Acorn to Arabella - Journey of a Wooden Boat - Episode 64: Setup for Bronze Floor Installation

[@craigwilcox4403]

Alix, Steve, Akiva - Back in my 20's, I built many boats - wood, aluminum, steel, fiberglass. My wife and I lived on a small 32' schooner for three years. I really commend your team on doing a first-rate job on "re-building" this beautiful craft. You are more or less learning as you go, but more importantly, are teaching the craft to others. If you can inspire one other soul to enjoy the life of a serious boat builder, you will have done a great service. I am almost 74 now. I do miss the salt water life. I also miss flying my home-built airplanes, and racing sportscars. Led a very active life, but little mobility now. My hope is that I have inspired a few others to continue the hand-building aspect of any project - it gives great satisfaction over many years. Although not too mobile now, I am still building - reproductions of flintlock rifles! A lot of it I can do sitting, thankfully. Continue the good work, and I hope to still be around when you set out on your first sail in that beautiful boat.

[@nic_the_aged_woodworker]

Hope this suggestion isn't too late. When you drill holes through your bronze, any metal really it's always good if you finish the hole with a countersink. The resulting bevel removes any snags and tears which are all possible sources for stress cracking to start from. I'm really enjoying you story and it's truly amazing watching Arabella grow. Thanks for sharing!

[@redknight1322]

I'd like to second what Nic suggests, it really will save you headaches down the road. We use this technique a lot in aircraft maintenance.

[@TheChipmunkEmo]

redknight1322 I’ve often found it easier to counter sink first, and then drill the hole through. Otherwise I’ve had some problems with the countersink cutting asymmetrically, but I’ve never had that problem if I countersink first.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for the tip.

[@4ngu54110tt]

Would a simple deburring tool work for that? Inexpensive and takes seconds...

[@redknight1322]

@@TheChipmunkEmo, I've used that method as well. It's especially useful for centering the drill bit in certain applications.

[@damomack7970]

Mate I know comments aren't a fun job but Alix We do appreciate your effort mate in getting back to some of us. The effort you boys (and Akiva) do is really appreciated. Keep up the great work and man you guys are making a historic boat and I enjoy the method you are using.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate your support!

[@Diggnuts]

He said "I couldn't care less"... That .. is correct!! I'm amazed!

[@RayandShaneworshiper]

Diggnuts It irritates me way more than it should when it’s used incorrectly

[@ericfloyd9842]

Ah. Someone else who enjoys proper use of the language.

[@hungry4solidtrax]

I am in awe of the self discipline and control that you have. You follow process strictly yet you are not afraid to take suggestions that viewers make, which shows that you read the feedback. Please do keep the videos coming, they're great!!

[@ryan23370]

I started watching when I saw a suggest video saying "Pouring a 4.5 ton Lead Keel." Sounded interesting. Not knowing what this project was or anything about boat building, I was hooked. It has been a joy watching all the progress. As an amateur woodworker, I have loved watching all the problem solving and can use some techniques on a smaller scale.

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Same here! And I'm not interested in sailing! Or woodwork really, but I can admire masters in action! And as you said, Albryno, I've been kind of 'hooked' since 'Pouring A 4.5 ton Lead Keel'! :-)

[@christopherdahle9985]

That was me too. Now this is "appointment TV"

[@jaywelder877]

I too started the same way and same video. But I'll tell yah I've been a metal worker for over 20 years. If you want to be a master metal worker, you need to be a master wood worker first. It teaches you how to be right the first time every time.

[@jonmassey8124]

Same for me.. - The Lead pouring keel was fascinating and I was hooked and Subbed... so very glad I did as now Friday's are even better.

[@spenceralfredo1980]

You all probably dont give a damn but does anyone know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost the password. I love any help you can give me.

[@firedavin]

This is the only KZbin channel that I do not fast forward through any parts of it.

[@briansmith8967]

Not only do I fast forward, but I back up several times to make sure I got the details. Amazing work!

