[Paddlewise] Progress Report on Our stretched Dyson (18' 4") Baidarka

Well, that which started out as one baidarka building project manifested

in to building four baidarka. Thanks to the help of George Dyson and
some curiousity from a pair of analyzers my bud (Ken Lalonde) and I
have chosen to employ the services of a H2O- abrassive water jet
cutting company to neatly and cleanly cut out all most all of our
1/8th inch aluminum flatware(6061-T6) out of a four by eight
sheet. All the holes and pieces will be cut nice and neat. This mean
that for four Baidarka we have been saved at least a month or
more of cutting, filling, chamfouring holes etc. and vaacuming up
a gazillion pieces of aluminum fillings and cuttings.  Wow!
Template boards are all finished thanks to my buddy Ken (nicely glazed
over
with a plastic glass finish of 'Bear 50' decopauge coating).
Holes for the 3/4" & 1/2" holsclaw benders are complete. Ran into
one problem (should never have trusted the manufacturer) with
a 3/4" wood bit. We discovered that the 3/4" holes in one template
bending board were in fact larger than 3/4". Hmmmmn. Having inserted
a short stem of 3/4 tubing into the holes we discovered there was too'
much play. Putting a micrometer up to the drill bit blade we discovered
that the ends were flayed outward making the bit wider than the
thickness
of a business card. This inaccuracy was something that could easily
happen
to anyone so measure the wood bits before drilling. I filled down both
sides
of the bit and volla, NO PROBLEMO. All the holes now provide for a tight

accurate fit. Tommorow our good friend Gary Rose (who owns three
baidarka) is coming over to demonstrate and teach the fine technique of
tube
bending with the holsclaw's on a template tables. We are excited because

we hope to be finished bending and can start lashing with in a week or
so. The precut flatware will be done and picked up by Thursday.
Things are really starting to rock. Got to get the camera out and do a
small photo shoot since much of this project is being done 11 stories
in the sky we are hoping to have something to share with you.

Two questions I would like to ask;

1. Since we are considering some traditional Aluet, Hiada or Tinglet art

    work being painted on the deck (nothing too elaborate) what type of
    paint would be recommended that will remain colourful over a white
    hypalon coating?

2. Is there any opinion on the use of 1/16th flat shape braided nylon
for lashing
     or would it be thought to be too large. It seems that because it is
flat it would
     lend well to nice even concentric runs that would not show through
the skin.
     Any thoughts here? What is your favorite lashing material?

Best Regards,

Philip
Edmonton, Alberta

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