: Hello all: I'm a regular poster on Wooden Boat's home page and this place was
: recomended to answer my question.

: I'm getting ready to build one of Daved Hazen's canoes. I know it is not a
: kayak, but maybe later.

: My question is this. Does anyone here have any advice or clues about building
: a stripped canoe without using staples? Someone had mentioned routing
: slots in the forms and clamping. Will this work? I plan on using Titebond
: glue. Will spring clamps provide enough presure to get a good joint?

: Thanks for your help and advice.

: Chad

There are several different types of clamping methods used. The groove in the plywood forms is a good one. I'm going to use 3/4" fir plywood and cut a groove around it approx. 3/8" from the edge, 5/16" deep and around 3/8" wide. Using the spring clamps works well, and if you take the plastic tips off one end, it fits in the groove easier and holds very well. 1" clamps with a piece of foam in the jaw will hold one strip to the next( without damaging the strip edges ) and either the 1" or 2" will hold the strips to the form. There are other methods which you will hear about.
Particle board forms will work also, but aren't as strong as plywood. Keep the grooves just a tad less than half the thickness of the form material. You could saturate the groove with resin to add strength as well.

Rehd