[@briansmith8967]

Meant to say "not only do I NOT fast forward..." :)

[@danjsimonds]

I love the sober discussions about whether things are “strong enough”. You guys are building an icebreaker!! 👍

[@captsirl]

Remember to boat the Acorn only lasted 90 years. But I envy them.

[@carguyuk3613]

Very professional videos. This should be broadcast on TV! Excellent content and very skilled guys.

[@dsutt777]

I keep saying to myself that wgbh should be backing them up with full creative control in the guys hands.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Thank you for another great video. Those floors turned out beautifully and your attention to the welding is obviously paying off in the installation. If you have issues with the two nuts welded together they can be replaced with a hanger connecting nut that is slightly longer than the two nuts. Have a great weekend gentlemen.

[@ET_Don]

For driving the hanger bolts, if you want to further concentrate the force on the end of the hanger bolt you could put a steel ball from an old ball bearing between the top of the hanger bolt and the bolt of your special tool. So your tool pushes on the steel ball, and the steel ball pushes on the hanger bolt. Thanks for another great video.

[@michaelvangundy226]

It's fantastic to see this level of quality in your work. Both in the boat and the video. Keep it up. Can you take a break and go sailing? Rental, charter, get on the water for a while and remember what all of this is for. Remember the smell of the sea. The way the sun bakes your face. Go on, take a couple of days off. But take the cameras.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching, we are hoping to take a (non-sailing) vacation this summer. It will be an adventure, and we will definitely take the cameras.

[@lincolngrove2808]

Wholesome things crafted by human hands. We don't get any better than this.

[@CanadianNative1]

Still can't get over how awesome that band saw is

[@jameswieser483]

I can’t wait to see the completion of the bronze floor bracing. That is much more work then wooden flooring bracing would have been but I’m sure the extra work will pay off in the long run. I enjoyed this video as usual and I’m looking forward to the next.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching!

[@greglooker1996]

Guys I am no boat builder or even a carpenter but I really enjoy watching how you are building the boat and how you problem solve the issues as they arrive. Great job and great video. Keep up the awesome work.

[@ryan23370]

Same here. I love how they do weekly videos and not just one episode of "Here is the wood, boat is done!" Just goes to show you how involved building something actually is.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Hill washers. A fairly common item. Sometimes I almost forget that you’re building something that’s going to float. The videos have been so awesome! She’s going to live forever.

[@Sudz3]

How... have I not found this channel until now?! Its so therapeutic and educational!

[@Argosh]

This new schedule with long videos to boot is so great! Your hard work and dedication is highly appreciated guys! I became a patron months ago and I can only urge everyone else who enjoys this content to do the same.

[@rotaholik89]

I love seeing Akiva supervising you guys

[@cf6282]

Great to see you picked up on the technical feedback that was given by one of the viewers. Never seen that bolting solution before. Good stuff you checked out if the bolts were fit strong enough. Even checking your welding! Getting the bolts in on the correct angle. If feel this is very good engineering and manufacturing. Of course it needs to be with all the stresses and forces thatcome with sailing. It will be invisible from the outside but it will extend the lifespan immensely.. Thanks for sharing!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching!

[@darinmbicknell]

Akiva sightings 10: Love the 3 different sequential cuts of Akiva. Much better, keep up the great Akiva edits thanks Ben remember who the star of this channel really is.

[@prankishsquire2663]

Just like GOT the wolf pack survives.

[@jaymelwill]

I truly don't get all this fascination with dogs. I mean , they're a great pet and all.....

[@watcherofwatchers]

​@@jaymelwill Akiva is one of the three stars credited in the opening credit sequence. It's expected. Also, dogs are fantastic.

[@isaac_k98]

JayWill1000 I love dogs (I have 3), but I think this bizarre juvenile obsession with them is just fashionable at the moment

[@Sqtgdog]

Every time you over build a part, it makes me happy. Knowing you are making the best boat you can, and not some mass produced consumer product is satisfying and rare these days. Keep up the hard work, and we'll keep watching.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching!

