CLASSIC WOODWORKING AND SMALL BOAT BUILDING

Outline

Goal

The student will learn the importance of hand tool woodworking and gain knowledge and proficiency in the care and use of hand and power tools. Basic boatbuilding theory and skills will be developed through lofting and the construction of a small skiff.

Course Description

Probably more than in other woodworking trades, today's boat builder depends on the efficient and accurate use of traditional hand tools. We will begin the course by learning how to use and care for these tools. Through integrated lectures, demonstrations and hands-on projects, the sharpening of edge tools, accurate measuring and marking, and the use of cutting tools will be learned. The student will develop these skills through a series of projects that will increase in complexity as the course proceeds. After practicing these skills the student will build a step-stool/tool-carrier using simple joinery. A variety of power wood- working machines are common in any boat, furniture or cabinet shop, and students will learn how to set-up and safely use band saws, table saws, jointers, planers, and other power tools. Through-out the school year, safety and health issues will be discussed and emphasized to promote good, long-term work habits. Another more challenging project, utilizing all of the student's new found skills, will then be undertaken with the construction of a shipwright's tool chest featuring hand-cut dovetail joinery on the chest and a machine-made frame and panel lid. Both of these projects will be the student's to own and use for their future boatbuilding endeavors.

After this initial woodworking phase, the course will then concentrate on basic boatbuilding skills. Lectures will be given on the critical process of lofting and each student will follow along by lofting a small boat. This will give the student an understanding of the lines drawing and the fundamentals of boat construction. Throughout the course additional lectures will be given to cover topics such as the vocabulary of boats, wood science and selection, fasteners, marine adhesives, and others.

The last segment of this quarter will culminate in the building of a simple boat. Working in small teams, students will construct a flat bottom skiff. Beginning with lofting and mold making, followed by the fundamentals of lapstrake planking, the boat is fitted out with its frames, thwarts and rails. Here the students will have the opportunity to test their woodworking skills and enjoy some of the more creative aspects of boatbuilding. In order to introduce the student to spar making, each pupil will make an oar (to keep) to accompany the skiff. Lectures on finishing techniques will also be given as the boat receives its paint and varnish. Finishing our new skiffs will complete the first quarter with the students well-prepared to continue their education in Traditional Boat Building.

Outline

Total Clock Hours: 385