Posted by ken on August 15, 19103 at 09:28:29:
In Reply to: Riviera to ambitious for beginner? posted by Jeff Johnson on August 14, 19103 at 12:04:30:
: I would like to build a Riviera, that style of boat just captures my imagination. My question is, should I start smaller? I have never built a boat before. I am a machinist by trade but wood is all new to me. Also what three tools can't I live without? (ex. band saw,tablesaw,planer)
I have not built the Riveria, but feel it is too ambitious for a woodworking beginner, for 3 reasons. It is a cold-moulded design, an inboard, and shows lots of natural finish/brightwork.
There is a site about one Riveria bronkalla.com that is a really good site. That guy is well versed on the Riveria and done a good website. I suggest trying a small cold-moulded dinghy or something like that to "get your feet wet" so to speak. A machinist background will certainly help in understanding what's going on, but you still need hands-on experience.
Please be more specific about the 3 tools. I have more than 3 and can't do without any of them.
If you ask what 3 must you have to build a boat, then I say the Bosch jigsaw, the PorterCable 6" electric DAsander, and a long-footed hand plane.
You can make a straightedge with the good edge of a board or plywoodsheet, and run the jigsaw down the edge like a fence for a good edge.
I had a DoubleEagle up to faired-and -ready for sheeting with these 3 tools, of course with handsaw and hammers and little things in any Craftsman "Sunday newspaper ads".