Tips from a Shipwright -- Check this guy out!

[Robert Engel]

Look for the YouTube channel.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C22Crc7XHoI

Reminder that the ship builders were (are) very good ww'ers.

[Walter Plummer]

I have been watching him build the work skiff. Great series.

[Frank Pratt]

That's a great channel. I could listen to him all day long.

[keith micinski]

This is excellent and I can't believe no one has commented on him kick starting his bandsaw as a potential safety issue

[Ole Anderson]

This is excellent and I can't believe no one has commented on him kick starting his bandsaw as a potential safety issue
I noticed that, also how he starts his phase converter in episode 3 with a pull rope. Excellent communicator, good video, but thirty some episodes long? I get the feeling I will be watching more...

[David M Peters]

This is excellent and I can't believe no one has commented on him kick starting his bandsaw as a potential safety issue

In a later episode he uses an unguarded saw blade on an angle grinder for some close-quarters cuts. I hope that people are inspired by his creative problem solving skills not his shop safety practices!

[keith micinski]

He went from my favorite person on planet earth to my least in one fell swoop. He is using flat head screws, that's right he is voluntarily using flat head screws. Everyday of my life I smile thinking that we are one day closer to the complete and total eradication of the flat head screw and this guy is installing new ones.

[Nick Decker]

OK, I'm new to the Flat Head Screw Conspiracy. What's the deal?

[Julie Moriarty]

Thank you, Robert! There's something about watching a skilled shipwright starting from scratch. If I hadn't become an electrician, I would have pursued boat building.

[Ole Anderson]

OK, I am on episode 10...:p

[Steve Demuth]

You mean you're upset that he's using slotted head screws? I get why you might have a grudge against straight slots, but having a heart attack over flat heads I really don't understand.

[keith micinski]

Have you ever tried to remove or install one. I have almost no skin left on my hands from the bit slipping out and promptly jamming into my hand. It's the most inefficient building product ever made and with modern improvements in screw heads dating back 50 years ago I can't fathom being so set in your ways you go to flat head screws as your go to.

[keith micinski]

I not only love this guy but also the way this was produced. You get a stupid amount of information in the 8-9 minute clip. I can't even imigane what this guy could do if he had any real tools or for that matter even a circular saw that was made in this century. When he clamped thst random scrap board to the bottom as a fence I almost lost it.

[Ole Anderson]

Have you ever tried to remove or install one. I have almost no skin left on my hands from the bit slipping out and promptly jamming into my hand. It's the most inefficient building product ever made and with modern improvements in screw heads dating back 50 years ago I can't fathom being so set in your ways you go to flat head screws as your go to. Reading between the lines, he has had the screws for over 30 years and finally found use for them. From before Phillips would have been more available on flat head galvanized. Or maybe he got a good deal on them way back then because they were phasing them out? He made them work though, even had a tool to clean out a buggered up slot. Oh, by the way, I am up to episode 22. Can't stop watching. And he used a brace to install many of them. No impact driver. He did have a Milwaukee cordless drill though.

[Dave Zellers]

He did have a Milwaukee cordless drill though.
He uses whatever tool he deems is best for the job. He has been doing this since he was twelve. He makes good use of power hand planers because "that is the best tool for the job".

Criticizing his methods is absurd IMO. This is not a series to "tut-tut"about. This shows how professionals get the job done. If you are not a professional and are skittish about some of the methods employed, then just enjoy the videos and acknowledge that you don't live in that world. Believe me, there is a lot going on in the world of professionals that would make most of you cringe. Just marvel at his knowledge and skill.

[Bruce Page]

He uses whatever tool he deems is best for the job. He has been doing this since he was twelve. He makes good use of power hand planers because "that is the best tool for the job".

Criticizing his methods is absurd IMO. This is not a series to "tut-tut"about. This shows how professionals get the job done. If you are not a professional and are skittish about some of the methods employed, then just enjoy the videos and acknowledge that you don't live in that world. Believe me, there is a lot going on in the world of professionals that would make most of you cringe. Just marvel at his knowledge and skill.

Well said.

..

