Acorn to Arabella - Journey of a Wooden Boat - Episode 91: We Broke a Plank

[@darinmbicknell]

In this episode... Akiva gets scratches and snuggles up in saw dust for more tummy rubs. Definitely the best episode ever. More barking more better. Damn squirrels are taunting him a second time.

[@TheInfoworks]

I rescued a big Denbigh pillar drill (from about 1920) and got her working, it's marvelous, so go for that big pillar drill, you won't regret it and it will be a family heirloom that your Granddaddy will sure love, cheers

[@RobertFay]

*For some reason i noticed i got tired watching how much work you got done working alone, Steve. So kudos to you. When there are two or more people i don't seem to register how much effort is being expended. Like your guest mentioned, this journey you are on brings respect for the ship builders in the days of yore.*

[@lbh002]

I am really enjoying the way you do time lapse video but use a snippet of real time audio. Nice technique that keeps the viewer connected with the build, but without hours and hours of watching the guys saw and clamp. Bravo.

[@buffplums]

08:50 Hello Jim and Barbara hope you enjoyed your visit … ok it was a few years back now and I’m only seeing this in March 2023 … nice to see you 😂😂😂😊😊

[@markc5593]

Thanksgiving not friends giving. The day set aside as a nation to thank God for his blessings on America. Thankfulness has to be directed by it's nature towards someone. Lots of respect for sticking to the craftmanship, I really look forward to your vids.

[@maitai1133]

No. It's a thing. Look it up.

[@kevinramsey9758]

Plunge cutting with that skill saw with another's hand behind it is beyond scary. Love your vids guys!

[@scottjones5455]

That was so scary to watch. Worst injury I've had in 40 years of woodworking was from kickback.

[@tyreldor4942]

Ya, thats a huge no-no on the job site. Keep the kickback area of a circular saw clear. There are dozen reasons why they may kick

[@johnscally255]

My Boss at work recommended Acorn to Arabella,and I have not been disappointed. What a super Project,to build a wooden Boat.Skills Learned will be a life line of great Adventure.CHEERS

[@thomasarussellsr]

Live and learn. I likely would have chosen to not trust the wood and would have been steam-bagging from the first plank, but hey, that's me. Of course my progress would have been much slower and I may not have found the faulty scarf joints. You guys still inspire me. I wish a project like this was in my wheel-house and budget. Keep on keepin' on.

[@peromo9397]

This is such a good video. I've followed you guys from your early days and I am so impressed with your endeavours. Even beyond boat building; it is the commitment to a 'goal' that has inspired me, if not others. The music, the video editing, the appeal to volunteers, the wealth of knowledge and learning; and more importantly, the boat and your dreams coming to life. I wish you Guys so many happy futures. I will be dead before you really appreciate what you 'have' done. But if I can ever step on to your deck, I would consider it a great honour. Rock on! The video I am looking forward to is when you launch 'Arabella'. She is beautiful already! And so are you Guys!

[@tbjoyrider]

I noticed that Stephen had some trouble controlling the cord for the saw at one point. Here's a little trick I learned many years ago: Run the extension cord in the entire length of the plank, distance 4-5 foot away, and loop it back to the tool you're using. Take a piece of thin rope to tie around the cord and put a carbine hook on it, so you can hook the cord in a belt strap. Of course you need a bit of slack, but the cord can't hang lower than your knees at any point. Then your problems with the cord will be over, and you're free to concentrate about work. Remember to unhook when you're finished 😉

[@genelomas332]

Ah, the frosty New England mornings.. not something I'm likely to forget any time soon.. Can't believe it's already been a year since I was there helping out.. I was looking back at my photos from my visit the other day, and you guys have have got so much more done in that time.. It's incredible :) Keep hammering on through :)

[@navigator902]

I subscribe and watch .... cause you guys are magical with tools and wood, and the design, makes my mouth water.

[@BillB23]

There's a Native American proverb (or so I've heard): Life is problems. Living is solving problems. I admire how you just keep plugging along and view each setback as a learning opportunity. Keep on keepin' on!

[@paulsmith1444]

It's a rare treat to watch these guys and the process.

[@maitai1133]

Great proverb.

