Today we carried on from the last lesson and used dividers and a rulestaff to start spiling a plank.
The evening class had already completed the sheer plank, or sheer strake/binding strake, so we worked on the plank beneath.
Jerome already had the rulestaff in place so we all took turns using the dividers to mark the rulestaff to transfer the lines to the plank stock.
To do this we placed the point of the dividers underneath the sheer plank, in the centre of the frame, or timbers.
I am not sure how to explain how this works but I understood it when we transferred the lines to the plank stock.
Jerome made up a jig to act as a fence for cutting plank. we placed a batten along the plank stock where the lines intersected. Pressing the batten against the fence ensures that we maintain the proper curve so the plank will be snug.
We did this batten/jig technique on both sides of the plank. After, we ran the plank through the thickness planer. This required all hands as the plank is over 17 feet long. To get such a long plank, some wood had to be added using planks and glue. Planing cut down the glue and also removed the “shine” off the plank.
When we tried the plank on the boat, it fit very well. We clamped it in place and it looked great. After, Jerome took our picture with the boat.
Glossary
- sheer strake: the top plank on both sides of the boat going from stem to stern, determining the appearance of the boat. (Chaulk-Murray)
- binding strake: the topmost strake of planking, so-called because it · acts to “bind” together the timber pairs at the top edge of the hull. (Taylor 385)
- timber: a wooden transverse member, made up in pairs, which is fastened to the keel and the planks. (Taylor 398)
Building a Traditional Newfoundland Punt 