Plywood Plugs OT

[Arnie Eaton]

I just found out that my Father was an inventor. While working for a plywood Mfr many years ago , he invented the boat sharped plugs you see on plywood, where a knot was removed and a canoue shaped plug is inserted. He was a millwright for Walton Plywood in Lowell, Washington for most of his adult life. It's too bad he couldn't patent his work. Working for wages, the Company got the patent instead of my Dad. This happened sometime in the 1920's or 30's.

[Greg Luckett]

That is an interesting historical tidbit. Thanks Arnie, and thanks to your Dad too.

[capt jake]

Very interesting indeed! He would be proud that you are making a boat now, after his invention of the boat shaped plugs and all.

[Mike Pennington]

Speaking of! Hows that Vacationer?

[Arnie Eaton]

Hi Mike. I just finished the birdsmouth mast. All the construction is basically finished. I just need to glass the hull and assemble all the different parts. I am finding that I don't seem to have the energy to work in the shop very long. Nearly 74 years of age and I am feeling every year. I do have all of every thing needed to finish and I'm sure it will see water this spring come hell or high water, perferably the later. Going on 6 years and that is long enough. Period. Arnie

[Mike Pennington]

That birds mouth mast will be a blessing to you. Sure will beat my slimmed down four by four. I expext the lighter weight will smooth out the tacks, sometimes when the old girl goes over you wonder how far she's going to go. Like she's slinging a club around.

I have promised myself that I will be making another one this winter. My old boom has warped, so I plan to slim the old mast down to the knew boom.

I think I am going to use Alaskan White Spruce for the new mast. Lighter than Doug Fir, I believe.

Good Luck, hope to meet you for a sail somday soon.