[@jordyjudson2247]

I guess Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@ariesclark3272]

@Jordy Judson instablaster =)

[@jordyjudson2247]

@Aries Clark Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@richardchatfield5984]

Loving the narrative voice with the progression of each task of the boat build, and the skills that you both bring to the table is very eye opening...

[@mattinsley1721]

Well done Steve. I like how you take advantage of the random visitor and put them to work. No better way to educate a newcomer than to get their hands sticky with that glue. By the way. I wear my Acorn to Arabella hat all the time and get a surprising number of people who recognize it and mention the channel here in So. Cal. I have been an avid follower for a long time. Until the next one!

[@bullettube9863]

Takes me back to the days when I worked in home construction outside. Minus 10 in the morning but don't worry it'll warm up to plus 20 later! My boss always told us to be careful handling wood when it got cold, because like steel it can be brittle. Keep warm guys, and remember, being cold can also dull your senses, so work safe!

[@RealCheesyBread]

You have nice neighbors lol. Hopefully if they do have any complaints they will go directly to you and allow for "noise negotiations". Had that happen once at my grandpa's, and we agreed on "noise hours" and kept it open for them to request special quiet hours in case they had some special reason for us to be quiet for a day.

[@royking9961]

I was going to fun of the wimpy east coasters, whining about -15 f. Then I checked the daily high in Winnipeg, MB, CAN (otherwise known as Winterpeg) for the day this video was published and laughed. -19 f. You go guys!

[@JenkinsBoatWorks]

Hi Guys, another great episode. stay warm!

[@peterkraus2249]

Thankj you for showing Akiva more this time! Would love to spend time with them!

[@gregmirr]

Even though the cracked plank was a setback , I was impressed that you took it in stride and even projected into the future using the piece for deck beams . Without that type of determination wooden ships would never been built ..i never realized that planking was that thick .

[@Aurora8709]

Akiva: the boss of the boathouse 🤔

[@immaculatelation]

I've been keeping up with you guys for a while (you had me at pouring 4.5 tons of molten lead) and I eagerly await every new video. I can't wait to see the Christening and beyond. I love what you are doing here, but more than that, I love you guys. Your positive outlook and demeanor and your patient, detailed explanations of what you are doing have made my weeks for a while now. I'm enraptured with your dream, I love learning from you guys, and I love that sweet Akiva. I wish I could visit. Great work, guys!

[@stephensharma4994]

I AM EAGERLY WAITING WHEN THIS %^%^&*( BOAT WILL SAIL...!!

[@Vanda023]

You guys are a great team and that boat will last for a long time.

[@MidtownSkyport]

3:27 I see you're using CAD (Cardboard Aided Design)

[@customfabrications]

That joke is so old, when it was first said, the Dead Sea was just sick. (I’m just kidding, don’t get mad at me)

[@sunny71169]

@@customfabrications No joke that you heard the first time is old.

[@davidjulian8536]

@@customfabrications Given that the joke depends on Computer Aided Design, its only as old as electronic computing!

[@immaculatelation]

Well, it's the first time I've heard the joke, and I think I'll file this away for later use with my engineering friend (who will no doubt roll his eyes at me, and say "yeah, yeah...").

[@jeremykamel9655]

I love CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) it’s my favorite noputer design app. Damian from Project Brupeg use CAD all the time. He even built an aluminum dingy using that extremely expensive noputer application.

[@fw1421]

It’s always nice to have a Husky in the shop!😍😍😍

[@michaelvangundy226]

You really are building furniture, good job. I took a tour of a replica of the Nina and Pinta. They had some pieces that had popped a scarf or was just cut short. It's easy to find flaws in wood craft so I wouldn't worry about sailing on them. Feel free to patch and refit where needed. Speed is also a skill, and I would like to see this project finished in my lifetime. I'm getting old fast.

[@lafarm123]

2:22 « ... so we take our time with this part of the process... » What a great sense of humour!

[@PatrickHRoss]

Can’t wait until you guys are done

[@watchfordpilot]

I so look forward to Fridays to see what you guys have been up to. As the saying goes, 'nothing fails like success'. A bit of a kick about the plank but you've gained a bit of experience from it. I'm not a 'boatie' but by comparison, some years ago, I did a complete restoration of a vintage aircraft with stacks of enthusiasm and a lack of knowledge and skills. In the end I was promoted to the dizzy heights of 'novice.' Cheers!

