combining new and old

Hmmm- that doesn't look like it belongs in the new plans.
Yup, you guessed it. Out it goes! This is the old engine compartment.

Work has been continuing at a steady pace.  We may not always have masses working at one time, but our dedicated volunteers come and go as they can and as long as there are a couple of people on hand changes are seen weekly!

Demolition- a constant occupation before new material can be installed. Stan removes the old decking so new deck beams can be fitted.



One of the construction challenges we regularly face is combining new construction methods while maintaining an 18th century appearance. This week, we are going to take a look at the work that goes into making deck beams appear old, while using modern construction technique to save time and keep costs down. So how do we determine where to use new or old construction methods. Its pretty simple, if you can see it, its traditional appearance. If you can't see it use modern methods.

A few of the basic hand tools and modern counterparts are seen here.  We have to start with the basics so there is a sliding square, a small framers angle, a sliding T bevel, hand planes, and a draw knife. A grinder, electric plane and COFFEE round out the collection. (A broom doesn't hurt either.)

 

Beams are rough cut and shaped, moved aboard, then trimmed to fit.

Next comes determining the angle of the deck. The deck in this area is angled slightly forward to shed water away from the cabin hatch. A straight edge is spanned between two beams to determine the angle of slope between the two. This angle now needs to be reproduced on the top of the beam to create the deck frame.

This deck beam is square on all four sides, but the top of the beam needs to have an angled top of 2.3  degrees.

The angle is set on the T bevel and lined up on the edge of the beam as a guide.

Pencil marks are run along the area to be removed and is used as a depth gage for material to be removed with the grinder.

The same mark, but most of it has been ground off. Taking off just enough to remove the pencil mark allows for fine tuning of angles until it is just right. Yes, it may take a while, but its right.










One of our secret tools! Once the completed frame is in place it is checked front and back, then left and right for accuracy before it is fastened in place. In order to do this we use an electric level to make sure its positioned properly. No guessing here! After all that work the beam is clamped in place, holes drilled and its finally bolted in place.