Ralph M Bohm
04-19-2003, 08:59 AM
The planking is 50-year old Monel edge-nailed 7/8 inch white cedar;
The ribs are (or will be) new, green 1 1/8 inch white oak, steam bent into place.
I am planning to use #8 1 1/4 inch silicon bronze Frearson flat head screws.
1) Is this the size screw that YOU would use?
2) Is the #8 the correct length you to use as well?
3) How far would you countersink them?
4) Should I use white cedar for the plugs as well?
Audax has been out of the water since last October (2002). During this past Spring break, I had the opportunity get to Baltimore to look at her. I saw that large gaps appeared at every 3rd or 4th plank. These gaps are large enough to drop a pencil through. I am brand-new to this whole world, and upon seeing all that daylight through the hull, almost had heart failure. :eek:
Is this large of a gap normal?
My plan is to "pre-swell" Audax's planks back to their normal size through the use of burlap and water before doing any fastening of the old planking to the new ribs.
I cannot remove the planking because this edge-nailing, that was done by the original builder 50 years ago, makes it impossible to remove since they are nailed into each other. I am working out an idea on a type of jig that would rest on the gunwales and be held in place with cargo straps placed around the hull; This will be a support for a number of struts coming out form the center of this jig to press the new, steambent oak ribs against the inside of the planking.
Any comments?
TIA
The ribs are (or will be) new, green 1 1/8 inch white oak, steam bent into place.
I am planning to use #8 1 1/4 inch silicon bronze Frearson flat head screws.
1) Is this the size screw that YOU would use?
2) Is the #8 the correct length you to use as well?
3) How far would you countersink them?
4) Should I use white cedar for the plugs as well?
Audax has been out of the water since last October (2002). During this past Spring break, I had the opportunity get to Baltimore to look at her. I saw that large gaps appeared at every 3rd or 4th plank. These gaps are large enough to drop a pencil through. I am brand-new to this whole world, and upon seeing all that daylight through the hull, almost had heart failure. :eek:
Is this large of a gap normal?
My plan is to "pre-swell" Audax's planks back to their normal size through the use of burlap and water before doing any fastening of the old planking to the new ribs.
I cannot remove the planking because this edge-nailing, that was done by the original builder 50 years ago, makes it impossible to remove since they are nailed into each other. I am working out an idea on a type of jig that would rest on the gunwales and be held in place with cargo straps placed around the hull; This will be a support for a number of struts coming out form the center of this jig to press the new, steambent oak ribs against the inside of the planking.
Any comments?
TIA