Which way up

[Harry Miller]

I am ready to start buliding Paul Gartside's clinker pram. Clinker Pram (http://www.gartsideboats.com/catrow.php#7clink) I would have started earlier except for an episode of back pain. This gave me time to read some books - Robert Steward, John Leather and Alan Vaites - The plans and most of what I've seen call for setting up the moulds and planking with the boat upside down. John Leather in his 'Clinker Boatbuilding" is quite clear that it is easier (except for the garboard plank) to build it right side up. His pictures with shores to the ceiling do look a bit complicated but in my basement shop where I often need to duck under various and sundry beams and ducts it might be pretty easy. My question is which way will be less stressful for my back?

[ken mcclure]

Um, before you start, Harry, you need to check to be sure the completed boat will come out of your basement still completed.

As for which way up, I'd have to guess. Someone will be along soon to guide you, tho. smile.gif

[Paul Scheuer]

I have felt your pain. Fortunately, not recently. I plan ahead better than when I was younger.

If it were me, I'd think about having the strongback rigged for vertical adjustment, so that the work zone is always about shoulder/eye level, or watever works best. It seems like the floor-based, up-side-down approach would be easier to adapt.

Once you get the pram off the form, you might think about suspending it from the overhead for precision adjustment, rotation, etc. I have my old canoe hanging from the rafters for that purpose.

Be sure to position the building form for a good camara angle. smile.gif

[TomRobb]

Harbor Freight sells a motorcycle lift and at least two different four-wheeled carts that lift from about a foot to almost three feet. A 300lb capacity cart is listed as $110, an 1100lb capacity for $280.
Other sources may be better, you'd have to shop around.
The idea would be bolt the building form to the lift and jack it up or down as the need arises.
The form would need to be stiff enough to keep its shape without reference to or braces from your floor of course. The base grid made from one of those new wood I-beams perhaps - hell fer straight and stiff, and maybe $30 for a 24' one.
And one of those back braces you see on the workers at the building supply stores might help you too.
Have fun and keep us posted smile.gif

[ 04-14-2003, 10:58 AM: Message edited by: TomRobb ]

[Venchka]

Perusing the Internet, there is no conclusive answer.

Paul Gartside builds upside down.

Richard Cullison builds right side up.

Go figure.

Either way, you'll have a nice boat.

Good luck!

[TomRobb]

As to "Best" way, the way you like is best. Both work. My limited experience is "upside-down." It was what was taught. It also makes leveling the molds easier, IMHO, and gravity works for you, not against you.