Re: [bolger] Width of Birdmouth Staves

Correction. I should have said Vee cutter for a molding head rather
than "dado cutter". A Vee cutter for a router table/shaper would also
work. The author recommends use of dial calipers for measurement for
this small stock.

Vince Chew
Yes, the article about oars by Joel Herzel in MAIB (2/15/01) uses the
0.40 for width, and 0.20 for thickness, but adds that strong rowers in
heavier boats might want to increase the thickness. He recommends a "V"
shaped 45° dado head rather than trying to make two cuts on a table saw
in such thin stock. Depth of birdmouth so as to leave slightly more than
a feather edge. His article is very detailed with excellent photos of
every step. It goes into making and attaching the blades and handles,
also. I highly recommend writing to MAIB for a back issue before
starting this project. ($1.00 each)

MAIB
29 Burley St.
Wenham, MA 01984


Vince
Is there such a list of parameters for oar looms?

Carron
According to both the WoodenBoat and the recent MAIB articles:

To find the width of each stave:

At the widest point:
Maximum diameter x 0.40 = maximum stave width

At the narrowest point:
Minimum diameter x 0.40 = minimum stave width

Taper each stave (edge opposite the birdmouth) to yield a spar that
conforms to the design specs.

To find the thickness of each stave:
Maximum diameter x 0.20 = thickness

A note on thickness (from the Woodenboat article). The formula above is
for spruce masts on larger yachts. A multiplier of 0.15 is probably
ample for clear Douglas fir, and as little as 0.10 for very small light boats.

FWIW -- I haven't built one -- just relating what is in the article for
those who don't have access to it.

Vince Chew