Winch Handle Pocket

[Bob Smalser]

An easy extension of the Bird’s Mouth Spar technique:

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Continued…

[Bob Smalser]

Items for boats are finished different from items of furniture…besides the exterior finishes….this is 50-50 Daly’s Teak Oil and BLO wet-sanded into the mahogany followed by 6 coats of Epiphanes spar varnish…there can be no crisp edges because crisp edges won’t hold varnish very long in sun, sea and sand.

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[AlexS]

Thanks Bob, yet another great write-up.

I've never built a boat, & never seen the birdsmouth spar technique. I presume it's used because it is stronger than a coopered spar?

[Bob Smalser]

Much easier, is all. I spose slightly stronger because there is more gluing surface.

The "V"-mouth is cut on a common TS or the router table.

[Salty]

A very elegant solution Bob. Lee valley have birdsmouth bits on their website at http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?page=45160&category=51&abspage=4&ccurrency=3&sid=
I've been looking at them for building a hollow mast.