: I am getting ready to start the stripping process on a spring run in the next
: week or so and am debating weather to us staples or not. I sure would like
: to get by without them but am concerned about the extra time it would
: take. From reading the Q&A's on this forum for the last couple of weeks I
: am sure there is someone out there who has built kayaks both ways. Can you
: lay several strips at a time and then wait for the glue to dry or is it a
: one strip at a time process? Any help you can give this novice would be
: greatly appreciated. Nick

Hi Nick

I'm sure you'll get answers defending both methods. And as Roger said, there are other alternatives. If you already have your forms on the strong back, then stapless may be limited to cutting out some U shaped pcs. of scrap plywood, putting them over your strips, putting pressure on the strip to hold it in place and then clamping the U to the forms. If your forms aren't attached to the strongback at this time, you can run a groove around the forms approx. 5/16" from the edge and use that edge to clamp the strips to the forms with spring clamps. The forms should be of 3/4" plywood and the groove around 3/8" deep and 1/4' width.

As for which is best, or the use of staples, ?????? I would prefer not to use staples, but, some say the staple holes give character. again ??? Just a matter of personal taste.

Have you checked out some of the sites where they have pictures of stapless construction. I don't know them all, but, Spidey's MEGA site has some pictures I believe. You may have to stand in line and take a number to get in, but, it will be well worth it. :) There are others also.

If you're going to go out and just have fun, the holes won't bother anyone that cares. YOU! If you are wanting crowds of followers and admirers, then.......... Aw...heck with them, just go paddle. :)

As for time, the Titebond or II will set in around 10 to 15 minutes and the clamps can be removed except in the high torque areas. The glue will be good to go in an hour, and should be able to hold anything in that amount of time. This depends on temp. where you are working. Probably 65* to 80*. Cooler, longer........Hotter, quicker! Check the bottle for correct/exact times and temps. Don't be in a hurry. Take your time, check fits and check them again. Learn to relax and enjoy what you are doing and it will go by fast enough. While you are waiting for glue to dry, set up and build your paddle and seat, or reread the book.......You do have the Book don't you? :) Probably from the first couple of strips, you will be thinkin' " there's got to be a better way ", so, jump on the computer and ask away. Then, run out and get another strip ready. You may find that putting one strip on each side each night is about all you can do, with all the other stuff you need to be doing at the same time. As Roger also eluded to, being a first timer, you will have your hands full just doing that. Most of all, just have fun. Creating something with your own hands, that others are going to OOOohh and AAAahh will be quite entoxicating and you want to take your time and get it as best you can the first time. Good building!!

Rehd