COLIN LAMB wrote:

Question: Does the cedar strip technique you mention use multiple layers of
veneer? Presumably you need a form to wrap this around. Does it have to be
solid or can you just use formers, say, every 9 inches or so? How do you
clamp to get a good bond between layers?

Response: Some of the cedar strip boats that I built were made from 1" x 6"
cedar planks, which means they were about 3/4" thick. Then I ripped those
planks on a saw (table saw, band saw or radial arm saw - whatever is handy).
This will give you long strips that are about 3/4" wide and 1/4" thick.
Cedar is used because it bends easily, looks good and is light. Stations
are built conforming to the curved shape you want. Each station is about
12" to 16" apart. Wax paper or tape are put over the plywood forms. The
first strip is installed, and following strips are glued adjacent to the
first step. The strips are stapled onto each form. Alignment between
stations can be assured by clamps over the strips you are gluing. The glue
does not matter, becase no strength comes from it. You can butt joint each
piece. Although some perfectionists angle the edges of the strips going
around a curve, it is not necessary. If there is a slight opening, epoxy
will seep in and make the structure stronger. The cedar simply replaces
foam, and the strength comes from the layers of cloth and epoxy resin.
Carbon fiber is stronger and lighter, but would cover up the beautiful cedar
strip finish, but could be used on the inside. Obviously, the application
and strength of the epoxy will control the strength of the overall
structure, but it can be quite high. The strength requirements for the
fuselage of something like a Bowlus would be quite low - but there would
obviously need to be some method of attaching the wings to the fuselage and
spreading out the stress of the lifting point.

However, the pod itself could be created similar to a cedar strip kayak. My
17 foot cedar strip kayak weighs about 50 pounds and I made no effort to
save weight.

One other process, which could be used is a process developed for the HK-1
Hughes "Spruce Goose" It is built of laminated birch. As I understand the
process, the it was plywood made in the shape required for the aircraft and
known as Duramold. The aircraft companies made a number of small boats
using the same process to perfect it. The Evergreen museum no doubt has
some information on the process.

The inventive can replace the Molt Taylor Aerocar of yesteryear with a
Glider/kayak. When making an outlanding, simply land by a lake ro river,
remove and store the wings and tail, and paddle home.

Colin N12HS


Sounds like some of the early Curtis flying boats. I think they'd be fun.

Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired