The first task today was to cut some “U-Clamps.” These are small, U-shaped pieces of plywood used to help hold strips while gluing/stapling occurs. I had a piece of scrap plywood (shown to the left) that I used. My U-Clamps are three inch by three inch squares. You can see the grid I plotted on the the wood to use as a guide. You can also see how I used clamps to hold the plywood to the table so that it would be stable when cutting. I did all of the cutting with a jig saw for these.

First, I drew a line to use as a guide for the depth of the clamp. Out of thin air, I picked 1 1/4 inch. You may choose something else, this worked fine for me. Then I used a jig saw to cut from the edge up to the line, in order to get the “U” of the clamp started. Note that I didn't actually measure and plot lines for this, I just eyeballed it. Since these are mainly designed to hold things without too much precision, it didn't seem worth the time to actually measure each cut once the basic form of the clamp had been defined.

This simply shows the notches of the “U” cut out for each clamp in this row. Again, I didn't actually measure the notches themselves apart from the depth of the cut. The width of the notch was eyballed.

The row of U-clamps cut out. Now each individual clamp needs to be cut out. As well, I did this with a jig saw.

The finished product. Six U-clamps. I didn't cut out all of the clamps that I plotted. I think I have around 24 cut out and can cut more if necessary.

Finally, the U-clamps in action! And a strip on the boat! It was an exciting day. You can see how the U-clamps are used to hold the strip while the strip is adjusted. This is particularly important on the sheer strip, which is the first strip attached to the forms. While the U-clamps were holding the strip, I used a block plane to cut a bevel on the bottom of the sheer strip. That is, I made the bottom of the sheer strip somewhat parallel with the floor. Well, I made it as parallel as I could make it. I immediately understood why a sharp plane is such a joy. I had sharpened my plane just prior to cutting the U-clamps, and it was making shavings effortlessly. It was a beautiful thing.

Another look at U-clamps in action. This is the end form for the bow. Note that there is a fair amount of curve to the bow. Rather than force the bend with the U-clamps and potentially damage the cove that is cut on the strip, I just bent it to the sheer line marker and stapled.

Woo Hoo! The first strip! It took a long time to get here — longer than I'd originally planned — but hopefully I'll be able to get into a groove and spend some good, produtive time working on this puppy now.

A look at the stern. Note the curve of the strip. I used a small piece of a strip with a bead on it to place into the cove of the sheer strip. Then I bent the strip to the sheer line marker, and stapled.

And, a look at the bow. Again, note the curve of the strip. I used the same technique here.

Since I was on a roll, I did the sheer strip on the other side as well. First I attached some U-clamps, then I placed a strip in the U-clamps. Then I cut a bevel, and then it was time to staple. Smooth process, it works well. Thanks, Nick!

You can see both strips here. This is the foundation for the hull, so here's to hoping I've got everything straight and fair.

Now, the question: How do the ends meet up, and how is that handled? The answer is two-fold: glue and clamps. You can see a small clamp holding the end together while the glue sets. Let's hope this works, I cut this end a little short, it seems. If it doesn't work, I'll have to wedge another piece of wood in there and re-glue it.

A final look at the end form for the bow. We'll see how the glue sets and maybe lay some actual body strips on Tuesday or so.