beginners mistakes (this will be ongoing!)

[pakalolo]

I think I did the dumbest thing ever buy cutting out each part from the plans seperately. I've spent the last hour trying to glue the coaming pattern to my plywood, but since I cut out all of the pieces in the center it is net to impossible. I feel like I almost have to order new plans because I just don't see it happening. And even if I get the first one, I still have two to go.

I'm trying everything from walking around putting a weight every couple of inches . . . starting from the narrow end and working up each side at the same time . . . . starting from the wider end and working each side . . . it just won't lay flat but out like a donut as it is now.

What a bad start. I'm sure many of you are saying "why did you cut out all of the center parts" . . . but like I said, "beginners mistake". While cutting out the patters it looked like I could fit more on the plywood if they were all seperate. What a mistake!!

[Hirilonde]

Hmm, I don't understand the problem. Is the combing pattern distorting in shape because you cut out the middle? If it is still a ring it should settle out flat and true to shape. And once you make one ring you can use it as the pattern, just enlarge the layer that makes the lip by tracing the previous layer using a compass to offset the line.

[pakalolo]

Yeah, it was distorting due to me cutting out the middle . . . it would not at all lay flat due to the plans being folded numerous times. I made due the best I could. It certainly doesn't look like a CNC machine is cutting my pieces, but hopefully my pieces will work. Errors always stand out to the builder, but hopefully they will all allow my craft to function decently. What sort of saw do you use to cut your wood? What do others use? All I have is a hand-held jigsaw. Thanks Dave

[Kudzu]

Yeah, it was distorting due to me cutting out the middle . . . it would not at all lay flat due to the plans being folded numerous times.

I cut mine like that. I will lay one end on the plywood, flatten it with a plastic squeege used for spreading bondo. You could use what ever you have handy. But I work a small area and lay a little more down, spread and just take my time and make it lay flat. I can lift it up and even it out when goof but you can't lay the whole thing down at once and try to flatten it out.

I made due the best I could. It certainly doesn't look like a CNC machine is cutting my pieces,

That is why I suggest a rasp. Just clean it up and sand it down. No ones look good the first time. Cut it a little large and use the rasp to clean it up. I have cut a lot and mine are much better but I still make mistakes, just not as often.

All I have is a hand-held jigsaw.

I use one on the inside cuts. I prefer a bandsaw and use it on the outside but there is nothing wrong with a jig saw. But there is no substitute for experience. But a rasp and some sanding come close.