[@markmcginn8012]

I really enjoy watching these videos on Fridays. You guys are doing a great job!

[@teresapoudrier494]

The skill saw hand crank for the rolling bevel,, brilliant.

[@NickCargillable]

Tip from my Grandad: always leave the nut on the bolt if you're cutting. That when when you run the nut off it re-runs the thread the way you want it and means a little less finishing!

[@henryphelps3590]

Arabella as we all comes to life with a little kicking and screaming 🐣🦢🕊🦅🦉🦚🦜 which bird of beautiful Freedom will she be

[@danoyes1]

Great stuff guys! Don't worry about port vs starboard hanging plankning... Just don't plank the whole Port side then go back for the starboard 😁

[@Can_non69]

Damned right you should take time to pet the dog.

[@thegenerousdegenerate9395]

IKR... It's always kinda bugged me that you don't see them engaging with him/her. But afterall, this IS a boat building channel not a dog petting channel. However, you do see that parrot getting love over on Sampson... Idk man... Just pet the damned dog. Lol

[@sunny71169]

@@thegenerousdegenerate9395 LOL Like Alix and Steve, I work at home too. My 100# GSD and I have a love fest first thing in the morning for about 10 mins. Then I go to work and he hangs out. About every hour or so he trots into my office and washes my face while I give him a back rub, he gives me the GSD hug and then goes back to contemplating the universe while I return to work. Raised Dobermans for years, some wanted attention, some not so much. They're all different and all characters. I have never seen Akiva walk up to Steve or Alix looking for attention and be ignored. Not everything they do in the boathouse makes it into the video.

[@makeryguy]

Fine job shooting Steve! Knowing the plank was going to break, and seeing the first set of visitors standing right in the blast zone made me nervous Haha! It's super cool to follow you on Insta, and then get the in depth back story here, on the progress. So much more to say, but I'll.leave it at that for now. Loving it gents! Loving it

[@LeCharles07]

Don't worry Steve, a good editor can save almost anything and Ben has been doing a great job.

[@anthonycondon5833]

You must be a director ;) "FIX IT IN POST!"

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

I'll be honest, I'd've thought several would've gone by now! But I'm now used to working with wood! :-) You're doing well, and even I, a non-sailing, land-lubber can see Arabella taking shape! :-)

[@Gorbyrev]

Really enjoyed that - good to hear the process of problem solving.

[@deatrixmuntz]

I know you guys have it covered but seeing your hand behind a plunging circular saw gave me the heebie jeebies

[@shaneglading405]

"Solo Stephen" episode was a fun little adventure.

[@alm000]

You did good Steve, You guys rock BTW :)

[@markpalmer5311]

Great job with the camera Stephen. You and Alix make a great team.

[@markramsell454]

Rework makes the dream work.

[@glassgoat9601]

Enjoyable as usual. Thanks!

[@oliverwoodcraft9733]

Keep up the great work. I can’t wait for next video.

[@pocketchange1951]

A to A time, and now my Friday is complete, 👍👌❤🇨🇦

[@scottroberts3158]

if you end up doing stainless water tanks down the track then you can definitely weld them yourself steve, We can all tell that you can stick weld, so to solve the problems of sugaring on the inside of the corner welds (which is no good for anything food grade as it gives bacteria a good place to set up shop) just weld with with whatever grade of stick electrode you used to make the tanks, if you do melt through the slag will protect the back side of the weld, once it cools off give it a few sharp taps with a hammer to knock the slag off (with stainless stick the slag normally pops off itself as it cools, and stainless stick welds always come out incredibly smooth so the slag doesn't stick like with a 6010 or 7018 weld) and give it a good wash out to get all the slag out of the tank before the install. you could also easily MIG weld it with that nice lincoln machine you used for the bronze, you'd have to buy a bottle of pure argon to purge the air from the inside of the tank so it doesn't sugar (hook the argon bottle to the tank to be welded at the lowest point you can, and leave a vent (usually use the tanks output point for argon in as thats on the bottom, and the filling point on top for argon out, you fill from the bottom as argon is heavier than air and will fill up and push the air out of the vent) and set the flowmeter for the purge argon to around 15-20 CFH and allow it to sit for half an hour to purge all of the air out of the tank), and a bottle of tri-mix (helium, argo and oxygen) gas for the welder again with a roll of whatever stainless alloy you used to build the tank and weld it in short circuit transfer, this will be faster and give a cleaner end product than stick welding it, but will be more expensive. Feel free to message me if you have questions, I've got a bit of experience with most things welding and can give you some ideas.

