Building the V-Bottom Skiff - Episode 39: Plunge cutting the transom for our outboard motor install

[@glenfitton2584]

Everything my Dad told me not to do with a circular saw. But he never built a boat like this. You are a real artist. The boat is beautiful.

[@pressokaytocancel]

A well tuned saw and a ton of experience make a world of difference!

[@andyb1368]

@@pressokaytocancel I wouldn’t be surprised if the first Christmas present that Louis ever opened was a circular saw, and the second a power planer!

[@marklevine7082]

I have been around various tradesmen for many years, I've come to realize that highly skilled individuals attack all projects based upon their skill confidence. Lou has so much experience, he has developed skills that very few others possess. Using a circular saw for a cut like this would never dawn on most of us, but his confidence and skill make this the best approach for him. There is no right or wrong, I am in awe of his ability and creative use of tools, would I attempt this cut with a circular saw, hell no! I have watched this 3 times, I can't believe how Lou did this and never hesitated, a true master....

[@stevewaterhouse3025]

agree with Lou on this one best way to do the job :)

[@davec3689]

at 4:38 I had to smile, Lou, when I saw the safety pin that replaced the screw in your glass frame. Sometimes ya just gotta improvise.

[@davidarnette327]

I was cringing the whole time while you were cutting. You Sir are the Master Guru of shipwrights! Awesome job.

[@branchandfoundry560]

Same here! Port side was ok, but every plunge on starboard side was "Pucker Factor 11." Lou is a master!

[@yopage]

I never knew a circ saw could do that well. I'm glad I didn't have to cut that out myself!!

[@tombaker3794]

Your accuracy with the circular saw is beyond belief. Nice work. Just watched this video again, for the third time, and for the first time I noticed Lou's replacement pin on his glasses hinge. A most resourceful individual, always thinking about solutions.

[@dozer1642]

I swear that skiff should go straight into an art gallery or a museum. It’s so beautiful. It really is a work of art. ✌️🇺🇸👍

[@mineolahome5243]

I could listen to Lou all day long!!!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Beautiful curves with a flat blade, especially on such a thick piece of stacked homemade plywood. Very well done, Lou.

[@Heraclitean]

Best part of this channel is the creative problem solving.

[@calevel]

And that boys is how is done! Real skills not like those cabinets maker using pocket hole jigs and making it look like they’re true craftsman. Respect !!

[@shiraz1736]

Don’t worry Lou, my Dads taught how remove many a safety device that sometimes makes the tool not do what it’s supposed to do.

[@andyb1368]

Master class in the use of a circular saw. When I watch your videos, the seeming ease with which you do things using a circular saw perhaps impresses me the most.

[@markpalmer5311]

Spectacular, Lou! Great lesson in handling that Skil saw. I also liked the mail alongside the line to help hold the square. Wish I would have seen that a few years ago!

[@branchandfoundry560]

I was jealous seeing that! I make fine furniture--working on a walnut bed now. The headboard is a 25" wide single board. Sure wish I could have driven a nail to hold my layout square instead of wrestling with it! But a nail hole would not fly in this piece.

[@SuperJupiter9]

@@branchandfoundry560 I use double-face tape for a lot of operations in the woodshop, wouldn't live without it.

[@branchandfoundry560]

@@SuperJupiter9 I appreciate that, thanks for the tip. I too often find my self forgetting the old standby.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Lou, looks fantastic, can't wait to see it finished and fitted with the outboard!

[@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760]

I was holding my breath watching Lou do the second side. That initial plunge- I was watching the tail end of the blade getting right to the line and noticed Lou sneaking the saw up a fraction at a time to keep from cutting past the line. I can see myself cutting too low into the transom- I’d throw up. I’m sure there’s no mistake Lou hasn’t made, and recovered from, a hundred times. But good gracious, my nerves were getting bad and I’m just watching a video!

[@mattevans-koch9353]

That was amazing saw handling Lou. That transom is massive. I forgot how many layers were in the lamination. This is going to be a real beauty on the water. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and this build.

