Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on February 24, 2010 at 5:04am

I wouldn't rely on a factory scarf. I'd choose to do my own as you can assess the mix of your epoxy.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on February 24, 2010 at 10:48am

Hey Ryan,
I'm with Dave on this. I have heard a few horror stories on factory scarfs. I don't know what they use as a glue but I think it might not be well suited for the stresses of bending plywood. I bet Randy/Sandy could set you up with some pre-scarfed pannels if you did not want to tackle the job.
Mike.
http://www.bakerwooddriftboats.com

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Permalink Reply by gs zoll on February 24, 2010 at 10:57am

If you are close enough to Randy Dersham's shop and don't have trouble hauling the 16' lengths you might check with him, he does the wavy stepped scarf joint for his kits. Good luck with your boat, I'm about ready to start my first boat also and this sight has been a great resource, check out some of the older posts, there have been a lot of discussions about scarf joints.

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on February 24, 2010 at 3:49pm

DZ and MB are on the mark- Scarf your own sheets- Get some practice on scraps before you do the big one

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Permalink Reply by Ryan M Geider on February 24, 2010 at 8:14pm

what is the best way to scarf? belt sander or skill saw ? any good methods for a newbe

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Permalink Reply by lhedrick on February 24, 2010 at 9:03pm

I have done the belt sander and it works but, you don't want to deal with the mess. Dust all over the place.

Use a hand plane. Sharpen the blade before you start. Practice on some scrap first. It's very easy. A plane is also much safer then putting 3 inches of circular saw blade into end of a sheet of plywood.

I also use a low angle block plane to clean up the blade marks on gunwale stock after it comes off the table saw. Much faster and easier then sanding them out.

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