[Malcolm Schweizer]

He went from my favorite person on planet earth to my least in one fell swoop. He is using flat head screws, that's right he is voluntarily using flat head screws. Everyday of my life I smile thinking that we are one day closer to the complete and total eradication of the flat head screw and this guy is installing new ones.

Slotted screws (and the term is "slotted," not "flathead," which refers to the shape of the top of the head) are used in boatbuilding because they can be removed after being painted and after corroding. Boats need refastening and parts need replacing. Bronze, over time and exposure to saltwater, loses its alloying elements to corrosion and turns pink as the copper is left behind. Bronze has to be replaced when it turns pink. Slotted screws can be replaced after corrosion takes its toll.

I have watched this guy for a long time. He knows what he is doing, and fortunately he knows the proper fastener to use in boatbuilding.

[Nick Decker]

I think it was Keith's reference to "flathead" that threw me. As for slotted screws, the problems I've had with them usually came from using cheap screws, the wrong size blade, or not drilling a pilot hole.

Great series.


Slotted screws (and the term is "slotted," not "flathead," which refers to the shape of the top of the head) are used in boatbuilding because they can be removed after being painted and after corroding. Boats need refastening and parts need replacing. Bronze, over time and exposure to saltwater, loses its alloying elements to corrosion and turns pink as the copper is left behind. Bronze has to be replaced when it turns pink. Slotted screws can be replaced after corrosion takes its toll.

I have watched this guy for a long time. He knows what he is doing, and fortunately he knows the proper fastener to use in boatbuilding.

[Michael Dye]

Another element to ponder. Those screws were purchased in the 80's, when quality mattered. Using the brace and bit on a recently manufactured screw would certainly twist the head right off. I believe he did well by using those screws.

[Ole Anderson]

On episode 32 now. Addictive. The most recent episode (37) was published yesterday as the boat was finished, a motor added and put on display and up on E-Bay for sale, currently at $17,100 (skiff only).
The term slotted screwdriver is correct, however the common terminology is flathead as in "toss me the flathead screwdriver". I always cringe, but am getting used to it. Of course flathead (for countersinking) screws are available on many drive styles including slotted, Phillips, Torx, etc. When is the last time you heard a pro ask for a slotted screwdriver? Of course it could be a regional thing. Like asking for a square drive bit vs a Robertson drive bit.

[keith micinski]

So, I have never heard anyone refer to a flathead screw driver as a slotted screw driver once in my 40 years but I guess you can learn something new every day. I didn't think about them being able to be cleaned out and removed easier, that does make sense. I love how uptight it is around here and no one can focus on anything that is said other then to find a way do argue or dispute it. "Slotted screws" suck and I would rather throw the boat away and build a new one then to have to install one single flathead errr slotted screw. Death to the slotted screw!!!!!

[Malcolm Schweizer]

The screw is slotted. The driver is flathead.

[Ole Anderson]

So, I have never heard anyone refer to a flathead screw driver as a slotted screw driver once in my 40 years but I guess you can learn something new every day. I didn't think about them being able to be cleaned out and removed easier, that does make sense. I love how uptight it is around here and no one can focus on anything that is said other then to find a way do argue or dispute it. "Slotted screws" suck and I would rather throw the boat away and build a new one then to have to install one single flathead errr slotted screw. Death to the slotted screw!!!!! I remember lamenting with my dad about the idiot that invented Phillips screws, and how easy it was to strip out the head. Little did I know it was because we just has cheap screws and a worn out or wrong size screwdriver. Now slotted screws are last on my list to use anywhere. Long live Torx.

But one purpose of his video series was to incorporate many materials and techniques of how they used to do it and the slotted screws fits the bill there. He admitted that his next project boat would likely use stainless steel screws. Probably the most interesting part of the series was his use of galvanized cut boat nails and his big pin hammer he used to drive them. Actually there were so many captivating parts with regard to his skill, I don't know where to start.

[Walter Plummer]

I googled flat head screwdriver and some actually came up but around these parts the screw heads are flat, pan, truss, etc. and the drivers slotted, Phillips, Robertson. When I had to travel to Iowa everything you purchased was put in a "sack" no one there says bag. The skiff series was great and I look forward to more.