[@jakemoore7912]

can’t wait to see this thing in the water.. hopefully you use plenty of power like you did for the flat bottom skiff.

[@normanroberts6680]

I have watched that footage time and again. That boat really handled great.

[@jakemoore7912]

@@normanroberts6680 same here, the music and the drone footage were done well.. you can see how much fun he was having.

[@willieshaw2522]

The varnish will really look nice after it's finish sanded and polished out. It's nice you have enough varnish on it to fix the texture on the top gunnels.

[@miguelslade]

Well done Lou, she looks great.

[@bucketofguts]

I have seen a Japanese carpenter make a staircase with a circular saw that reminded me of this. I use a wedge to hold the guard back. We call them all Skill saws. They will cut backwards too. Circular saw races anyone? Pretty work as always!

[@jimurrata6785]

Yup. Jack the guard open with a shingle when cutting acute rafter angles. The old Makita 5007 NBA had a blade brake like a miter saw. That kept the danger down instead of laying the saw shoe up on the deck while the blade coasted to a stop. I have a short machine screw tapped into my upper blade shroud now, where I can lift the guard lever over the head to hold it back. 😳 (Don't tell OSHA! 🤫)

[@Lanxe]

I think I’d need another 1000 hours on a circular saw before I had the confidence to do that. Well done but that’s for a veteran hand only I’d say. That transom is so solid!

[@brianbob7514]

Wouldn’t it be better to have a rounded inside corner to prevent splitting?

[@codywhiteside152]

Oh man that’s really making things real soo stoked can’t wait

[@Tylerthomasmiller84]

I can't help but think you chose the absolute hardest way to do that. You could have easily done that with a single plunge cut for the bottom cut and then other (much safer and way less difficult) regular cuts.

[@COPPER71]

That boat would have been super sweet with a 350 small block and a stick steer

[@twinsmm1]

Wow. I don't think I'd let myself do this. Well done. So close to the pencil mark.

[@JC-ny3kf]

That is some impressive "Skil" saw work. Not sure, I'd have dared cut the transom that way. I'd have made a 2-1/4 inch (nominal) half template out of birch cabinetry ply or MDF, then rough cut the opening in the transom with a sawzall, then used a router with an overhead bearing to cut the the profile in 1/4 inch passes. Then flipped the template to the other side of the work boat and cut the other half of the outboard cutout. Slower, but less of a risk, less "dubbing" afterward, and one could conceivably use the template for other outboard transom cutouts. Right, if one used birch ply for the template, one would have to fair the inside edge with fairing compound.

[@tylerjbellows]

This might have been easier with a router. My thought would be to cut the majority of the waste with a jig saw, then tack on an offset template for the router to follow. But in the end, the best way is the way that works for you!

[@jasondohrman7098]

Artists with the millwakee

[@lacleman9394]

Lou, I love the way your glasses are fixed with a safety pin!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

What a white knuckle cut that was, both from a safety standard and also it was a true "you only have one shot at this" cut. Great job on the skiff and I can't wait to see her on the water.

[@jonnoj5271]

What beautiful figure in those solid pieces. Congrats!

[@vicf5726]

Lou, way to impressive! Just a quickly, could you have rigged a jig and cut it with a plunge router, love your videos, wish I wasn’t the wrong side of the pond, or I’d come and visit. Keep making buddy.

[@tilongatao]

This is true. Such a round cut with a circular saw is all you can ask for. I am more than impressed.

[@Oldmanseenalot]

I couldn't have cut that beautiful transom. I would have tried to modify the motor some way. Make the shaft longer and/or build a jack plate.

[@fonhollohan2908]

Can't wait to see this skiff on the water should be a great time..That's one sweet looking skiff you built there lou.

[@magnumpunch]

That was nerve wrecking

[@ronwright1456]

I really enjoy your shows I'm a custom millworker myself with many years of experience and on my time off I love watching a fellow skilled worker doin the same ,never to old to keep learning, thank you

[@josephhertzberg2734]

Once again, thank you for an excellent episode!!! So fun to watch

[@Psychobilly]

150HP Tiller?

