Thread: The Northstar GIS Build

When we say glue on this forum, we're typically talking about epoxy+filler, where filler is either wood flour or silica dust.

You can get either one from Duckworks: wood flour or silica dust

If you ordered the GIS epoxy kit from Duckworks, it comes with at least twice the silica dust you'll need for the boat.

The plans call for two pounds of powered glue to add to the epoxy. I can find no reference to powered epoxy glue anywhere.

The powder is the silica. I strongly suggest MAS Cell-O-Fill instead-- the Silica is not the greatest thing to breath, it goes EVERYWHERE and it's difficult to mix. Cell-O-Fill works great, mixes great (very very easy), and doesn't coat your entire workspace with stuff you shouldn't be inhaling on a regular basis.

I'm surprised Duckworks doesn't carry it.

Never again will I touch the silica, the stuff is horrible.

MAS Cell-O-Fill Epoxy Thickener: Reduces Sagging & Health Hazards - Colloidal Silica Substitute

It seems you are confused about the mixing of the epoxy with/out the little extras that will make for thick epoxy, fillets, etc. This is a good primer that will help-- remember it's West System, so use your own epoxies mixing ratio.

WEST SYSTEM | Use Guides

That information is exactly what I need. I have just enough time to read all of it before my plywood and epoxy gets here.

What a great resource of information and people.

i bought silica and wood flour. the silica is a little bit of a PITA to mix, but it definitely thickens the mix quickly.

Wear a respirator (w silica). The cell-o-fill will mix even quicker.

Originally Posted by Northstar

That information is exactly what I need. I have just enough time to read all of it before my plywood and epoxy gets here.

What a great resource of information and people.

Psh... If you think callsign's epoxy advice is good, wait til you start following his sailing advice! THATs when he starts getting heroic!

I'm really enjoying this thread because the builder's enthusiasm is so familiar. Just wait til the pox hits the ply and all the beauty of the grain pops out. You're gonna be really glad you built this boat yourself; so rewarding...


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The different silica powders tend to mix up lumpy and be a bit of an ugly colour (in my view anyhow). Using wood flour with the silica makes the fillet match the timber AND makes it mix in smoother.

MIK

I bought silica and wood flour. I than bought Cell O Fill because of the advise and will probably "dispose" of the silica. Better for my lungs and tools to just walk away from bad stuff.

Originally Posted by Boatmik

The different silica powders tend to mix up lumpy and be a bit of an ugly colour (in my view anyhow). Using wood flour with the silica makes the fillet match the timber AND makes it mix in smoother.

MIK

AND damps down the silica so it is less flighty.

Does any one have a good plan for a stem with diminsions?

Page 24 of the plans. "Make a Stem" provides the necessary dimensions and a drawing.

I stared at that for several days before it dawned on me that Fig. 7 has it all. Keep staring, it'll come to you.

Yes. That's the one bobwes.

Make it that long mark a centreline on one of the narrow faces.

The opposite face needs to be marked with widths as shown.

Different people see things differently. So if further problems just ask here