[@maitai1133]

Cool knowledge.

[@markf6930]

Ever since I saw that plank crack I have been thinking about how you might steam the planks to make the bend and twist. Since it takes so long to get the plank on the boat starting at the bow I thought (and I am sure you have too) that you will need to get most of the plank on and then steam the last 1/3 in place. This would mean constructing a steam generator that could be in the boat house with you and making a steam box that you can slide over the plank, connect a steam hose to and steam for as long as it takes. The steam generator can't be wood fired for obvious reasons so what about building one using an old small drum that grease comes in and use two electric water heater elements to boil the water. The steam box could be a sheet metal long box just big enough to accommodate the plank. Connect the steam hose to the stern end and an exhaust hose at the other end to vent the excess steam and moisture outside the boat house. The last thing you guys want is a boat house made a plastic sheeting full of steam with sub zero temps outside! Lowes here where I live has steel rain gutters that are not very wide but are pretty deep and if you took two 16 footers and placed one upside down on the other then tack weld them together and seal the seam it might just be big enough to hold the plank. Building the steam generator would be simple enough. Just get two heating elements that thread into a hot water heater, get the corresponding female threaded fitting, weld it into the side of a steel box and wire them up. Anyways that is my idea. I am curious how you conquer the problem. Good luck

[@jwolf4523]

I don't make boats but I have had success bending boards for archways furniture and canoes without steam because trying to bend it all at once it often breaks. I also find the concave side kinks and crumples under the pressure when wet. I select flat sawn boards when possible and apply water to the convex side and crank it and let it dry, apply water crank it let it dry until it has the shape to memory. The outside of the plank grain stretches extra by drying under tension for perfect memory, rather than compressing the inside grain which is what happens when wood is wet, as the path of least resistance. Thats my theory if it makes any sense. I've made some perfect radius arches with no crumples this way . I pre jig bend boards stacked over a bending jig, ratchet strap the ends down give a few clicks each day after wetting the tops they are super compliant. It could work for this but you know perfectly well what you are doing I am always impressed. Would you say this planking is the hard part?

[@csnelling4]

Thanks for the video 👏👏👏👍🇬🇧

[@karlgustafson179]

I agree with all the safety concerns. Time to start talking about safety close calls, and precautions, on camera.

[@skwyrz1]

Hey guy's I don't wish to sound like an alarmist but we are due for a nasty winter,Please take the time to inspect and reinforce the boat shack for snow load's,Great video and hug's to all of you.

[@jaycweingardt11]

I just love this project, so cool, cant wait to see her sail

[@piledriver141]

Looking good guys 66 degrees here in Texas today 😃

[@David-hm9ic]

Enjoyed the episode. It would be interesting to know how the old time shipwrights fit the planks compared to the way you do it with power tools. Seems like it would be grueling work with hand tools. Thanks for talking about ship's bandsaws many episodes back. I decided to get a bigger bandsaw and was fortunate to find a small one that tilts. It's only 12" but a big upgrade from my 8" Delta that I bought new in the early '90s. I think it will be much better for my needs than a tilting bed saw.

[@charlesmoore456]

Mornin' Gents!! Cold coffee is just moments away!!

[@genelomas332]

Nor have I.. ;) Been refreshing for 3 minutes now.. ;)

[@R.T_Go_Your_Own_Way]

was wondering how far you would get with the planking before you would have to start steaming

[@kennethellison9713]

Rough day. The looks on your faces at 10:47 says it all.

[@AiidynFire]

Those camera skills, about minute 23 that sideways shot, I love it

[@gordonclark7632]

Having watched this series from the start, one thing that has amazed me is your ability to work your way through each problem that appears. The number of times that I would have sunk to the ground in dismay when something went wrong makes me realise how dedicated to the task both of you are. Maybe you are reduced to tears off camera :)

[@lancedaniels]

All the time you were getting the plank that cracked prepped I was thinking, "oh no this is going to crack!?"

