TECH TIPS PAGE THIRTY TWO

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Some can read a book and then go make a canoe. I was never that guy but I do know some that have been that guy. Some made rather crude canoes on their first try and others did quite well. If you think that describes you then here's a plan:

1. Go to the Tips Section of my website. There is a link to the electronic version of Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America. Most specifically read Chapter 3. Keep it simple and build a Maliseet style canoe for you first endeavor.
2. Next watch Caesar's Bark Canoe. There is a link to the video on that page.
3. Now do a scale mock-up out of manilla file folders - have them be the bark, etc. A 5 to 1 scale is a good place to start. This will get you familiar with the procedure.
4. Now that you have some idea of what you will be doing decide how you will acquire the materials. You can gather them yourself or purchase them from us. It really depends on where you live. I lived in Florida when I was first getting into this but would travel on business. I would work it out either with "frequent-flyer" miles or my business trip to an area to carve some time to go get materials. I would go to the woods or go to mills that had cedar. Make your phone calls in advance. You can contact the Department of Natural Resource office in areas that would have what you need and they will often steer you in the right direction. If you are stuck on what to do send me an email and I will help you out.
5. I recommend building the canoe over a extended period of time such as doing bits in the evenings and weekends. This is good because it allows you time to think about the day's step. That is how I built my first canoe and it worked.
6. Then, just do it.

For those who are so adept - guys like me - take a class. I took a class from David Gidmark and it was great. If you can't afford the time or fee for a class then do the "Home Study" program I offer. You basically learn to make a full size canoe at home by building a scale miniature. I video taped the class I took from David Gidmark and watching that video is part of this program. One of these 4 methods: just do it from a book, video and my Tips Page; taking a "Build Your Own Class; taking a "Group Class"; or the Home Study Class will work for just about anyone. I provide these either because I was thankful David provided a class or wished someone provided such a service. So 2016 is going to be the year you do it? john@barkcanoe.com to share anything you would like. Next Page

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