Step 2: Panel Splice (Butt Blocking)

Step by step example of how to build a boat using the stitch and glue method.
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jem
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Step 2: Panel Splice (Butt Blocking)

Post by jem »

There are 2 ways to splice multi panels into one long one: Wooden Butt Block and Fiberglass Splice.

Fiberglass Splice

Mix a small amount of resin.
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Dip a rag in the resin. Note: We don't feel it's the time, effort, or money to try to wash rags or brushes after they been used.
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Apply resing to the edges of the panels. Remember: It is critical in Stitch and Glue building the ALL wood surfaces be covered with epoxy.
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Blend in wood flour into your resin mixture until it reaches a peanut-butter-like consistency.
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Be careful not to kick over your wood flour! :D
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Place a bead of glue on one edge of the panels.
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Note: All JEM Watercraft plans provide a method to measure and assure you panels are in perfect alignment. This provides you the highest quality results. This method is clearly detailed in your plans.

The method is to align a string to location specified on the panels (the string is hard to see in this picture but it extends from the tips of the lower set of panel.
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Adjust the panel seam position so it aligns with the dimension provided in the plans.
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Butt the panels together.
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To ensure your panels are flat, carfeully place some plastic over the seam without disturbing the alignment. Weigh down the seam. Note: You are NOT doing this for the bond to be stronger. You are doing this to ensure your wood is laying flat and all surfaces are level.
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Allow epoxy and gap filler to cure. Be carefull handling the panel. The glue is strong but brittle in this configuration.

Sand any excess cured gap filler.
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Measure and mark the location for your splice as directed by your plans.
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Measure and cut the fiberglass cloth.
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Apply resin to wear your fiberglass cloth will go.
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Place the fiberglass over the seam on onto the resin. Allow it to soak up the resin for 1-2 minutes.
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Spread the resin to wet out the cloth. The fiberglass will become transparent as it wets out. Squeeze out all air bubbles and any excess resin. Remember: the strongest fiberglassing is done only with enough resin to wet the cloth out.
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Spread any excess resin on the bare wood of your panels.
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Allow to cure.
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Repeat this process for BOTH sides of your panels.
-Matt. Designer.
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