splinning, what timber to use (australia)

[steve pilot 35]

Hello to you all, the seams in my mahogany hull are getting a little on the big side so we are going to spline then, but what is a good soft timber to use that i can get my hands on in australia, we will still cork between plank - spline on one side, thanks steve

[PeterSibley]

Steve,I know nothing of splining but if I remember rightly you want a very soft timber,something that will compress as the planking swells ?

If that is the case,Queensland Red Cedar would be your best bet,soft ,light ,glues well and rot resistant.A bit expensive but if you aren't concerned with the best colour or long lengths you should find it for around $2700 cm.

[Spissgatter W-9]

Here in Pac North West we use red cedar. I ripped seam with special blade to provide uniform groove of 10 degrees. Then glued in wedges of 4 / 4 cedar. Stapled temporarily. Next day after glued set I removed staples then planed off the portion that was proud of the plank. ~ 3/8". Can see process at: Trine Wedge Seaming ( http://homepage.mac.com/george_boggs/PhotoAlbum12.html) It is described in earlier thread

I'm wondering how you are going to glue in only one side of spline (if I understand you). Following up with cauking seem like a lot of additional work though would leave traditional seam look.

[Spissgatter W-9]

To make link work drop name: http://homepage.mac.com/george_boggs/PhotoAlbum12.html
good luck
Geo

[Sailor]

Can't remember what issue it was but our sponsor did an article a few years back that had a sidebar on this type of work. I don't recall exactly but they must have mentioned what type of wood they used. Don't know if it's available down under either. Worth looking up though.
Daniel

[warwick]

Western Red or Kauri would do just fine.

[steve pilot 35]

where would i get either kauri or western red,in QLD or Australia

[PeterSibley]

I've dealt with this bloke ,very good timber and efficient to boot,

Cockatoo Creek Timbers

Mount Street
Dundurrabin NSW 2453
Telephone: (02) 6657-8122
Facsimile: (02) 6657-8122

or you could try Moxons in Brisbane
133 Hyde Rd Yeronga
3848 7755

[ 04-02-2006, 08:14 AM: Message edited by: PeterSibley ]

[steve pilot 35]

Thanks Ian, ill give them a call monday, thanks

[warwick]

Moxons in Brisbane can supply both Western Red and Kauri, the man to speak with is Chris [don't know his last name], he is the specialist for boatbuilding timbers.

[S/V Laura Ellen]

Where do you get the special saw blade "special blade to provide uniform groove of 10 degrees" mentioned by Spissgatter?

[bloggs68]

Steve,

King Billy Pine would be excellent for this. Available from Tasmanian Special Timbers in Queenstown, Tasmania. Ask for Randall Morrisson or Bern Bradshaw. Cost is about $12-16 a super foot plus freight.

regards,

Andrew

[shamus]

Andrew, hush yo mouth! There is no King Billy available for non Tasmanians...

[Paul Fitzgerald]

I've got a few flitches of king billy stashed away..he he he

[ 04-02-2006, 08:53 PM: Message edited by: Paul Fitzgerald ]

[shamus]

You bring them right back here!

[Paul Fitzgerald]

OK, can you find me a boatshed and I'll be right back. I'm actually thinking about getting a new marina berth at the RYCT. That would put the pressure on.
Two of my old wooden boats are for sale in Hobart at the moment, Gimli and Loupe (now called Banksia), quite a coincidence as there are only three of my old boats down there. Lewis' (http://boatsalestas.com.au)

[ 04-03-2006, 05:21 AM: Message edited by: Paul Fitzgerald ]

[Wild Wassa]

Originally posted by steve pilot 35:
"Where would I get either Kauri or Western Red, in QLD or Australia."

From Monaro Timbers in Canberra just ask for Shaun. I told him what you are doing and what timber Monaro have that was suitable ... I was visiting them and I wanted to know for my own interest as well. Ph O2 62806487. Fax 02 6280 6487 or Email shaun@monarotimber.com.au

How do you like these apples?

Kauri
25mm x 310mm to 4m.
38mm x 150-180mm x 3.7m.

Surian Cedar, it is a Toona from the same family as Aussie Red.
38mm x 180-250mm x 3.5m

Western Red they have plenty in good sizes.

When I asked Monaro Timbers, I didn't know you were in QLD. I'll post anyway. Good luck.

Warren.

[ 04-04-2006, 03:15 PM: Message edited by: Wild Wassa ]

[Spissgatter W-9]

S/V Laura Ellen,
The folks at Carbide.com were able to have the blade made for me. (I've also bought chisels and other saw blades from those folks. They are the best.) I bought a little makita 4.5" panel saw for the job. It was light, small and so easy to control. Small size kept price of the blade down. I nailed a temporary batten adjacent to the seam. Then ran the saw down the line. Worked pretty slick. In their wooden boat restoration manual the West System folks describe the process just using a straight blade.
geo

[S/V Laura Ellen]

Geo: Thanks for the info on Carbide.com and West Systems. I may take a trip up to get some tips from the West System folks, good reason for a road trip.