Re: Filleting joints....

Posted by OOPS on Dec 14, 2007

A primary reason for applying an unthickened coat of epoxy under a fillet is to ensure the wood doesn't suck epoxy out of the fillet mix, weakening that material. End grain of Okoume plywood can really absorb the epoxy, so fillets over end grain are most succeptable to this wicking away of epoxy. Your first fillets will be inside the hull so the end-grain affect won't be too bad. For first timers, putting a coat of epoxy down before the fillets is frequently a bit messier than with just the fillets. In either case, put down low-stick masking tape just outside the area where the fillet will go. It will help you make neater fillets. Remove the tape after you're happy with the fillet but before it gels or cures. If you're going to put a coat of epoxy down first, put the tape on about a half-inch further away from the fillet. Apply the epoxy, then the fillet. When you are happy with the fillet's size and shape, remove the tape. Then carefully scrape up the epoxy that is on the surface of the wood panels between the fillet and where the tape was. Carefully means don't overdo it and dig into the edge of the fillet. That last step should prevent a small ridge that you'd have to sand smooth later. If this is your first boat, try to work neat with the epoxy and take your time. Cleaning up spills, drips and puddles now means a whole lot less sanding later. And go back to your hull an hour or two after an epoxy session to look for more drips. Your hull will turn out lighter and prettier. Sorry to ramble on so. Good luck. Happy building.

In Response to: Re: Filleting joints.... by Laszlo on Dec 14, 2007

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