[@pauleohl]

Here is a suggestion for a template for each plank: Fasten a batten to the hull against the last existing plank. Secure it to the ribs with drywall screws. Fasten another batten to the ribs positioned where you want the plank to end. Use drywall screws here too. You might have to only attach to every other rib. Make aluminum "postcards" from heavy flashing to attach between the two battens. Use sharp point pan head sheet metal screws like what are used to secure metal studs in place.Take care to not cover the drywall screws that are holding the battens to the ribs. The aluminum postcards can overhang the battens. When you remove the drywall screws you have a template that you can lay on your plank. The battens and postcards are reusable for the next plank. The cold weather can only make it easier for the plank to split when you are installing it. Infra red heaters, like what are used to bake paint in a body shop could help.

[@MordecaiV]

The way they are doing it is probably faster and more accurate, and fewer screw holes to take care of, and they have the angle to measure at each location anyway.

[@johnburgess7065]

Nice to see things from your side and now I don't want to cut off your beard lol. Love your channel all the way from Falmouth UK.

[@chrislowe6278]

It was 98 degrees here in Australia today. Wish we could trade some heat for a bit of cold lol!

[@leesutton7317]

Dude im in bris and it was 102 or 39. Freakin warm

[@gav2759]

It was a source of amusement to me when I heard the Aussie weather guy say "Tomorrow will be milder" Apparently down under, that means cooler!

[@Garryck-1]

@guppyboy69 - Tell me about it! Winter here in Melbourne generally lasts until the end of October.. here we are a week into December and Winter is still hanging around..

[@RossWilliamsDC]

Those engine beds are beautiful things. :)

[@dansbrown1313]

Great video, sorry about the plank #. I do wonder if the linseed oil you use is double boiled? Makes a huge difference. The work you're doing is just amazing and a real pleasure to watch. Thanks.

[@Snoopy_59]

Why don't you put a wire hanging above the workstation with single pulley and the electric power cable attached to it . So when you use your power tools the electric power cable will follow you. I hope you get it what I try to write, my writing in English is not the best one. I have followed your KZbin video and I love it. Greetings from Salo Finland

[@Orxenhorf]

Tell those squirrels who's boss, Akiva!

[@wobort]

You should get the drill press and do a give away with it

[@christopherneelyakagoattmo6078]

Or perhaps a raffle...

[@davidm4234]

Do not let the old drill press get cut up. There are to many of us out here that would love to get are hands on an item like that. I’m pretty sure the people that you are going to help could also put it to good use.

[@svchineeljunk-riggedschoon4038]

I think galvanization alone will not be enough for those engine beds, give em some good primer and topcoat while the job is still easy to do!

[@ikewillis2687]

Akiva is so cute omg i love the boat and the doge

[@johnbower]

I did suggest you steam bent the end sections of each plank when you struggled with the first, Steve obviously has to learn the hard way. :)

[@mattmoilanen3813]

Oh my, thank goodness they've been able too muddle through without you there!

[@johnbower]

@@mattmoilanen3813 I think you will find sections of the planks will need steam bending before they muddle through, you obviously don't understand the need for this.

[@Digital-Dan]

I don't even like boats, until they're the size of "Rhapsody of the Seas." But I like this.

[@Studio51media]

“oh snap”...I see what you did there!...

[@Digimer]

When I read the title first, I thought you broke a frame and my heart sank... No idea how you'd replace that without major surgery. Glad it was just my crap reading skills!

[@CorwynGC]

At this point replacing a frame wouldn't be too bad. Annoying, yes, but they still have some frames that aren't in yet, so they could treat it like one of those.

[@SWATDRUMMUH]

There's bound to be some hiccups, all that matters is that you guys push though. Don't give up!

[@ermennda]

Sometimes I get saddened thiking that this project is going to take all of Akiva's lifetime and he is never going to get an inkling of undertanding of what all this insane human activity is about. Anyway ¡Fuerza muchachos!

[@charlie15627]

You did good man😊

[@bryanruss5167]

If I was your neighbor, I’d be cool with the noise unless you were making something like a river table. But since it’s an epic wooden sailboat, etc, it would be just fine with me.

