If you are interested in applying strips without nails or staples, we have a unique "Fiber Tape & Dowel Kit". We provide you with 8 rolls of a special fiber tape and 2 lengths of 1/4" dowel (pre-coated so that glue will not stick to them). You simply cut the dowels into 1 1/2' lengths by a handsaw (it is not safe to use a powersaw since the teeth are too far apart which can cause it to splinter and shatter).

These small sections of dowel are placed in the cove of the strip being applied. This strip is then taped to the previous strip with the tape wrapping around the dowel extending roughly 4" - 6" down the hull on either side. We recommend one dowel and tape placed beside each station and one in between each station and also that you cut the tape into 12" pieces and simply hang them from the shear line of the canoe so that they may be reached easily as you hold the strip in place. Some customers have attempted glueing dowels to the station moulds and taping to this - we do not recommend this since it may pull the strips away from one another leaving a slight gap in the join. You may bridge a join of 2 strips by simply placing a piece of dowel over the join.

Once one strip on one side is complete, then simply use a damp cloth not a wet cloth to clean up any excess glue to make sanding easier. You will find that the tape does not impede with any cleanup. There are no staples or nails to pull or cut yourself on as you are cleaning up. You may have to hot glue some strips in some places to the side of the moulds to help hold the shape in areas of extreme twist. The forms that are near the stems and where the strips do the most amount of twisting should be braced since the strips can slowly pull the forms out of level.

After the first strip is applied and cleaned repeat the same process on the other side and by the time this strip is finished the glue should have set on the first side. Then remove the tape and dowel from the first side and simply reuse the dowels. This process allows you to join anywhere on the hull for asthetics completely independant of station moulds.

We recommend before you set up your forms on the strongback that you follow these steps to harden the edge of the forms to increase holding power of nails (if using nails and staples) and to preserve your forms for future use.

1. Sand the edge of the forms lightly to remove any loose particles.
2. Then apply a film of carpenter's glue along the edges and smooth with the end of your finger.
3. After the glue sets sand the edges smooth.

If using nails or staples we recommend that you use 1" finishing nails instead of staples. One hole is better than two. We also find the shank of 1 1/4" finishing nails are too thick and make a larger hole. If possible use stainless steel, bronze or brass finishing nails. If using regular finishing nails make sure you try to reduce the amount of water that gets on the nails when removing excess glue on the strips with a wet cloth. Iron can react with water to leave a black stain.

Purchasing a Sander - Save your money!

We have worked extensively in the past with many types of woodworking tools, and have come to realize that it is best to throughly research before purchasing. Purchasing woodworking tools should not kill the budget. Not only is price and quality of concern but weight of the tool as well as vibration, noise, and where you purchase.

We presently work with a top of the line Porter-Cable 5" Random Orbital, variable speed sander with built in dust extraction. It is equipped with a soft stick back disk. This Professional sander is tops- however it's just too heavy. This machine is designed to work at waist height in a cabinet shop sanding on its own weight. Nice tool but overkill for canoe or kayak hulls and your arms will quickly wear out. It's size and shape make it awkward inside hulls. We would like to suggest Dewalt. Dewalt has an excellent line of powerful 5" Random Orbital sanders which are super light, quiet and low on vibration and designed to last through many boats. Check www.dewalt.com and view the DW 420, 21, 22 & 23.

We have purchased numerous tools in the following manner. All manufacturers have service depots. All service depots have in stock or have access to rebuilds with full manufacturer's warranties. These are simply tools which have been in a salesman's car and may have been used once for a demonstration. They are sent back to the factory and repackaged and then re-distributed at service depots as rebuilds. These tools can be purchased with a substantial savings and with a full warranty. Save your money and enjoy building your boat!