Today’s first task was to set up the kayak with the keel on a straight 2×4 to verify that the keel is straight where it’s supposed to be, and that it has rocker where it’s supposed to be. Turns out that it’s flatter than it should be, so I’ve tried to prop up the ends and pin down the middle.
Next I was supposed to mix some epoxy, put it in the syringe, and “squeeze a bead of glue along inside of the keel seam”. I did that, but the epoxy ran like water and down through the seam, so I didn’t get much of a bead. I think I need to do it either when it’s cooler, or maybe I should wait a few minutes after mixing it for it to set up a bit and get more viscous.
The next task was to attach some scrap plywood to the bow and stern temporary frames so that when I flip it over, it will sit up and be level and square. I did that without too much trouble.
I guess tomorrow I’ll look to see if there is any glue left in the keel seam, and if I have to do it again.
Oh, and I got a response from Pygmy Boats about my request for suggestions on the mill stamps on the side – they said that once the seams are all glued, the boat will be strong enough that I should be able to sand right through the epoxy, fibreglass and down to the wood and sand off the letters. Sounds like it could be touchy.
On hot days it can help to keep the container with the mixed epoxy sitting in pan of cool water. Do the instructions say anything about adding thixotropic thickening agents like colloidal silica or phenolic microballoons? You wouldn’t want to do that in an area requiring high strength but it’s a big help creating smooth transitions and keeping the runs and drips down.