Which kind of cotton to caulk with?

[Cecil Nickerson]

I'm back again folks for another greenhorn question. I've gotten out the skillet for my Bank dory and planed the appropriate caulking bevels in the seams (1/3 plank thickness) and now I've got to lay my hands on some suitable cotton to caulk them with. Gardner's book mentions a thread of cotton and I take it to be string (butcher's twine) type of cotton, I've got some of the soft hank stuff that looks like unspun wool but I'm thinking that is not the stuff to wheel into the seams. Can anyone point me in the right direction as to type and procedure? Thanks in advance…

Cecil

[Thad]

The unspun cotton can be wheeled into the seams but you might have to split the strand in two to make the bulk sensible for your bevel. Otherwise for small boats fine cotton wicking (which can be had at Traditional Marine Outfitters or Hamilton Marine) might be what you want. The larger cotton wicking (1/8 inch or so diameter twist) is probably too big.

[Ian G Wright]

Why not buy a ball of caulking cotton and use as many, or as few, strands as the seam needs.............?
,,,,,,, or am I missing something?

IanW.

[Cecil Nickerson]

Thanks for the input guys. You're not missing anything Ian, it's me who doesn't know his arse from his elbow when it comes to this stuff (I'm a woodworker first I guess). I'll do some Googling and find a source. Thanks again.

Cecil

[Ian G Wright]

In the unlikly event that Canada and the US have given up on caulking,,,,,,,, Both cotton and oakum are to be found at Classic Marine here in the UK,
http://www.classicmarine.co.uk/

Other places too, but I like CM, nice people,,,,,,and they will export or put you on to a local source.

IanW

[James R]

Try Noah's Marine (http://www.noahsmarine.com) here in Toronto. They carry caulking supplies and tools and will ship to the U.S. To make things easier they have both Canadian and U.S. catalogues on their site.

[ 09-13-2002, 01:00 PM: Message edited by: James R ]

[James R]

Cecil:

I just noticed that you're in Beaumont. Definetely try Noah's then as I doubt that you'll find a supplier in your neck of the woods.

[Bayboat]

I prefer regular caulking cotton to wicking, because you can roll in the exact thickness you need.. Separate the strands and give the amount you need a slight twist, then roll it into the seams. If Noah's doesn't have caulking cotton, you can order it from Jamestown Distributors.
Just any cotton won't do. Good quality caulking cotton has long fibers, appropriate softness, and it's clean.

[Cecil Nickerson]

Once again, thanks to all of you. I don't think I'd feel as confident starting this project without the advice and support.

Best to ya
Cecil