Ribs

The gauge is used to determine the total rib length. It is the measurement across my upper fingers when together. Each mark corresponds to a rib.	Checking the depth placing a coat hanger in the rib mortices.

Unseasoned white ash is used for the ribs. Each piece is ripped to 9 mm x 18 mm then cut to length.	Measuring a rib. The first uses the whole gauge length plus the width at that point. Rib 25 uses 2/3 of the gauge length.

Ribs laid in postition after cutting. The ends still need to be thinned for easy bending.	Setting up a stop on the table saw so each rib is thinned the same distance in.

A side view of the thinned rib.	The curve of the saw blade leaves an uncut area that must be removed.

All 25 ribs side by side. The last 2 are thinned the whole length.	Rib bending jig with the finished rib. The leather strap helps stop the rib from splitting.

Rib steamer is made from Tuff-R and duct taped together. A propane cook top and tea kettle supply the steam.	I tried to bend the ribs on the jib just laying on the floor and I found it it does not work.

Final rib bending method. I found that steam, bend, and repeat produced the best bend for me.	View of a few ribs in place. A couple broke instead of bending so they will have to be remade.

I broke 6 out of 16 ribs. Considering I read up to 50% breakage could occur, I feel I did not do too badly.	Using a notched piece of wood to help bend the rib.

Bottom view of the ribs. Ten ribs must be remade.	View of the stern end ribs.

Not satisfied with my original ribs, I decided to remake all of them. A much cleaner bend. At the same time I added a little length to each rib to add more leg room.	Side view of the new ribs. The transition of rib to rib is much better now. Increasing the steam time made the bending much easier.

Current method of holding the bending jig so it does not move.	The ash is bending much easier with a longer steam time. Threw out 1 rib from my last bending session.

My first split since changing my methods. Actually bent 11 without a break, until....	Down to 4 ribs to rebend next time. Learned that the white area of the wood bends better than the darker areas, which keep breaking.

Top view of the rib pegs in the stern. Each rib is pegged in place.	Side view of the left two rib pegs. Started pegging ribs as I ran out of rib material to bend.

A good campfire is a great way to dispose of errors and scraps. One deck member in front with all started with rib attempts.	Construction temporarily halted to move. Back soon.

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