Stitch & glue question for a pirogue

[Waliczek]

Well, I purchase the plans for an Uncle John's pirogue, Cleaned out the garage, turned on the furnace, put the wife's car in the driveway( she's now ticked, but after 43 years I am used to that). purchased the plywood, butt glued the panels, and cut out the sides. I am thinking of using stitch & glue for the stem and stern, also for the bottom. My question!= I noticed that some people advocate spacers between the panels, something about avoiding wood to wood contact prior to filleting and glassing. Your sharing of experience concerning this situation. Is it critical of not?
Thanking in advance for any help.
Tom

 

[hairymick]

Hi Tom,

Welcome aboard mate.

The Uncle Johns method is not so much a stitch & glue but more like a glue & screw and weight method.

Are you planning to use stitch & glue instead of cutting the end (stem) pieces? if so, I would use spacers there. You will also need the hull frames as in the UJ plans, or if going completely S&G, at least temporary hull stations where the frames chould go.

Chuck is a UJ specialist and knows much more than I do about UJs lovely little pirogues.

Good luck with the build mate and please share with us your adventures and piccies as you go.

 

[Waliczek]

Hi Hairymick, I was considering using the Stitch and Glue for the stem and stern, but using the frames listed in the plans. I just feel that cutting the stems and stern posts to be too complicated for this old guy. So I will follow your advise and use spacers for that area.
Thank you for the response...
Tom

 

[hairymick]

G'day Tom,

Here is a link to the S& G Build of my Jem Pirogue. Hope it gives you a few ideas mate.

http://www.neilbank.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2940

 

[Waliczek]

Now that's what I am talking about...
Thanks again for the leads..
Back to work tomorrow, It's 10:22 PM in Kansas now, so to bed for me.
Something about turning into a grouchy ole man if I don't I don't get my beauty ? sleep.
Tom

 

[oldsparkey]

If you are not using the stem and stern pieces and just bringing the sides boards together at the ends then the only way to go would be with the stitch and glue , there is noting there to screw into.

When they are together I would suggest doing a epoxy fill at each end to give the area some more support.

A epoxy end fill is when you make a dam just back of the junction and pore epoxy in there to fill the void.

Since you are using spacers , secure the ends , remove the spacers , then tape the outside of the end pieces and do a really thick end fillet with epoxy and some wood flour , this would be the easiest way of doing it.

Chuck.

 

[stevesteve]

Hi,

I made a stem piece but not as complicated as the UJ design. You can see it in this pic.

I had just glued the outer rub rails on at this stage and had left them overhanging (I'll cut them back later).

The stems are just bluntly tapered (trapezoidal) blocks. When I'm ready I'll put a curved hardwood capping strip down them held on with epoxy.

 

[Waliczek]

I guess the saying is true." When all else fails, read the directions." I laid in bed last night and studied the plans, and decided to try and set up the saw to see if I could cut out the stem and stern. Well, I did. It took a couple of tries to get everything set up right. I am back on the right track. I will save the stitch and glue for another boat. I thank everyone for your advice.
Tom

 

[hairymick]

No worries mate. it all good fun.

I'm real glad you cut the bow & stern pieces. I think it is a great idea and saves a lot of time when sticking the boat together.

Have some fun with it mate, and please pist some piccies along with your build story.

 

[oldsparkey]

Have some fun with it mate, and please pist some piccies along with your build story.

Mick....Really..... PIST some piccies ..... Come on it was not that hard of a day at work. Or Was it? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Been there and never got the "T" Shirt..... See Waliczek , no matter what anyone tells you we are human. OK... Sometimes but no one will ever admit it since we just look like some ole over the rapids and down the river paddlers.. Not a pretty sight for anyone to see.

Chuck.

 

[Waliczek]

Not to worry about that, Chuck, I have my own nicks, scabs and scars. a good life of construction leaves a few wrinkles over the years. My kids want me to retire..(age 68) but I am having too much fun. besides, I would no longer be the boss. The wife is in charge at home, and I am not ready to be relagated to fetching and carryun'. This is going to be my crappie fishing boat. I can build you large building, but I am going to need all of you fine people to help me build a boat.
Tom

 

[oldsparkey]

We are here to help you....... For whatever it is worth , if anything :lol:

Just remember .. what ever your questions are , someone else has already asked them from the 406 members on here. So when you ask something you will get a lot of answers and those answers are meant to help you , you do not have to do them but only decide on which way or the one that best suits your final desires about your boat.

This is not like walking into a shop and purchasing one off the shelf ... NO SIR .. NO WAY..... Your boat will be one of a kind , custom made for your needs by you. It will be as individual as you are.

Then when it is done .. You will be just like the rest of us , shutter , when someone has a question you will be there to answer it for them and to give some guidance. It is called folks helping folks and that is why we are here.

Chuck