I think that it is time for another project for fun.  This one will involve Woodworking, computers, computer control boards, cameras, servos, gas engine, and a prop.  Okay there will be other things to make it all work.  I have started work on a Shadow drone (UMV).  I'm still in the design state, of layout. wish me luck.

I love it this little guy was checking out St. Francis.

Too cute...

Bittersweet,  The Camo Canoe is finished, made it's debut and survived.  I did have a lightweight test captain try take it on its Maiden voyage.  (Also she much better looking then I)  

Off to my next project.

I think a computerized spy drone would be fun.  I have been working on the plans and it will have an 8 foot wingspan, onboard computer, 4G communications, GPS, Altimeter, Airspeed indicator, two cameras one for real time flight control and the other for high definition.  It will be a learning project.

 Well finally all the wood is on along with the first coat of polyurethane.  

Just one more coat of polyurethane and I will be off to the lake for the maiden voyage.  It only weighs about 13 pounds. I have plans to incorporate a sling seat, but that might be after the maiden voyage.  I also want to build a wooden paddle but only after I know it will float.

Today is the day that I put the fabric on the cameo.  It will get stretched over the frame and glued.  I wish I had about a dozen more clamps.  First I used hot glue to tack the fabric while stretching it.  Then I added the rub rails using Gorilla glue.  I will come back and add some screws to the rub rail for more security after the glue hardens for a day.

Today

 I added nylon string at a 60 degree to help add strength to the canoe it will help keep from racking while in the water.

covered with string.

I first thought I would cover it in bright orange Nylon fabric that way when I was at the lake and my better half could keep an eye on me.  Okay, well she said no it should be camo.  Not quite sure how to take that.  Anyway, this what we ended up with.

I still testing for the best way to attach it to the frame.

Hoping to decide today and put the fabric on tomorrow and in the water within the week.

I did do some more work on the canoe.

Well I just want to say that I like birds.  I like birds so much I made a bird feeder.  And it works it attracted all types of song birds.  I guess I did a good job on attracting wildlife. hahaha

Okay back to the Canoe.  I'm bad and did not keep you up to date.  I did work on the canoe over the past couple of days and got quite a bit done.  I finished bending all the ribs and installed them.  Which means that all the knots are tied. Wow were there a bunch of them to tie.  I installed the inside rail, floorboards, cross member and the part that ties the front together.

Inside rail

Floorboards

Just a cool photo of the front of the canoe (or back)

Cross member note the curve.  Attached to walnut on the sides.

This is the part that holds the front and the back of the canoe together.

Next step is to put a coat of polyurethane on all sides of all the wood, that could take a day or two.

Sad day

This was a sad day for working to the comoe.  But still a great woodworking day, I got to help make 250 boxes for the woodworking guild, that was a great time.  More on the canoe tomorrow.