[@TravisDVH]

Maybe I missed it in a previous video but I love how your years of woodwork have produced a wonderful shaving floor. I imagine there are people out there who pay for that. True hard work pays off.

[@OldWhitebelly]

Ben's music is such a great addition to the videos!

[@xXKyledkXx]

ben is doing a great job on editting, and it's good to see the to of you working on the board, no more editing purgatory!

[@vinyrd50]

Arabella loves her nail polish! nice color :)

[@raybauer1832]

As Maria says "the boys" are doing good. I can't wait to see the planking going on. Keep up the good work we love the videos. The new video guy is working out real well keeping the same look and feel that you always had but yet giving you more time in the boat house

[@richardmoore4194]

Built like a brick "outside facility". Oak and bronze such a winning combination.

[@joehill5628]

Could watch this the whole evening

[@pablocruzgilmour]

Guys the production quality has gone through the roof! Ben is doing an incredible job and I cant get enough of the last song. I've been following you since you bought your big bandsaw and it's been a pleasure to come on the journey with you. I'm a young boat builder from the UK but will be doing some work in the states next year and I would love to come and lend a hand. Take care fellas

[@Paul_C]

The attention to detail is what this boat needs, congratulations. 😊

[@poppyrider5541]

And I think red is her colour.

[@paulkuske1457]

I do appreciate how meticulous and through you are with everything! You are learning and teaching us things at the same time Thanks!!!!

[@daleskidmore1685]

Great tip on the nail varnish. I broke a1/2" HSS bit in 10mm steel the other week; they ain't what they used to be.

[@TheMetalButcher]

@ By hand. I pilot 3/4" in steel sometimes on a drill press. I avoid hand drilling like the plague, even if it's means lugging the 105lb mag drill onto a part. Sometimes though you've just got to bight the bullet.

[@redknight1322]

Such a leading teaser at the end of the video... you guys are turning into true masters of informative artistic videography!

[@clem2usa]

So much Akiva time! Wonderful video, y’all!! 💜💜💜

[@bobuk5722]

Those bronze floors are artwork in themselves. You'll be able to sail round the Southern Ocean wihout losing the keel .....BobUK.

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

Those floors are going to be solid for sure. Well done.

[@msanchez7317]

I'm so happy to see the torch come out when you needed to do some re-shaping of the floors! Happy to hear things went well. Progress is moving quickly, which is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@capnmoench4246]

Man, nice idea for the stud install tool. I'll be using that for my engines.

[@gregmirr]

Thanks for letting us stop by the boatyard , those bronze fabrications are the bomb . My friend had a very old tahiti ketch compared to Arabella it looked like it was built trolls . I watched it self destruct when it went into the surf . It had been refastened several times the planking had no more wood it busted into a million pieces 1' long . Keep up the good work everything you're doing will pay off in aces later .

[@jennitro]

Cool suggestion for the driver for the hanger bolts (and cool that you read the comments and implemented it).

[@tomwhaley6894]

None of those welding defects will matter EXCEPT in your engine bed frames. They have to be really good welds to prevent vibration from eventually starting cracks that will spread on their own.

[@jennitro]

Will the wood mounted between the engine and the bronze dampen that vibration at all?

[@tomwhaley6894]

@@jennitro sure quite a bit but engines produce vibration continuously and propulsion as a by product ;) Think about it this way: machinery is tested in tests that imitate millions of stress /strain cycles. But an engine bed or mount experiences a million stress/strain cycles in just 5 hours. Tiny pores begin to slowly crack and over 20 or 200 million cycles spread and fail. Which isn't the end of the world, it just means you shut your motor off until you can repair the welds.

