> I can't remember if I posted this picture or not, but the strips that are
> giving me grief are the ones between the light bilge strip and the keel.
> You can see that the grain pattern is very evident in those strips, but
> hardly noticeable in the strips from the bilge to the sheer (those are
> vertical grained). Like I mentioned in an earlier post, not all the
> flat-sawn strips are giving me problems, and in fact, I used quite a bit
> on the Guillemot. I think that I just got my hands on a particularly
> troublesome plank this time.

> I did try the belt sander, but I quickly chickened-out. I just couldn't
> get a good feel for how much was being removed. I applaud those who can
> use one successfully; you've got heuvos.

> Ross

Isn't it the evil that always looks soooo good. I love the look of flat grain and to get it right, it almost always takes a bunch more care and work. The grain direction even has a sych affect, in that the way the grain points draws your eyes. Like cabinets, where a good builder always points the grain upwards to draw your eyes that way. Point the grain forward, towards the bow and it gives you a very light and fast boat. Trust Me. About the belt sanders, yes and No. Using one to good effect does indeed take a bit of practice, mostly just not trying to do it YOUR way (i.e. forcing or pushing or leaning on it ), and let the sander sit in the surface, and move forward and then drawing it back. It takes a light touch, surprising enough. It is heavy enough to do the work it is intended for. Hey, them huevos is good with them rancheros you gotta know. There is nothing wrong with using the ROS and in fact, since they invented the Random Orbital feature, it has become the sander of choice for many fields. It can actually take as much material off as the belt sander, and yeh, can be a lot easier. I just find it easier to keep things fair when doing different grain patterns next to each other. With good, sharp belts, it ain't proud, it'll take it all off the same. Practice. Practice. If you haven't used one much, then learn on what's easiest and stick with that. Best of luck with whichever you use. The boat looks great right now. Rehd