Starting another project.

[giantfan]

Made a template for my new rocket launcher this morning.

Looking for any suggestions of what I might need to change.

I am going to make this out of 1" thick Starboard and recess the crosshatched area down 1/4"-3/8"

I am also going to put a drawer under the recessed area for Pliers, Crimpers, and rigging supplies.
NOTHING ELSE IS ALLOWED IN THAT DRAWER!!!!!!

What do you guys think?

[Jesse Lockowitz]

Looks Sweet, be sure to post up some finished pics!



jesse

[giantfan]

Thanks,

Will do.

The wife just came downstairs and wants me to make it out of wood.....

She's right.... but it's a lot more work

Will have to think about it.

What would you recommend to use as a finish if I went with Teak?

[Ponce]

Looks nice. I think wood would look very nice, you could get fancy with some inlays or differant colored wood. Sorry no help on finishes. Make sure you post pics of the finished product.

[clt_capt]

I made my launcher out of mahogany - seems to be holding up well after 5 years.... With teak, you will want to wipe with acetone before you begin sealing it.

for the finish, I first sealed the grain with 3 coats of West System, sanded between each coat, the final epoxy coat was wet sanded to 400. Over that you need a UV resistant marine varnish, because the epoxy is not UV resistant.

I used Behelen Water based Marine Spar Varnish, but I don't think they make it any more. I used 10 coats because it is fairly thin. It gave a nice deep finish.

I've done some playing with Bristol Finish - I believe I will use it next time around.

Good luck keeping "other" stuff out of the drawer...

How's the cooler coming?

[CGMate]

looks great i like the way its nice and narrow, you wont have toworry about getting busted in the gut when you go running for a rod. although, i would recommend a couple of cup holders for holding tools like pliers, crimpers, or maybe even a nice big rum drink. .

[CGMate]

oops, just read the part about the drawer. pretty work!

[joeksr]

Check out this link for finishing teak.

http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/SAL/oilwood.htm

The oil in teak may cause you some problems trying to use
a sealer like varnish etc.

Hope it helps.

[gottaflylee]

giantfan,
your design looks great, how ever, I would worry about using Starboard for the top, if you are going to run rods or fight fish from it. I do not feel that it can take the stress, for that matter, just the bouncing from the rods riding in it going out and in may cause it to crack. I have seen starboard crack and break under this kind of stress.

I think you would be better off making the top out of wood as it would be much stronger. clt_capt suggestion of Mahogany is a great choice, strong and will hold a finish well.
Now when you make the drawer, this is when I would go to the starboard. Make the slid slides out of starboard and attach them to the Mahogany and you will have a drawer that will not stick from swelling with moister...
If you have questions, feel free to give me a call.

[Mark Ray]

Giant, if you use wood and want to epoxy and coat some small fish art under the clear coat let me know. Just a thought