Securing Frames to Ribbands

[imported_Glenn]

Hello,

I am building my first boat, a Catspaw Dinghy,
and my how-to book says to drive a 4d nail through the frame and into the ribband to secure them tightly together until you plank. I have a hard time putting holes in my frames and I am searching for alternate ways to do this. I tried taking wire and wrapping it around the frame and ribband but it let loose once I removed my
C-clamp. Also, if I use the 4d nail, the frames will pull away from the ribband since the nail will not hold in simple pullout and the nails have to be removed before I plank otherwise I will not be able to pull the boat off the molds when the planking gets on. A fine drywall screw seems that it might be best since it will suck the two pieces together but then I am left with the holes. My planking will be predrilled to the frames and fastened with rivets and roves but the holes I created earlier will still be there.

Ideas for alternate methods appreciated...

[Mrleft8]

I screwed a drywall screw into the "top" ribband (the one closest to the floor). That is above the sheer line, so you dont need to worry about it. Predrill and counter sink it so you don't split your frame. That pretty much holds the frames in shape. The #4 (I used #3) finish nails seem to be more for keeping the frames in line, rather than down tight to the ribbands.
Doing the frame bending by yourself is a bit tricky. I found that if I steamed the frames more than I thought I needed to (30 minutes as opposed to 20) I had a little less spring back, and enough time to get them set before they started to stiffen up. I only broke 3 frames, the first one I tried (too dry), the aftmost, and the one just forward of the CB case. Steam those full forward frames more than the others, they really have a hell of a bend in them.

[Ken Hutchins]

I have used nylon tie wraps. They are a little pricey, but so what, the convenience, no holes etc. priceless. Buy them in a large quantity package and the price goes down. Get the heavy duty ones.

[Walcheren]

Here is a picture. Looks like I put a screw in the ribband above the shear, as suggested, and one in the keel. That's it. I used yew and that stuff bends easily, stays there and is very strong. Hope this helps. http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid56/pa8a82955872267573f89342fba081837/fc76b4fa.jpg