Subject: Re: [baidarka] Al tubing supplier
From: Douglas Huft (douglashuft@earthlink.net)
Date: Wed Sep 03 2003 - 01:23:07 EDT
Are you talking about Santa Clara CA? If so, I can confirm that there is not
much 049 wall 6061 aluminum tubing in our area. Rumor has it that ALAN steel
in Redwood city and Alco in San Leandro sometimes have some. I have built
several Dyson and Dyson inspired boats and bought (several years ago) the
materials and plans from Dyson. Typically the local bay area builders would
all order there tubing and some lucky soul who was traveling on up towards
that part of the world would bring enough back for everyone. I still have
enough left for one small boat and then I will probably shift over to wood
construction. As to the question of whether aluminum is a good choice over
wood? So far corrosion has not been a problem, the frames are light and have
taken a beating in the surf zone and rock gardens. They are stiffer than
wooden baidarkas which might be a disadvantage or not. I am not convinced
that they are easier to build than a wooden frame but do believe that if you
have a good set of plans or concept of what you want your frame to be shaped
like that it is easier to create the exact bends in aluminum the first time.
Unfortunately, mistakes are a bit more costly and minor differences are not
necessarily going to even themselves out like they might in wood which stays
more flexible and has a greater number of ribs. If you have any questions
come by or give me a call. I am in Pacifica.
Douglas Huft
-Shields (Ikyak)
-Dyson Double (Alagulot)- soon to be a triple (Kaukunlott)
-"play baidarka" (Tshinatak).
- in the works, a short(7'ish) flat bottomed planing hull, hard edged,
squirty S.O.F. surf kayak, you might call it a retrieval kayak.
.
-
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