The first frame was cut out today!
We spent a few hours programming the Biesseworks software so that the offsets could be entered for the frame, and the machine did the rest. The complete frame 5 was cut, notches and all, in about 2 minutes! And because it was a router bit that did the cutting, the edges are sharp and burr free.
Checking the cuts
CNC Router at work
When do I start counting the hours? Is the preparation to building part of the building too?
Today I built a rack to store sheets of plywood. I have heard stories of having the sheets stacked, and the one that you need next is on the bottom. This rack should solve that. It will hold about 90 sheets of 9mm ply.
Plywood Rack
Resin and cloth have arrived.
Timber will be ready next week.
I have just arrived home with a huge box full of screws – over 11 thousand!
I have had quotes in from timber suppliers from Brisbane, but thought I had better check my local suppliers, too.
There is a plywood factory just north of Grafton, but they do not manufacture marine ply. Pity that, as they use excellent quality timber to make the veneers, and everyone says that the exterior grade plys are made with the same glues. Anyway, in the total scheme of things, the plywood is a small component. I plan to stick to only the best materials.
The big news is the lumber. I visited a local joiner last week, and he said he would be able to supply all the framing timber from a hoop pine log that he knew of. He was busy at the time, but gave me a good hour having a look through his plant.
But today was a different story. I think he had looked at Easy cats online, and was so enthusiastic. He is assuring me that he can supply first grade timber at a price better than any quote that I have! And he will assist with any planing or milling that I may need.
This is really exciting news for me, as I am sure that between Keith’s advice and tools that I will save time and get a better built boat.
I was so anxious, waiting, waiting, waiting for the plans. Finally they arrived.
A large envelope with the A3 plans and an A4 instruction booklet. Also there is a CD with photos and a DVD.
The CD was pretty scratched, and would not work on any computer at home. I tried it at work and found a machine there that could open the disk, so now they are on a USB stick.
If I work on the suppliers, I might get enough to materials in to get started over the christmas break. Work closes down for 2 weeks, so that would be a good kick start.
Decision made…. plans are paid for…. they’re in the mail.
Now looking at the material list and getting in quotes from suppliers.
I went and helped Mick in Brisbane to roll his second hull, and get it lined up so that construction could continue.
When the boat is just hulls, it looks like a couple of big canoes. Suddenly, turned over, and with a bulkhead temporarily in place to hold things together, now it looks like a boat.
There were a few other boat builders there on the day. Plenty of discussion about the nitty-gritty of building an Easy, but nothing negative. I can see nothing to hold me back now. Time to commence.
From May through to September, and we kept thinking and talking about building an Easy cat. We had been to visit a boat being built, and talked about the experience with a couple of builders.
Easy cats are designed by Peter Snell, and his latest boat Sarah was being prepared for new owners.
Time for one last look at Sarah before the handover.
Sarah
That’s my partner Birgit and my Mum on the dock, and Peter and Snell onboard saying “good-bye”.
Today was our first view of a Sarah in the flesh.
Birgit and I had been to see an old steel monohull for sale on the Gold Coast, and were both unimpressed about the condition of the boat. We were already away from home for the day, so made it an extra long day by driving through Brisbane to the Caboolture River to see an Easy cat in person.
It took our breath away. As we left Sarah, I said to Birgit and Hugo “I’ll never look at another old-yacht ad again!”.
