I did, in fact, have to re-make both internal stems, because I misjudged the angle of taper. I'm finding the process of tapering the internal stems more difficult that I thought it would be-I always tapered the "cutaway" stem first, and then made the strips conform to it. This time, I have to check the taper/angle with each strip that goes down. I have the feeling that I will be improvising later.
The sheer strip. I actually used epoxy to glue it to the stem.
I did the usual technique of tacking the sheer strip to the forms, and checking for fair. Its coming out about average, I can see that a form or two might have to be moved.
At a Point Of Frustration, I got fed up with preconceptions, and decided to use what I know, and just start stripping.
I thought about using a waterline strip, but didn't like the way it looked. Trying something new for the keel accent strip-a strip that goes the full length, glued onto the internal stems. I think I can somehow blend it into the external stem pieces. I also "made" it fit by grinding down the tops of the pointy-er forms. I'm starting to realize that what really matters is making strips fair to each other, not slavishly following the forms.
I laid the first full-length cedar strip today, seeing very happily, that no cheaters will be necessary at the stern, and only a couple at the bow.
I did the routine of laying a strip straight out to the bow form, with the intention of filling in the gap with cheaters, but I had a problem with getting the strip to merge with the internal stem. It finally occurred to me that I could bend the strip down to the shear strip without a cheater.
It hits the internal stem at a better angle than the strip that I tried to run straight out. There may be cheaters as I go further up.
Ironically, I ditched the Dark Star, and selected the Golden because I wasn't in the mood to try new, first-time techniques, but in reading the manual. I can see that I will be doing just that, anyway.
The Golden uses internal stems, built up as a lamination, using the forms as a mold. I didn't like the idea at first, but after starting, I'm liking the idea.
Easier than I thought, with thin strips. On previous builds (The O.I.), I had to shape the edge of the stem by guesswork, before stripping, and the angle wasn't always optimal. This way, I can shape as I go along, for a good angle and fit. Unfortunately, I got a little carried away "freehand" shaping this stem, and it might have to be remade :S
They also have you laminate an external stem atop the internal stem, while you're in the mood. Photo shows the external stem of basswood atop the internal stem of cedar. I've never tried it this way, I always dealt with the external stem after stripping the hull. I may yet do it that way, but this may produce a fairer, straighter stem. We shall see.
