: I finally got around to stitching my Cheas LT 17 (We finally figured out how
: to deal with the new kid, so I got a couple hours today. Haven't taken
: pictures for the webpage yet)

: Here's a question for all you stitch-n-glurus: When mixing epoxy and wood
: flour for fillets, how much should I mix at a time?

: Bill Jankowski

: PS: 1 drill bit still going strong from stitching the boat together.

: PPS: I was shocked. the panels I'd cut from plans popped together without any
: additional planing.

Hi Bill;

I don't remember exactly how much I used for the Ch' 17 ... what I do when I don't know how much I'm going to need for a step is to get a bunch of the plastic 7 or 9 oz. cheap PLASTIC cups, and draw a line on each about 1" from the bottom and fill about 6 with resin and 3 w/ hardener ( assuming you are using a 2:1 with slow hardener). Have them all filled, plenty of mixing sticks and gloves, wood flour etc. nearby. Then mix each set as needed, and if there is leftover (unmixed cups) pour them back into the appropriate containers to avoid waste. Remember to put the globs of thickened epoxy in the boat quickly, so that the stuff doesn't set up in the cup (where additonal heat is generated). Then you will have time to work it into the chines and keel. PS. If you are making a Ch 17 - think about how you are going to get the stuff in the bow and stern BEFORE you start - it is narrow in there. Have your tape already cut to length so that you don't waste time measuring, etc.

PS the panels on the Ch 17' from plans came together without planing for me, too - I guess it is because we are cutting two panels at a time, so that they are mirror images of each other and fit perfectly.

PSS It is hot today in RI - probably in CT, too. I don't know if I would proceed today if you only have fast hardener. It takes a while to smooth in all the seams, add the tape, etc. Don't know how much of the interior you intend to 'glass, but you usually have a day or two to get a "chemical" bond with the epoxy in the tape and fillets. Congrats on the baby and good luck.