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Stitch and Glue Kayak Building
If you want to build a kayak out of wood, you have several choices when it comes to methodology. You can use stitch and glue kayak building, which uses pieces of plywood, glue and epoxy. This method is very similar to but slightly quicker than strip building a kayak. Stitch and glue building starts with kayak pieces cut out of plywood. The exact shape of the pieces is up to the builder; you can use different shapes to create a unique kayak. Two sets of pieces are created; one to make the hull (bottom) of the kayak, and one for the deck (top). Just make sure the pieces will fit together. Small holes are drilled in the pieces, so wire can be stitched through to hold the pieces together. Glue is then applied to the seams to bond the pieces of wood together. Once the glue has set and the pieces are firmly attached, the wire is removed. The hull and deck are then glued together to complete the kayak. The final step in stitch and glue building is to apply a glass coating to the kayak; this is not necessary but will give the kayak a more finished look and make it more durable. For added personality, a stitch and glue kayak can be painted your favorite color or with a design. Whether you are an amateur hobbyist who wants to try building a kayak yourself, or an expert wood worker who wants to build a gift for a friend, stitch and glue kayak building is a good way to make a kayak.
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