirl.

Here is a view of our boat Christina Grant the day before launching. No shiny bronze anymore; too many miles under the keel.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid10/p80f30524e9246f0bbfa4f2a2bd211953/fe033784.jpg

[Sailor]

Tell us more about Christina Grant. She looks pretty good and the bronze that I see isn't that weathered.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Beautiful boat Wilson... more please

[Wilson Fitt]

The CG is a Bill Atkin 'Jerry Colemore" with larger rig and revised deck and accommodations plan. The pic was taken in my (former)backyard the day before launch in June 1999. The bronze stayed nice and shiny until about the first of July that year.

I discovered that under the profiles section the new forum provides an easy link to all threads started by a member. If you look at mine, you'll see a fairly complete account of the boat and some of our recent sailing along with quite a few pictures.

We are still in our winter berth at RNSYS in Halifax. Hoping to re-step the mast this weekend and head for the summer mooring in Chester in the next couple of weeks. Anyone finding him or herself in the neighbourhood is welcome aboard for a visit.

[Thorne]

Don't know if this qualifies with all the other beautiful stuff on this thread, but it is about the best I can do currently -

http://www.luckhardt.com/kickup-full1.jpg

http://www.luckhardt.com/final-transom.jpg

[J. Dillon]

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6502/seachest103et.jpg

Here one of my pine sea chests made for my grand children. The one above was for Wyatt, his initial is on the front Each chest is a little different. My granddaughter has a burning on the inside lid of a full rigged ship under all sail. Got to get a pix of it some day.

JD

[DougWilde]

A couple things on Williwaw's rudder:

Work with the grain of the wood if you can, so as to echo the part
http://dbwilde.home.comcast.net/Williwaw/rudder2.jpg

I also made sure the notch would accommodate my foot (why else do you think they put such a flourish on a workboat?)

Make a vitue out of a necessity
http://dbwilde.home.comcast.net/Williwaw/rudder3.jpg
The rudder is laminated-up from two sheets of plywood. Adds a nice touch when varnished. The ply is mahogany and reiterates the mahogany of the transom (see next photo).
Also note the relieved corners; less likely to ding the varnish on the tiller.

Keep mechanics simple.
http://dbwilde.home.comcast.net/Williwaw/rudder6.jpg
A looped copper wire keeps the pin in place. An even simpler mechanism would be a clothespin-type peg that would keep itself secure in the hole would eliminate the need for the copper.

Doug Wilde

[Ocean Spray]

Doug, very nice form, function and photos. I love the idea that your foot will fit in the notch. As I get older, I can really appreciate a functional, practical way to assist me in getting back into my boat by myself.
Enclosed are a couple of photos of the completed new seats for my Ducktrap Wherry. Being not so humble, but very proud, I had Lee Valley tools make me a branding iron. http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/paa38acb9de8ff167356987d1c814cd03/ef52b17e.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p679ad64ca2ab2f1e8364f9e2d803f6fa/ef52b101.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p8059e2c55221903c104ef775fafeabcc/ef52af25.jpg
I used Walter Simmonds' seat plans along with help from Iain Oughtred and John Brooks:) :)

[MKane]

Bump !

[Paul Girouard]

Bump !

Thanks MKane , it wasn't the one I was looking for but it's a ggod one that I some how missed , thanks again :)

[JimConlin]

There's a delicate balance needed.

As an octogenarian Appalachian banjo picker said after hearing Earl Scruggs for the first time, "I'd like to be able to do that, and then not do it."

[Ocean Spray]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pbb14990d715268e2c2a75f41d1e7a53a/eee0d302.jpg:)