Back to the rudder
Note: clicking the photos links to a higher resolution image
Although I had wanted to complete the varnishing of the seats before moving on, I've had a change of plans. It's simply too cold for varnishing, and I'm concerned about the use of the heatlamps for that purpose, so I've set them aside for now... and am moving back to the rudder, after which, I'll gear up for spar-making.
Ironically, we're suddenly in the midst of record high temps, hitting nearly 63 degrees today... but I'll keep on with this strategy for a while.
The rudder is built in much the same fashion as the centerboard, i.e., a 3/4" plywood core, a pair of 1/4" plywood faces, and a weight pocket encapsulated inside.
As before, I'm using automotive wheel weights, instead of going through the hassle and hazard of trying to melt lead and pour it. This time, I've changed the technique; instead of using the entire wheel weight, I've broken off the lead 'ears' of the weights, discarding the central part with the steel clip. The clip prevented tight packing, so with this new approach, I can get much better density of lead in the pocket.
The photo shows the core and lower face clamped up for curing the adhesive... the heat lamps will speed the cure. After this, the upper face will be epoxied on, and the edges will be bull-nosed with my router, and the trailing edge tapered with a power plane, before glassing with 10 oz. cloth.
The rudder core and lower face are clamped up. you can see the weight pocket, filled with pieces from automotive wheel weights, and cast into place with epoxy
Page log:
Inwales and Interior Fiberglass
The Project Resumes... Floorboards
Essays:
Using epoxy in cold conditions
Errors, bad judgments, and lessons learned
Page log:
Inwales and Interior Fiberglass
The Project Resumes... Floorboards
Essays:
Using epoxy in cold conditions
Errors, bad judgments, and lessons learned