Selecting Timber for a Greenland Kayak
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 8:52 am
This isn't about archery or bows, but it's about appropriate qualities of various timber types and I know you guys have knowledge on this and also you appreciate well made hand crafted useful items.
I'm re-reading Chris Cunningham's book "Building the Greenland Kayak" and out of interest more than action (at this point in time) I'm looking into what locally available timbers would be good/best for the job. CC's book mentions North American timbers but obviously these are typically not readily available here or would be cost prohibitive.
There are two main structural components to a GK. First are the gunwales which are approx' 75 x 19/22 at 4.8m to 5.1m long. These need to be straight grained and form the backbone of the GK (sounds similar to a bow right?). These are then forced into shape with deck beams. Second is the ribs which are morticed into the gunwales and steam bent into shape to form the hull basic shape. A keelson and chine runners are added on the outside of these to form the keel and chines. CC in his book uses 22mm wide by 9mm thick timbers which are thinned slightly (by 1/16th of an inch or 1.5mm) to allow it to bend more readily where needed. I am guessing max' length you would need for the ribs is around 30".
So I think you will see the two different main components need different properties. Both want to be lightweight but strong enough to do the job.
Gunwales.
Pawlonia has been used but has negative feedback as it breaks a bit too easily. Western Red Cedar is an alternative, only negative I have is it is very soft. American Ash and European Beech has been suggested but getting it in the size required could be challenging and expensive. I suppose it could be scarfed but not my preference.
Ribs.
I know Peter Ingram-Jones of Lampshades and Canoes has used bamboo lamellas from Bamboo Oz for ribs but this stuff is only 5mm thick. I've spoken to Shane from Bamboo Oz about their flooring but he was concerned the glues used would let go when steamed and forced into shape. Bamboo does sound like a good option but need to get it in the right format and dimensions.
I've thought King Billy Pine and Celery Top could work but doubt they are feasible. So, interested to get some input from you guys on what timbers you think would do the job.
Thanks in advance, Brad.
I'm re-reading Chris Cunningham's book "Building the Greenland Kayak" and out of interest more than action (at this point in time) I'm looking into what locally available timbers would be good/best for the job. CC's book mentions North American timbers but obviously these are typically not readily available here or would be cost prohibitive.
There are two main structural components to a GK. First are the gunwales which are approx' 75 x 19/22 at 4.8m to 5.1m long. These need to be straight grained and form the backbone of the GK (sounds similar to a bow right?). These are then forced into shape with deck beams. Second is the ribs which are morticed into the gunwales and steam bent into shape to form the hull basic shape. A keelson and chine runners are added on the outside of these to form the keel and chines. CC in his book uses 22mm wide by 9mm thick timbers which are thinned slightly (by 1/16th of an inch or 1.5mm) to allow it to bend more readily where needed. I am guessing max' length you would need for the ribs is around 30".
So I think you will see the two different main components need different properties. Both want to be lightweight but strong enough to do the job.
Gunwales.
Pawlonia has been used but has negative feedback as it breaks a bit too easily. Western Red Cedar is an alternative, only negative I have is it is very soft. American Ash and European Beech has been suggested but getting it in the size required could be challenging and expensive. I suppose it could be scarfed but not my preference.
Ribs.
I know Peter Ingram-Jones of Lampshades and Canoes has used bamboo lamellas from Bamboo Oz for ribs but this stuff is only 5mm thick. I've spoken to Shane from Bamboo Oz about their flooring but he was concerned the glues used would let go when steamed and forced into shape. Bamboo does sound like a good option but need to get it in the right format and dimensions.
I've thought King Billy Pine and Celery Top could work but doubt they are feasible. So, interested to get some input from you guys on what timbers you think would do the job.
Thanks in advance, Brad.