Gibban

Now for the part of the build that most look on with trepidation...the initial bending of the ribs. All the readings mention making extras because of the very real possibility of some ribs breaking. Gidmark's chapter on Algonquin builder Jocko Carle mentions that Jocko once broke 22 ribs while trying to make a canoe! Given the limited amount of stock provided by the kit I was really only able to make 26 quality ribs to just fit the boat. So there was little room for error. The process started by soaking the ribs in warm water in the tub overnight. The pic shows two bundles of ribs being weighed down with full water bottles. I had previously layed out and numbered the ribs when I had carved them a while back. They were numbered starting on either side of the centre thwart moving towards the bow - so I had 2 sets of 13 ribs bundled and soaked. The hull was quickly cleared of debris and full-length pieces of temporary sheathing were placed on the bottom and the sides. These were held ...

I decided that the chassis of my wings needed some curved components. I considered making these with some home made glulam components, but ultimately chose to steam bend the parts. Having never done this before, I started by knocking together a crude steam box out of some scrap pine. This box is enhanced with a plug on one end, a candy thermometer, a hinged door with a magnetic clasp n the other, and a series of copper wires inside to keep the pieces off the floor of the box. There is a copper pipe sticking out the bottom which is hooked up to an old kettle sitting on a hotplate. I find I can get about 2.5 hours of steam out of the kettle so it works well for me. I made this setup originally thinking that it was just going to be temporary because I was unsure as to the odds of success, but as it turns out it works just fine, although the box has corkscrewed itself about 2 inches of twist, I think next time I am going to be looking for exterior plywood. The first step in the process is ...