Re: construction materials

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-pittelli.com>]

In Reply To ray schwartz Who Wrote On 21 Feb:
> i am thinking of making the sides of the tank from lumber like oak and
> using a peice of sheet metal for the bottom of the tank , any comments on
> how you all think this would work . 
> 

It might be better to make an inner frame out of plywood or oak (I use
3/4" square pieces) as the structural component, and then you can
attach 1/8" luan for the bottom, sides and top.  The easiest way to
build everything is to cut out the top, bottom and sides first.  Then,
ring the bottom piece with structural pieces, making sure everything is
nice and square.  Attach a side panel and ring that with structural
pieces and keep going until all panels are attached.

Use wood glue between all wooden parts and use brads or staples to tack
things together while the glue is drying.  After its all put together,
coat the inside and outside with a thin coat of epoxy or polyester
resin to seal the wood against the weather.

The construction process shouldn't take more than a few hours, even for
the most complex hull.

        Frank P.