[@chadbaker712]

I can watch you work and all my worries just melt away if only for a moment thank you

[@jonathanbeyer7852]

I like your skill saw blade on the grinder with no guard. Could you possibly use a Sabre saw and get 1/4” away from line then clean it up with large pattern router bit ? You’re a master Louis. We are sitting at your feet learning.

[@kenknight4560]

Damn impressive skill saw work. Not for an a newbie!

[@GLF-Video]

That’s a wonderful boat!

[@andreoliveira685]

DIESEL!! It would be awesome if it can fit those DTorque 111 Diesel outboards! You could go for a loong ride with those! It is heavy, though, 175 Kg (basically the same as a Mercury 90 HP)

[@scottmcfarland1177]

Plunge cutting always fun! Good thing it didn't grab and go backwards out of control! Another nice job Lou! can't wait to see her sea trials!

[@n1352-m1i]

just wondering, are you going to plug the triangular shape holes on both sides of the breasthook ?

[@stevenwarner7348]

So sweet Lou. Thank you for sharing all that you do. Just great. Wow!

[@kathmandu1575]

Excellent video - thanks!

[@SRM_NZ]

I wish I could get to Newport to meet you and see the boat.......unless I win the lottery, that won't happen......just know how masterful I believe your attributes to be......I can't wait to see the next video.

[@MrLee-ue7iu]

love to see it underway.

[@michaelwilkinson2928]

Beautifully done, but no thwarts?

[@ronwatson4902]

It's almost sad to see it come to an end. Almost! What a fantastic journey it has been.Thank you again Lou.

[@kevinsmith3274]

Nice work with that circular saw Lou. You've done a fantastic job on this boat. Can't wait to see her underway. Another Commenter suggested this would be great with the center console. I think that's a great idea but I know you're moving on to the orca next. Whoever buys this boat from you can put one in. He may even ask you to put it in!

[@rbc5878]

Beautiful boat Lou!

[@bradbloxsom253]

Love the safety pin quick fix on the glasses Lou, a hinge is a hinge! :0)

[@christiankuwetter7593]

Man, it looks like a Stradivari-Version of a Tolman Skiff

[@jimurrata6785]

I used to cut decorative rafter tails freehand with a porta-band. You can definitely cut curves in thick stock without blade drift.

[@chipcurry]

Another superb job! I’ve done my time with boats and repairs. I love the way you explain things. You are right on. I think an MIT physicist could listen to your explanations And learn how to do his job better.

[@chipcurry]

Oh by the way, are used to work with an old master carpenter in a boat yard. And he told me “the first thing I do is take the guard off the saw.”

[@samhenderson2947]

Thankyou. Getting the boat out will be amazing.

[@tipofthepocketsord1682]

Router with a template? More safe and a better finish.

[@oldwillie313]

Do you really want square corners at the base? Seems like you could have used a big hole saw to make an inner radius, etc. Also, I assume you checked the outboard width when turning?

[@michaelpickett1460]

Ballzy!!👍

[@Guenther-Eichinger]

Amazing boat, fantastic work and so many useful tricks, thank you Lou!!

[@eotwh]

Why did you not leave the transom in tact and make a motor mount off the transom, thereby making the boat more seaworthy?

[@brandywineangler]

Incredible.

[@johngoodell2775]

So that height is for xtra long shaft, 25" outboard? Angled cutout is a nice touch

[@dray050653]

Thank you Lou for sharing!

[@johnwildwest1]

That's beautiful wish I had a boat like it🤤😉

[@kevinleeobermeyer5601]

I wonder if you could use a handheld band saw for the radius cuts?

[@susanprestipino55]

Talk about a brave thing to do after all that previous boatwork! Also, Lou you must have had a specific engine in mind and it's measurements; however, does the engine go on with any type of extra lift mechanism that seems to be so prevalent these days, and if so, did your transom cut-out have to incorporate that as well? Thanks!

[@normanroberts6680]

Always excited to see a new installment. Great entertainment as well as educational. Thanks for all your content .