[James Pallas]

This man is the real thing. Shipwrights are in an entirely different world. He also worked on the Coronet, a 100 ft plus sailing yacht restoration. Check out Coronet 1885 web site if you want to see some real shipwrighting. I grew up around those types of skiffs and the one he built is nicely done and will take a beating as a working boat. Try throwing oysters or crabs or clams on a vinyl deck for a few years. I even learned to water ski behind one of those.
Jim

[Mark W Pugh]

OK, I just wanted to say, THANKS for the new addiction!!!!:) Like a good book, can't put it down!!1

[Dave Zellers]

Up to $19,300

[Dave Zellers]

Plus, his southern New England accent is just perfect. Subtle and so pleasant to listen to.

[Craig Shewmake]

Loved watching the first episode and will definitely be watching the whole series. I just today finished calibrating my new slider and found it comical that I spent hours upon hours getting every adjustment to the millimeter on the fence, blade angles, support table alignment etc and this consummate pro just slaps on a foot long piece of angle iron with a C clamp for his fence and goes to town. :D

[Dave Zellers]

.... and this consummate pro just slaps on a foot long piece of angle iron with a C clamp for his fence and goes to town. :D
Exactly!
Watching Paul Sellers is a similar experience and there are thousands of others out there doing amazing work with primative tools.

One thing is for certain, it ain't the tools that make the piece, it's the crafter.

[keith micinski]

The power planer market definitely owes him a great debt, no one has ever tried to use the power planer half as much as he does.

[Dave Zellers]

The power planer market definitely owes him a great debt, no one has ever tried to use the power planer half as much as he does.

Which proves the point of the value of his knowledge.

Whatever gets you from point A to point B without sacrificing quality.

:) It's not at all about old school, it's about school. He has learned from his teachers, and now he is teaching.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Which proves the point of the value of his knowledge.

Whatever gets you from point A to point B without sacrificing quality.

:) It's not at all about old school, it's about school. He has learned from his teachers, and now he is teaching.


My motto: "Knowledge not shared is lost." It's why I started volunteering to teach boatbuilding and why I post on this site. Whatever knowledge you have- share it.

[Dave Zellers]

Awesome. As I wind down my working life, I'll be doing the same.

[Joe Cowan]

I became a couch potato this weekend and watched the entire thing. Great shows. It gets me to wanting to build this boat and I do not need it.

[Larry Edgerton]

He uses whatever tool he deems is best for the job. He has been doing this since he was twelve. He makes good use of power hand planers because "that is the best tool for the job".

Criticizing his methods is absurd IMO. This is not a series to "tut-tut"about. This shows how professionals get the job done. If you are not a professional and are skittish about some of the methods employed, then just enjoy the videos and acknowledge that you don't live in that world. Believe me, there is a lot going on in the world of professionals that would make most of you cringe. Just marvel at his knowledge and skill.

Exactly! I would in no way post some of the setups I use in my shop to get the job done and still make a wage. Like the one Joe posted a while ago and got all kinds of guff about.

I am enjoying the series, only on three, but I know I will watch a couple every morning with coffee now. Many of the methods he has used so far are common practice for old guys like me that have grown up in the trades, and I'm still here. And I still use flat/slotted screws on restoration work.:p

Kieth, If you have a last generation Milwaukee impact with the three settings the lowest setting with a proper sized bit will set slotted screws with ease as it is very controllable. I also have a SnapOn screwdriver that I ground a slight V just behind the head like a dovetail for the final alignment of the screws. Works well for door screws as all cast iron hinges use..

[Larry Edgerton]

Reading between the lines, he has had the screws for over 30 years and finally found use for them..

My kitchen in my own house has six different kinds of slides, leftovers from jobs long forgotten, so this I understand.

