What wood for lofting batens?

[Ethan]

Ok, newby question here - what wood should I make lofting battens out of? I don't have any scrap lying around to use, so since I have to buy, I'd like to know what people have had good success with.

Also, does it matter KD vs. air dried for this purpose?

Thanks, Ethan

[JimD]

Try this: On battens for lofting, courtesy of Dave Fleming

http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008298

[Ethan]

Thanks, exactly the info I was looking for!

[JimD]

You're welcome, Ethan, but the thanks goes to Dave :D

[Bob Cleek]

Don't limit yourself to wood. Depending on the circumstances, other options are available. For tight lines, you can use a broken bandsaw blade or a length of unkinked fair packing strapping. There is also an outfit somewhere (google it, I guess) that Larry Pardey cites in his book "Classic Boat Construction - the Hull," which sells fibreglass batten material by the foot. This stuff also rolls up for easy storage! As I recall, it was about a buck a foot ten years ago.

[Dave Fleming]

With respect Cleekster...
you ever use any of that stuff for lofting????

[Ethan]

Thanks for the responses fellas.

Bob, I had caught then when reading through Pardy's book and did a google search to no avail. If anybody's had better luck, I sure would appreciate a nudge in the right direction finding some fiberglass battens for lofting!