The Strongback
After weeks of sanding and preparation, I am finnally ready to set up the frames. Check out how DriftingDonkey starts to take shape
First I had to make room and decide where to set up the strongback. The 4, roughly 6m long planks for the topsides and chines I placed behind my long worktable.
The Worktable became very handy when cutting all the pieces of the strongback. I used glued up pine construction wood 120mm X 60mm for the main bottom frame and 80mm X 60mm for the beams that will be holding up the frames.
One by one I set up the frames using the laser level to make sure that they were all perfectly placed on the centerline and construction-waterline. (vertical and horizontal axis). I tried to use existing screw holes or used wooden blocks to fix the frames in place.
The strongback became very sturdy. Due to the size of the wood it was very easy to square everything up. when it was fully assembled I lowered the strongback to the floor, checked for squareness, and used the laser level to make sure it was completely level on all planes. I then used some metal angles and fixed everything down to the floor