[@gordonclark7632]

Until you stood in the boat, I didn't realize just how big she is.

[@nnasab]

Why you didn’t use a jigsaw instead of circular saw?

[@58dorsett]

Great job with the skil saw on the transom, but wouldn't a saber saw be easier, especially on the radii?

[@riverflyswatter]

Great lesson

[@rz3877]

It seems to me that if you cut out and remove the middle section (square) first you don't have to plunge cut the second round over

[@justafan5179]

Great job with the circular saw... but honestly... I give you complete permission to buy a sawzall.

[@manuelgarridolianez5234]

Es usted el número uno de la cotruion me gusta mucho verlo trabajará y aprender mucho de usted gracias por todo maestro

[@manuelgarridolianez5234]

El número guan es el maestro del que todos debemos de aprender,gracias MAESTRO

[@brianmacintire3064]

Tiller steering or are you going to build a little wheel stanchion?

[@NicoSmets]

It's probably a stupid question, but would an actual plunge saw not have been a safer option?

[@billmeldrum2509]

Wonderful episode. Aren’t you going to build some benches or other seating arrangements? 🇨🇦

[@brian.7966]

no.

[@sjobang]

Is there a reason why the opening in the transom was not cut earlier?

[@stevewaterhouse3025]

Hi Lou, I'm a little intimidated with using the circular saw in this application. I can do it but... Could I put the transom on the band saw after I get it all laminated up ?

[@drlangattx3dotnet]

thanks

[@cbrusharmy]

Amazing

[@50sKid]

You can clamp a curved piece of wood to act as a guide and use a sawzall to cut that curve. That would be much safer.

[@pforbom1844]

How long did you think and plan before you made that cut? Nice work! Love the videos. Thanks

[@juhamarja-aho4797]

is it possible to build a cabin in a boat like that?

[@davidprocter3578]

Found my self having to cut a semi circle with nothing but a cheap builders merchant hand saw [plastic handle type] might have been a Sandvic . Surprised myself and every one present by managing a perfect cut first attempt, I have trouble sawing in a straight line normally maybe that was my asset. had to cut several more no trouble at all just keep the saw to the first few inches it was a lot easier than the meal your power saw made of it. try it out on some scrap for yourself For tighter curves take the handle off the saw and guillotine the back edge to suit.

[@brianbob7514]

I want to see mr friendly again

[@gmendes1831]

You won. This wire to hold the protection of the disc was a great gambiarra. In Brazil these maneuvers outside the law, to do practical things, call gambiarra. = Voce venceu. Esse arame pra segurar a proteção do disco foi uma grande gambiarra. No Brasil essas manobras fora da lei, pra fazer as coisas práticas, chamam de gambiarra.

[@ericmotocross]

How much would it cost for you guys to make a. Replica titanic lifeboat?

[@marievictoire1939]

Jig saw ?

[@joachimsingh2929]

One word, Jigsaw.

[@flightplan1000]

Well...I guess you could do it like that...

[@dwcheshire]

I would love to put some fish blood on that deck!

[@KarlKarsnark]

Looking great. Lou is a genius, but he cut the transom out in backwards order. Start by simply cutting out a square/rectangle, then cut the curved shoulders. This technique works great for any/all interior corner cuts. Start by removing as much regular/square shape as possible, then go back and cut the corners when you have much more room to work and use any tool you like to do the curved bits. Trying to get a straight saw to "bend" isn't the best approach.. You also remove a potentially useful piece of wood intact in a useable form (transom coffee table???). If you have to "fight" your tool. STOP. THINK. FIX. People have been building boats for thousands of years without Skill saws. ;) Cheers from FL, USA.

[@fingerbottom]

Or, you know, you could just cut a square piece out of the transom first, then cut the radius afterwards.

[@johnbower]

Leaving the bulk of the wood in place while cutting the radius as lou did is the best way, if you have wood on both sides of the saw cut then you have more wood for the bed of the saw to rest onto, this ensures the blade cuts square through the wood.

[@kevinsmith3274]

@@johnbower exactly

[@juliodiaz3675]

Wow