The garboard planks on most boats are the largest. They are the lowest planks, the ones that attach to the keel or bottom. For this little boat, they are relatively narrow at the middle of the boat, but rise up to be quite wide at the ends of the boat. Then, we add in curvature, making the boards have a banana shape. That needs a wide board to start with.
I’ve saved the “big board” until now. It’s a beauty that is a bit over 12 inches wide at one end and 10 and 1/2 at the other. 16 feet long. Working this board helps one appreciate having a long bench. It also proves the ole galoot’s complaint that no bench is ever long enough. Here’s where the English style joiner’s bench with the front apron is valuable. Look closely for the holdfasts that help secure the board. The reason it’s on the bench is for edge prep, knocking off the raw edges and scoring center lines as guides for cutting.
My sawbench needed modification to hold this board. There wasn’t enough room under the top for the width of the board. Space was found by adding additional cross braces below those already there, and then cutting notches in the existing braces. That left me with a good way to hold the board, but a very short throw for the saw. So, you’ll see the sawbench sitting atop 2 by 4s to give a bit more throw; enough to do the job.
OK, I know. I know. You’re asking “Is this guy nuts? The lumber yard could have resawed all that lumber in about 15 minutes.” Yes, they could have, and would have almost doubled the cost of the lumber. Did I ever say I was a skinflint? I actually enjoy the work, especially since I can listen to Mark Levin or country music while working. Besides, while most galoots talk about their alcohol powered hand tools, mine are powered by Snickers bars.
