New Tools

 This is the very cool hands-free sanding device.  Not available on TV. 

And the new work stand in the al-fresco glassing station.  Bugs get high for free. 

More Mini - Simmons

 The fins roughed out

 I found some mahogany for the nose and tail blocks in the yard. 

And Lid Goes On....

 All planed and ready for the top...

 All clamped up.   This is a hectic 20 minutes!

Some progress photos

Some More Progress on the Mini Simms

 From the nose...

 From the tail...

Just some pictures of the rail strips getting installed.  No, the big 2x4 is not part of the board....it's just holding the frame in place while the rails go on.  I'm using Sandeply for the ribs on this board.  They are very light, so I expect a significant weight savings without sacrificing strength.  And since they are really light, I don't have to drill huge lightening holes either!  So far so good!  

A Few More Build Pictures

 The chine and starter rail strip going in.  

 Fin blocking details at the tail

I decided to make a laminated nose and tail block.  The dark wood is stick of mahogany I found in the side yard. 

Title Not Necessary

This is why I've been married to my wife for 20 years now....

7-2 Mini Simmons Start

Two kids moved out, one off to college, moved into to a smaller house, it has been a busy year.  Despite that, this will be my second board of the year and probably the last for 2011 (who knows?  Therapy is Therapy).  I've been talking to John Cherry recently and that reminded me that I've wanted to build a mini Simmons twin for several years now, after seeing John's gorgeous balsa 10-0 replica and his cool smaller versions.  With a bit of guidance from John I started cutting wood today. I'm still happy with using the 1/4" Sandeply.  It looks okay, but it's light and a fast build.  I think I'll tint this one just for fun.  The milled wood next to the layout is (1) redwood 2x4 x8' milled for rails and blocking.  That's it....a sheet of ply and one stick of wood.  I'm am stoked about this one.  Here is the general layout: 

 And the nose blocking...