Subject: Re: [baidarka] baidarka newbie
From: Peter Chopelas (pac@premier1.net)
Date: Mon Jun 20 2005 - 21:10:40 EDT
Jena Maureen Restad wrote:
> ... I am interested in hearing your opinions on an aluminum frame
> versus a wooden frame. I am drawn to aluminum for the consistency of
> the material and the giddy sensation I get when I see all those
> precise erector-set-like pieces lashed together. I can see a wooden
> frame being more forgiving, a little easier to fair. I am most
> interested in any insights you can offer with regard to performance
> differences for the two materials.
I have built different kayaks with both alumnimum and wood frames, and
some with plywood and some with laminated wood, and some with plastic
parts. I like using the wood the best for the following reasons:
materials cost much less, the finished kayak weighs less, it is built
faster (less time consuming by about half or more), wood is more
pleasent to work with, it is easier to repair if necessary, the wood
working tools necessary cost less, the flex of a wood frame makes for
better rough water ride and performance, I like the look of a natual
wood frame, wood is easier to alter or modify the design to customize
the kayak to your desires, wood does not corrode in salt water (and if
stored dry will last a long time, unlike lightweight metal), and in bad
accidents I suspect wood, being more resilient, would not buckle or fail
the way al tubing can, and field repair of a wood frame would be
easier. In addition most of the wood I need for a frame I can salvage
at little or no cost, which is not true with alumnium. The last wood
frame kayak I made for my daughter was made from all salvaged lumber and
the total out-of-pocket cost was about $35 [15' 8" LOA x 17" beam,
weighs about 16 lbs]. Although hand bending of alum. tube is easier to
control (assuming you avoid crimping or buckling it) that steam bending,
I have found that boiling the wood (rather than steaming it) is much
easier. Also, temporary jigs or forms for shaping or laminating wood
parts are also easier to make than for aluminium parts.
What kind of tools do you have access to? Most household are more
likely to have wood working tools available, more so than metal cutting
and forming tools usually.
It just comes down to what your are comfortable with, and what you
like. You might try making a few "test" parts with both scrap wood, or
alumnium, and see which one you are more satifyied with. The material
that gives you the most satifaction will likly keep you interested and
motivated enough to complete the project. That would be the best one
for you.
Good luck, welcome to the list.
Peter
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