> Thanks Rehd - I can picture what you're talking about. I'd be building
> from the floor -- on sawhorses (for those time when a "table
> top" surface becomes handy during stitch & glue construction,
> I've just put a big piece of plywood on the sawhorses.) I'm eyeballing
> building a 16 foot canoe (Chestnut Prospector from the Canoecraft book)...
> and if this addiction persists, perhaps other kayaks/canoes in the 15-18
> foot range (I've got several neices and nephews, all of whom would LOVE to
> have a boat.)

> Julie

Hi Julie

O.K. then saw horses it is. I would want at least 3 if possible. I would also choose the I beam, as it is quicker, easier, cheaper and down the road, you won't have to worry so much about it warping. Since the 1 x 3's come in mostly shorter lengths, you would have to stagger the joints, probably 2' or so and screw them together, centering the top and bottom pieces on the upright. Your beem is done. For the saw horses, I'd clamp, nail or screw some straight 2 x 4's up the center, touching the floor, and rising up to whatever your desired height would be. Cut some plywood pieces to screw to the top of the 2 x 4's and cut the cradle hole out just slightly larger than the outer dimensions of your beam, so allow for adjustment. You could use a few small pieces of plywood or pine to shim the beam later when it is all adjusted. You be ready. Sounds easy huh?? If you want sketches, I can draw them, scan them, and email them to you. Hope this all helps.

Rehd