[@Gottenhimfella]

That might be true if they were welding a material (or with a filler) which was crack-sensitive. Bronze varies widely in crack sensitivity. Some particular aluminium bronzes are so crack sensitive they cannot be welded at all. Other bronzes are so good that they are regularly used to weld steel in cases where a steel filler would be too prone to crack. They even do a creditable job on cast iron. Hard to be sure from a vid clip, but I'd say their assessment of the likelihood of those particular defects causing problems was probably about right. In other words, zero, even for engine beds. For one thing, there is SO MUCH length of welded joint, in comparison with the loads it will experience (including vibrational).

[@tomwhaley6894]

@@Gottenhimfella If you listen closely to what you are saying you are actually proving my point. What I am saying, according to your critique, is true in every case. But is simply more true or less true depending on the crack sensitivity of the parent and filler materials. In either case the fact that the least crack sensitive alloys of silicon bronze are less crack sensitive than mild steel is a very weak endorsement. a typical engine bed will endure a billion stress/strain cycles during the 5000 hr life of the engine, enough to cause almost any mild steel weld with porosity issues to fail.

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@tomwhaley6894 On the face of it your argument has appeal. However, there is a load limit below which fatigue does not occur, for most metals (including the ones here), which is why stitch welding is permissible for weldments subject to vibration, provided the total area of weld is sufficient to stay below that threshold. The sort of defects exposed by the penetrant here are not (from what I can see) "porosity", but isolated interruptions, arguably comparable with gaps between stitches. Pulling back to a more general assessment, I think it's flirting with binary thinking to say *no* defects are allowable when there is *any* vibration. In the real world one should, where possible, quantify the defects, quantify the severity of the vibration, and quantify the levels of stress. In this case, none of us are in a position to do that, so it calls for the exercise of judgement in the light of experience.

[@paulsmith460]

Looking very good you guys! Those floor timbers turned out amazing - she's going to be one stout boat! Great job both of you as well as your other team members - keep it up!

[@dcrahn]

If you weren't so far away I would come up and teach you how to sharpen any drill bit, it's really easy. Surely there is somebody watching and close by can drop in and give a lesson.

[@akay4500]

You guys are setting a new standard to boat building! 💪👌

[@tymonritco8578]

My friend introduced your channel to me with the pouring of the keel. I have watched every video as they come out since. Fascinating to see the journey of the boat and your progress as a channel. Watching from Calgary AB Canada

[@heathschwab]

Very nice looking good yea can't weight to see the next. Have a great week and god bless

[@johnnya9001]

Your attention to detail is resulting in a million dollar sailboat.

[@owixomen]

Hey, I wanted to say well done to start with. The new editor, cant remember his name is doing great. I love how often new episodes are coming out. Great work everyone!

[@AcornToArabella]

Ben is doing a great job!

[@owixomen]

@@AcornToArabella Hey Ben, I'm Ben. Well Done.

[@TheSpaceTechHopkins]

That is cool to see you use none destructive testing on those bronze floors. I come from a background in aviation and that is something we do constantly to ensure structural stability in the aircraft. :D

[@michaelbotelho2714]

I truly enjoy watching you guys learn as you go. Many times I do the same thing with a new project and it can be immensely frustrating but it is also immensely satisfying when you are done.

[@marvinmartinsYT]

The red looks real good on the bronze!

[@wm.perrykillam4243]

Great video as always. I just became a Patreon to help you keep making these videos and building the boat.

[@beelwillis4025]

This will eventually be a BETTER BUILT BOAT than ANY crafted 100yrs ago. So, have you got a plan to preserve this boat when you guys are nearing 90yrs of age? Because, I reckon it will definitely outlive you both!

[@denisohbrien]

man you guys can sharpen all your wood hand tools to perfection, you only need a bench grinder and a keen eye to sharpen drills, it's one of my favourite skills I have learned and everyone should, (good)drills bits are expensive lol

[@dahak972]

Lol, he said “Suck these nuts up” and “Lubrication is always important”. Words to live by. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. 😂😂😂😂. Great video!

