Project Log: Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Taking advantage of a free afternoon, I first finalized
the calculations and measurements for my new propeller
shaft, adding in standard allowances for the taper
length, hub clearance, and other factors. The end result
was 60".
I continued work on the recessed helm console, starting
with a pair of hardwood cleats to support and secure the
inside corners. I let the cleats hang long since
later I'd be trimming off all the excess below a certain
(still to be determined) point. |
 |
Small bit by small bit, the console became to come
together, as I worked to translate the rough dimensions
of the mockup into something approaching reality.
I fitted and dry-installed a small shelf to form the
bottom of the compartment, from which I could the begin
to lay out the angled electronics-mounting face. I
didn't permanently install the flat area since I'd need
to remove the entire box later for trimming. |
 |
From this basis, along with a cleat angled at the
required 60°, I worked to locate and install support
cleats for the face, using a couple temporary plywood
patterns as guides for the position of the panel.
With some trial-and-error and various cuts, I fitted the
two ends of the simulated panel to match the angles
involved, and eventually used the panels themselves to
mark for the location of the required support cleats by
holding them (one side at a time) tightly against the
bottom cleat and marking along the back sides. |
 |
Next, I cut hardwood cleats to the required angles and
installed them.
|
 |
Later, I could use the two halves of the panel to cut
and fit the final, full-width panel. It's much
easier to cut and fit when working with only half at a
time. |
With the basic pieces in place, I cut and installed
cleats from beneath to add support for the enclosure,
and dry fit several screws to align and prepare the
panel for final installation. I traced the
panels along the edge of the cleats for reference, and
removed the entire box for trimming on the table saw. |
 |
With the alignment set by the screws I'd installed
before, I reinstalled the trimmed enclosure. There
was more trimming to be done along the face of the
angled panel, but that was for next time. |
 |
| |
Total Time Today: 4.25 hours
|
<
Previous |
Next > |
|
|