[@stonebreaker984]

You should be able to figure out a way to automatically tighten those clamps every so often. Like, maybe attach an impact gun to the clamp and have a timer trigger it every couple of hours or something. Or, if you don't need to rotate the clamp handle more than about 90 degrees, maybe rig a system of bungees to keep it tight.

[@TRFerron]

Maybe strategically scarf the plank already at an angle so you do not have to bend it too much and cut curved lines ?

[@dnomyarnostaw]

Yeah that works IF the plank underneath has a curve OR you are prepared to put in some "stealer " planks to pack up the ends. In practice, its just easier to not have to cope with "kinks" in the plank and steam the sucker.

[@richardmoore4194]

Happy Friday ( for me watching this)

[@colinmorgan7771]

I could see you guys definitely using the bender...and grab the old drill press ya cant let a scrapper take it fix it up and send to costa rica

[@CaseyHandmer]

If you relaxed the "planks must parallel the waterline" requirement, is there a planking path that minimizes twist? Alternatively, can you make a banked scarf joint so the finished plank already has some twist? Blending the seam would be painful, though.

[@scottstubbs8852]

Steve - If you're interested in old shop machines, I have a Cincinnati press brake that originally went into service in 1929. I'm about to replace it and would like to find it a good home.

[@AcornToArabella]

Hi Scott, thank you so much! We are definitely interested. Could you shoot us an email? [e-mail]

[@donr416]

Always put a nut on a bolt you are shortening. You can make any burrs proud by removing the nut, which makes them easy to knock off.

[@TheBeaker59]

OK so the boat I am building is a bit smaller but the bends are similar I found that if I hold the plank or stringer in place at the twist end then rotate it in until it is fully stressed then leave it clamped in place overnight then next day come down move it a bit further etc day after day until its tight in position then fix it in place, one stringer took a week but it got there, wood is a living thing it relaxes in to shape eventually.

[@rogerdavies6226]

I have often wondered how the old timers did this. This is work intensive with modern tools, back then??

[@CorwynGC]

Substitute two able-bodied men for each power tool, and you're good to go... No serious shop would ever be trying to build this boat with two people, even with power tools.

[@charleslebuff9378]

Why not attach the planks in two sections? First, attach the less curved run of a plank and then pre-fit the more curved piece (without final end cut). Then steam and bend and clamp this length with extreme curves. After it dries glue-up and fit to the ribs. Won't steaming a full-length plank be a challenge. Had to ask--you do beautiful workmanship that I can't wait to see unfold.

[@hanssolo4ever]

Are you going to seal the engine bed stringers so they don't soak up oil or diesel from the engine in the future?

[@mikoajkozina9494]

While watching few of your videos in a row i got a thought, wouldn't be good to clean up the ground from the sawdust? In case of some electrical short circuit or some spark the fire would spread as hell. I know it's cold but it would be nice to take care of some fire safety while almost everything you use is wood. Greetings from Poland :)

[@KoJo-qh9od]

That is a really bad idea to have Alex putting his hand behind the saw when plunging it into the wood. Saws can bind and when they do they jump backward. Use a clamp or vice grip or something to hold the back of the base plate when making that cut. I learned that as a young carpenter several years ago. My mentor called me a dumb ass and said don't ever do that (he wasn't the most gentle guy). I'll never forget it and he made me a very good carpenter.

[@maitai1133]

Great advice; I thought the same.

[@svtelos4726]

Also, there is a difference between planking in the summer and planking in the winter. Like hibernating bears, planks dont want to get out of bed in the winter. I've also noted that there are no 'butt' splices. I know butt splices are not as pretty as scarfed joints but somethings thats how things go. Something to consider.

[@Garryck-1]

It ain't about 'pretty' joints. Scarfed joints are stronger, and butt blocks just provide a place for dirt and moisture to gather, leading to rot down the track. When you want your boat to last a century or more, like they do with Arabella, reducing long-term maintenance anywhere you can just makes good sense.

[@flyingipod1]

I will come over and weld the tanks!!!

[@barrykarow906]

Could you steam 1/2 the plank before doing the scarf joint, that way you would know the steamed fit was correct before spending time on the scarf?