[@DanSoldierGuy]

Someone always beats me to these kind of comments! Hahaha! Kudos

[@ojiBEAN]

Lol 9:55

[@JimmyANelson]

Yeah, had a good lol moment as well. Was part way though writing a comment when I figure someone else already cought it. 🤣

[@billmorse3303]

dahak972 they do aspire to be sailors and are boat makers after all, lol!

[@narcoleptic8982]

Steve: "... and go through with some sandpaper and take off the finish on the frames and the keel timber where the bronze floors are gonna sit" My brain: "That seems weird, why would you do that?" Steve: "and the reason we're doing that is..." I love this channel.

[@kenhigginbotham5839]

You guys are a real inspiration - !

[@TheMofoManiac]

There better be some Akiva hair imbedded between those frames and the floors for the rest of time! Awesome work figuring out all the little things.

[@akukorhonen5182]

Work teaches worker like no other school on planet earth. As long as you have the time to learn by yourself. Today no one will ever have enough hourglass in any school to be a professional in any job. And after all, nobody learns a s#!t anyhow without an intress and a passion to a certain craftmanship. Whatever it will be. Keep on keeping good work on.

[@jbburton5928]

Your level of accuracy will be of comfort to ya when it matters when it’s stressed out in rough conditions it’s 101%keep it up there’s no rush encore

[@denisohbrien]

I use nail polish for the same thing, feels reall good going to the pharmacy for nail polish for marking and vaseline for holding o-rings and seals in place. gets you some good looks.

[@madispoldsaar]

Milestone again... Congrats!

[@mikemcginnis31]

Can't wait to see it when she is finished going to be a beautiful ship

[@PiperFishing]

These two are such a cute couple.

[@maxwellmcq6343]

i met you guys we were a school trip from hartsbrook you guys are awesome

[@AcornToArabella]

Hi Maxwell! We were happy to have you all. Glad you are enjoying the project. Thank you for the compliment.

[@khammar6081]

More video's!! Wish I had the huavos to start a project like this!! Amazing! Been watch for a long time and have others watching. Keep up the great work!

[@Sloggeth]

Gotta drill bronze slow. 200 to 350 RPM's. It work hardens at higher speeds and eats bits.

[@akukorhonen5182]

Depends on alloys, brass and bronze may need a seriously sharp bit with zero chest(?)angle, sts. in linear with drill axis. If the alloy is hard and its chips are short, there shouldn't be an aggressively cutting (digging) drillbit. It will just suck in and make a mess.

[@FIAWOLpi]

Wonderful work

[@paulbargren7063]

Great project. Great patience to do all that work on the bronze floors. Weeks of your time. But doing it right. (Hate to see you using drill press, band saw, etc., without any eye protection at all. Wear something over those eyeballs! we don't want to lose you.)

[@J.Smith-rc6wh]

great suggestion with nuts etc from another kind watcher, have used similar setup an old engineer I worked with and it worked for our application , good luck with your one guys

[@mattsutherland120]

Great going guys, wonderful way to spend the last night of the Aussie autumn (winter tomorrow). See ya next week.

[@wurly164]

I like how you have the fire extinguishers in the shot, just to shut up the grippers who will point out that you should have one close by

[@ablx7208]

saya dari indonesia..saya slalu mengikuti terus perkembangan pada proses pembuatan ini.. good job..💪👍👍👍👍

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for watching!

[@faircompetition1203]

The floors are still way stronger than the wood they are bolted to - you are good

[@petenash7994]

Seriously good episode - great work guys.

[@gepettoe]

Yes, love your craftsmanship and talent. Just wish videos were longer.

[@TheThriftyWoodworker]

With all those weld problems, I would return to the 2x4’s that block water and cause rot. You guys are doing a an amazing build.

[@scottychainsaw5866]

Ah. a teaser. Nice one.

