Part 9

 With the hull hanging on a wire hook to let the varnish fully cure attention was turned to making a stand. This hopefully would allow further all-around eyeballing for location of the mast and sail sizing. I have just the thing in the wood stock. 2 x short lengths of rebated mahogany. In a previous life they had surrounded a boiler alcove in my parents house. Made by Dad many years ago I'd luckily saved them when the new boiler had been relocated. A piece of  inherited flat mahogany in addition was all I would need to make the stand for 'Cats Paws'

Closer inspection showed that Dad had only finished the outer 2 angles/edges. the inner angles were rough and gouged. Desperate to use them a plan for a sympathetic restoration was needed. Sanding the pieces flat gave me a small pilE of saw dust which I mixed with epoxy glue to produce a strong and colour matched filler. Once the epoxy had dried further filing and sanding gave a worthy result on all sides.

The flat piece wasn't wide enough to cut out the hull supports so I made those in 2 halves. Gluing down the middle after planning flat.

Band saw cutting the groove joint and further application of epoxy/sawdust mix before propping the hull supports at 90 degree to dry.

A last sand over and a couple of coats of yacht varnish finished the stand. 

Who'd have thought that this Chippendale-esk piece of carpentered wood would now expel such pleasing beauty both in shape and colour...

Till next time stay safe at the pond. 

Part 8

 Time to coat the hull with a protective layer of waterproofing.  It would be a shame to loose the pine, mahogany and brass detailing under paint so a good few coats of Ruskins Yacht Varnish are in order. Apparently made with Tung Oil, pressed from the seeds of the Tung nut. Used by ancient chinese boat builders to waterproof boats 2500 years ago. The oil and its use are believed to have originated in ancient China and appears in the writings of Confusius from about 400 B.C.

Gets better the longer I research!!!!Proper old skool!!! 4 x lavish coats were applied.

Now set aside to dry...Keep looking in and stay safe at the pond.