Recent content by DJR

Piper, ditto what Mick said :D That sounds like the way to go, the layers of expoxy would give me the strength I need in the blades. Only question would be how to get the 'lip' in the mould - I guess by brining the top mould out at an angle. Something to think about. Hmmm....Could even...

Hi, Yes, hence my comment "after starting on something easier" - I'll do a Greenland or euro/flat-bladed paddle first. Just want to know if it's been done / possible - would it be strong enough given the thin blade and shape, etc? Regards, Darren

Hi, I am currently making my first kayak, with 2 more to quickly follow...so want to keep with the timber theme and make my own paddles. As my main interest is flatwater/marathon kayaking, I currently use a "wing paddle" - where the blade has a pronounced 'scoop' shape. I'd like to try...

Thanks Mick & et al, Appreciate the comments - looks like aluminium or s/steel is the way to go...I just thought brass would look nice, hadn't considered the weight being that much different. I guess on a 30' mahogany raceboat with a V-12 pushing it, the weight of a small brass rudder is a...

Hi, I'm considering making my own rudder components for my current kayak builds - a Chesapeake 17 and a racing TK1. Has anyone used sheet/bar stock of brass or bronze to make fittings for their craft? I understand brass will corrode, so bronze is preferrable (at least in salt water), but...

Hi, Yes Mick, that's me :D And I won a free pass to the Melbourne Woodwork show from the forum so am very excited! David does do nice designs, I wouldn't mind building one of his motor launches one day as a bigger fishing boat, but that's a long way off! Keith, it's a ply on frame...

I should add that I'm building David's design as he's the only one I've found who does a TK1 class kayak that meets the competition specs. I think TK class may be a purely Australian thing used for our flatwater races (mainly on rivers) as sea kayaks aren't fast enough, and K1's are pretty...

Hi, Yes, http://payneyachts.com/ I'll definitely ask David (the designer) how it's done, he's quite happy to answer questions (I've asked a few already :roll: ) but thought I'd post it here first to see if anyone else had done something similar. Thanks Matt. Regards, Darren

Hi Matt, Yes, the moulds are attached to a strongback and the kayak built up-side down. Then removed from the moulds, turned over and decked. Just not sure how to do the "remove from moulds" bit as the chines/stringers sit in them. But it's how a lot of boats are built so it must be...

Hi, I have purchased plans for a TK1 racing kayak, as I'm in a marathon/flatwater paddling club and wanted something to compete in. Won't be my first build, as I'm doing a CLC C17 first. But I'm studiously studying the plans and getting it organised in my mind. One big question that's...

Thanks JEM, I'm active now. :D Darren

Hi, Thanks for the replies. Jimmy, I've joined the JEM forums, just waiting for activation and I'll check out the thread. DM, that's a great design! Not sure about colour or B&W myself, but yours looks great on the wood. Will get some vellum, silk paper, etc and do some trials...

Hi, Whilst still a little way off (OK, a long way, I haven't even bought the wood yet, but I do have the plans and a space!), I wanted to put a design / name on my kayak when done. I read here (I think, but couldn't find the thread) about using rice paper (again, I think) for printing the...

Hi, Thanks for the additional info/ideas. Dangermouse, I like the idea of sections that can be joined and so are adaptable to different boats. Also, what's all the blue tape on your panels in the picture? Was this to stop tear-out when drilling the holes, or when cutting, or did you...

Hi, Thanks again for the tips. This is a great forum and now that I'm actually getting into building I hope I can contribute. Based on the above, I am considering 4 sawhorses with a ply or similar table attached on top. The extra couple of sawhorses will give me some more stability, and...