[@stevieg8167]

I am watching your videos all the way from Dunedin New Zealand . Keep it up. Cheers Stevie G

[@stubs1227]

That's funny I grew up in Dunedin Florida. LOL

[@stubs1227]

Btw Stirling Scotland is our sister city.

[@Dagowly83]

Amazing attention to details, lads! I admire your dedication to the project throughout!

[@Snakerow1]

Hang in there boys! Patients is key!

[@PhillipFreeman1]

beautifully edited video, really great

[@alexkitner5356]

If you go to a spring shop in the area they make bronze angled shims for HD truck alignment. They'd be perfect for that.

[@TheMetalButcher]

Hey guys. One recommendation: Get a drill gauge and spend a bit of time learning to sharpen drill bits by hand on a bench grinder. It's a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you'll probably be a bit disgusted by all the time and money you've wasted on getting new drills or drilling with dull ones. I'll probably sharpen a drill 25+ times before it's usable lifespan is gone. There are some great tutorials on youtube. Great work on those beefy bronze floors!

[@cobra035]

Great job guys!

[@robwells2952]

grind flats on the cutting edge of drill for bronze and brass . love the show

[@briansmith8967]

That sounds intriguing. Can you elaborate?

[@robwells2952]

@@briansmith8967. The cutting edge/angle of the drill is ground for cutting steel the drill wants to pull into the soft bronze, snatching and all sorts, the drill has to much spiral/twist. If the cutting edge of drill is ground at a flatter angle its like making the flutes less spiralled! it will cut much better and the swarf chips you also have more control of the feed. Very difficult to describe in words but its the inside face cutting edge that just needs a small flat grinding on each side, you may think this is crazy but its how I was taught as a toolmaker. its very easy and once done the drill can be ground back for cutting steal. Rob

[@PhillipFreeman1]

excellent work guys, so beautiful!

[@randys1889]

Thank you for continuing to post on KZbin! Fantastic progress gents!

[@johnduffy7502]

Great progress guys!

[@mattsfat73]

Im just happy to be here !!

[@zachkiss8870]

I’ve been wondering for a few videos now about the “angle of the bolt”. I’m not sure how you’re going to get the washer and nut to sit flat if the bolt isn’t perpendicular to the floor. I guess I’ll have to wait and see! I absolutely love these videos. Thanks guys!

[@dansbrown1313]

Hiya guys, For setting your bronze floor sections, consider using "Irish felt". Irish Felt is a traditional material to lay between layers of planking, particularly used in double cross-planked bottoms. It is also used under copper sheathing, or underlay for canvas decks and canvas coach roofs.(schoonerchandlery.com.)Irish Flax Felt, commonly known as Irish Felt or Ship's Felt, it is a product that was originally made in Belfast, Ireland. It is composed of jute or flax felt that is asphalt or bitumen saturated. We use it for repairs to barges or keels etc. When as Stephen pointed out , there are slight gaps in the Bronze fittings, layer the felt till the fit is perfect and then bolt it down. Cheers

[@dugg117]

Spherical Washers are amazing.

[@BillB23]

Your videos invariably end too soon. Keep 'em coming, guys. I await the day when I can legitimately wish you fair winds and following seas.

[@petert3355]

With a interesting as the build is, and how great a job these guys do of explaining the details of what is going on. These video's could easily be an hour long. I know I'd happily watch to the credits every time.

[@snoosebaum995]

jeez what a bunch of perfectionists

[@Garryck-1]

When it comes to sailing across oceans, perfectionists live longer...

[@JoshuaMorgan]

Man, what a process! Can't wait for the final install. Also, really happy to see Akiva so much in this episode. :)

[@ruperthartop7202]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing

[@ScottKenny1978]

"Why nail polish?" Because it's *cheap*! :D Also, good call on dye-penetrant testing your welds. (can be found in auto-parts stores, for those that haven't used it, it's pretty cool stuff.) I don't see any issues, you're right that the pits and air voids are not an issue for that much material.