Laminated vs sawn stem on shellback

[mwybo]

I am about to begin building a shellback dinghy and this will be my first wooden boat project. The plans call for a laminated stem. Other plans I have reviewed call for sawn stems. Lamination seems like a lot of extra work to cut the strips, build a jig, and plane the stem back into shape.

Is there some inherent advantage to lamination (strength for weight, durability, water resistance) that justifies what looks like a lot of extra effort ?

Thanks

Mike

[willmarsh3]

Hi, I built a Shellback in 1996 and I went with the laminated stem. I have an easy way to make the jig. Just build a bunch of T shaped pieces out of 1x2 and 2x4 so that the 1x2 is about 12" long and the 2x4 is about 4" long and screw them together so that the 2x4 is offset a little from the middle of the 1x2. Then drill a hole at each end of the 1x2 for a drywall screw. Then lay out any desired curve on a sheet of plywood and screw the T's to it top side down on the plywood to get your jig. I then ripped out a bunch of 1/8" strips on a tablesaw to make up the piece.
I put plastic sheet or foil between the jig and the piece so I can disassemble it later for reuse to make other curves such as the midships frame.
I figure on a couple of hours spent per piece.
My website has some illustrations of this method:
curved laminated wood (http://willmarsh3.home.att.net/el/elver092103.html)

Best of luck,
Will.

[Bob Smalser]

Seems every time I've chosen to saw out a knee or other bent structural member rather than laminate or steambend it...

... I've regretted the desision as I watch it strain under seasonal movement and anticipate it cracking on me.

[Paul Scheuer]

Welcome Mwybo -


Lamination seems like a lot of extra work to cut the strips, build a jig, and plane the stem back into shape.
It's a hobby dammit ! Suffer like the rest of us. smile.gif

[mwybo]

OK, from what I take from these comments is:

1. there is an easier way to laminate than what is shown in the book, also reuseable for the midships frame,

2. the results are structurally better than sawing the piece, and

3. since this is fun we should be trying to make it last as long as possible !

Sounds good to me.