Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 09:09:26 -0500 (EST)
From: Kirk Olsen <kolsen@imagelan.com>
To: baidarka <baidarka@lists.intelenet.net>
Subject: bamboo and veneers
---------- Administrator Forwarded message ----------
From: Jmort <jmbamboo@worldnet.att.net>
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
Subject: Veneer sources
I have tried to remember the name of the company I purchased the cedar veneer
from but it's been almost 20 years..so far no luck. I'll do a little more
digging tomorrow and see what I can come up with. In the meantime I did a net
search and came up with this source http://www.wooddesign.bc.ca/pcreek.htm and
they seem to have a good selection.
Another note about strength. A book I have used extensively (The Gougeon
Brothers on Boat Construction) has this to say. "The problem with rotary cut
veneeers is that they are very unstable due to their tangential cut, which
results in the maximum expansion-contraction possible. Sliced veneers are like
vertical grain lumber that has been quarter sawn. They are very stable with
little warping. They have a further advantage in that you can purchase them in
long lengths."
How does this all pertain to baidarkas? I have been purchasing and using
lumber for 25 years and have seen the quality going steadly downhill.
Laminating is an excellent way to obtain high strenght wood using todays poorer
quality sources. It can also eliminate knots and other defects. I also
believe you can obtain a stiffer and higher strength to weight ratio by
laminating. (The drawbacks include a lot more work and having to deal with
toxic chemicals) The aforementioned book has lots of info about laminating.
It is written by the Gougeon brothers who manufacture and sell West epoxy. I'm
not trying to plug their product but after having dealt with them a number of
times over the past 20 years I have nothing but good to say.
One more thing. Craig, how goes the bamboo framed kayak? Haven't heard
anything lately.
Jim Mortensen
jmbamboo@worldnet.att.net