Sixareen Building Project - Gallery 2

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In these pictures the Boddam Runners are fitted, the planking frames are set up, and work gets under way on fitting the 2nd and 3rd boards, called the Hassen and the 1st Swill.

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14th February

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With the Boddam Runners now in place, the planking frames are set up.

Scarfed, tarred and nailed.

Jack brushes the Archangel tar while Robbie applies the syon cloth.

Another coat of tar.

Last section of the boddam runner is clamped in place.

A gentle tap to adjust.

Boring a pilot hole in the oak stem to receive the 2 1/2" copper nail.

Nails go in at about 4" (10cm) apart while Robbie checks for fairness.

Nailing the scarf joint.

The first of the four planking frames is set up.

Checking the frame is true against the fore and aft string.

The second frame is offered up.

Adding the first supports for the frames. The shape and beam of the boat is becoming apparent.

15th February

All the planking frames are now in place and work begins on the next board, called the Hassen
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View from the bow. All four frames positioned and fixed to each other and to the shed roof beams.

The frames are cut out to allow access inside the hull at the later stages.

Jack trims a board edge for fitting the next above.

Marking the next board for cutting.

Robbie feeds a board into the thicknesser.

Once the wood is the correct thickness the edges have to be prepared.

18th February

The first sections of the second board, the Hassen are prepared and fitted.
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Boards for the after sections of the hassens are prepared on the bench.

Cutting back board top edge, where it will meet the stem, with chisel

Finishing the rebate with a small plane.

The different sizes of plane used.

Jack swings the adze to start the scarf joint.

Finishing with the plane.

Applying the tar-soaked syon which has been rolled round a stick.

Clampling the first hassen section in place.

The finely trimmed board end, rebated to allow the next board to fit tightly to the stem.

19th February

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Aft sections of hassens nailed in place. Wooden 'hyooks' are temporary locating aids.

Looking aft.

Looking aft from 'amidships'.

Marking the upper edge of a forward hassen section.

After planing, trying the board for fit. View from the bow.

Clamping the section in place.

20th February

Work under way on fitting the 3rd board, called the 1st Swill.
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View from the stern, hassens in place, port and starboard.

Looking aft, inside the planking frames.

Marking the template for the 1st Swill. Template is 1/4" (6mm) thick larch, so bends easily.

Preparing both aft sections of the 1st Swill on the bench.

Aft sections of the 1st Swill steamed and clamped in place.Traditionally, the 1st Swill is made in three sections, so these sections are shorter than the sections of hassen below.

The skarfs in the boddam runner and the hassens are staggered for strength.

Neatly nailed.

Nails left out where a baand will be fitted across the hull. Pencil marks indicate where it will be positioned.

Jack and Robbie discuss the finer points of sixareens with Duncan Sandison of Unst, the man behind the building of 'Far Haaf' and the Unst Boat Haven concept.