A. A portable circular saw can be used
to cut the long gentle curves found in
all sorts of boat planking. For instance,
a master for cold moulding planks or an
old plank that needs to be copied. This
idea uses a plywood base screwed on
to the saw’s metal base. Into this are
fixed two screws in line with the blade.
These are cut off so their length is less
than the thickness of the curved
pattern to be used. Tack the pattern to
the stock and saw along the curve,
keeping the screws pressed against
the edge of the pattern. Take
appropriate safety precautions.
B. Some people find it hard to plane a square edge on
to a piece of wood. To help to build confidence, use a
piece of square wood as a guide, held on like this.C. I was told that the term ‘clinker’ comes from the
Norwegian for ‘hammering sound’. And Norwegian
clinker boatbuilding hammers are very clever; the
rove sits in the depression and is set on to the rivet
by the angled handle pushing the curved surface
down. Once trimmed, the rivet head is held in place by
the heavy square end, while rivetting is completed
with a smaller hammer.D. This DIY tool knocks
nails out in confined
spaces. Tap the claw
under the nail head and
bash the weight against
the nut.E. If using a ‘puller’
leave the slackened nut
on, so the whole lot
doesn’t fly off!F. If you’ve accidentally dented a wooden surface, you can
sometimes steam the dent out by placing a wet cloth over
the area and heating it with a domestic iron.E
Tips for making boat work easier
B
C
D
A
F