[Kenny Whiteman]

This is a beautiful project. Can anyone explain why he chose to build an old fashioned boat that swells to seal the cracks? Is there a practical reason because its a work skiff or was it just for the sake of building in the old ways? Anyway I figured I'd share two of my favorites. The first is just a beautiful skiff that's probably not practical for much other than putting around in the second is a purpose built skiff for a very specific fishing style down here in Florida.

https://vimeo.com/53186326
https://www.microskiff.com/threads/build-thread-osprey-18-flats-skiff.17438/

[Dave Zellers]

This is a beautiful project. Can anyone explain why he chose to build an old fashioned boat that swells to seal the cracks? Is there a practical reason because its a work skiff or was it just for the sake of building in the old ways?
Probably tradition. Tradition is highly valued up here. Folks with traditional wooden Cat boats will be towing them onto the beach at low tide soon, tying them to their moorings and allowing them to fill with water through the spacing between the planking that shrank while in dry dock. Then after the oak has swelled up tight, they pump the water out and are set for a summer of sailing fun.

[James Pallas]

This is a beautiful project. Can anyone explain why he chose to build an old fashioned boat that swells to seal the cracks? Is there a practical reason because its a work skiff or was it just for the sake of building in the old ways? Anyway I figured I'd share two of my favorites. The first is just a beautiful skiff that's probably not practical for much other than putting around in the second is a purpose built skiff for a very specific fishing style down here in Florida.

https://vimeo.com/53186326
https://www.microskiff.com/threads/build-thread-osprey-18-flats-skiff.17438/
I grew up with those boats. They are work boats. Once swelled they don't leak, just takes a few days. Stable easy to work or fish off of. Take a beating and easy for the most part to repair. The ones my family had were built in the 20s and 30s and we're going strong in the 60s.
Jim

[Steve Demuth]

He uses whatever tool he deems is best for the job. He has been doing this since he was twelve. He makes good use of power hand planers because "that is the best tool for the job".

Criticizing his methods is absurd IMO. This is not a series to "tut-tut"about. This shows how professionals get the job done. If you are not a professional and are skittish about some of the methods employed, then just enjoy the videos and acknowledge that you don't live in that world. Believe me, there is a lot going on in the world of professionals that would make most of you cringe. Just marvel at his knowledge and skill.

I would respectfully disagree, at least with respect to proper tool use and safety. Using an essentially unguarded circular saw blade at twice it's design RPMs for freehand cuts may be expedient, but it's not safe, and it's not professional in any sense other than that he is probably getting paid for it. Mr. Sauzedde himself understands this - if you watch many of his videos, he uses that tool quite frequently, and usually makes a comment when doing so to the effect that it's not safe, but "oh well, it works for me." The subtext - don't do this yourself, couldn't be clearer. Meanwhile, the surgeons at the trauma hospital just up the road from where I am sitting have in the last 18 months reattached the forearms (yes, arms, not digits) of two separate "professional" builders who had them amputated by unguarded table saw blades. These guys nearly died, and have permanently loss much functional use of their arms because as "professionals" they believed they knew the tool they were using well enough to ignore safety systems.

[James Pallas]

There are many things done that are not "safe". Do as you wish in your own shop. The man said you may not be comfortable with doing this. How many times have you seen loggers working on TV not suited up like an astronaut or crabbers working on a heaving deck in the Artic. It's a great build and I was very pleased to watch it. Most of the safety things were invented to protect the guy or gal who walks into the box store and buys a tool not knowing which side of the blade is the dangerous side.
Jim

[Steve Demuth]

Do as you wish in your own shop. The man said you may not be comfortable with doing this. ... Most of the safety things were invented to protect the guy or gal who walks into the box store and buys a tool not knowing which side of the blade is the dangerous side.
Jim

Well, that's the point, isn't it? He isn't "doing it in his own shop." He's doing it in youtube videos that are being watched by those people you characterize as "walks into the box store and buys a tool not knowing which side of the blade is the dangerous side." 175,000 people have watched the first video. He's doing it as a teacher and with the explicit endorsement of Jamestown. In my mind, a professional does not teach techniques he or she has to warn people against using.

And yes, it's a great build and a joy to watch him in action for the most part. I learned a lot, and enjoyed the series.

[keith micinski]

I like to think of myself as one of the most unsafe power tool users around and this guy puts me to shame. I had heard this circular saw blade on a grinder was coming and still couldn't believe it. This is easily my most favorite thread ever posted on this web site. In related news I heard sawstop is working on a retractable 7" grinder/circular saw.

[Jake Hillestad]

I would respectfully disagree, at least with respect to proper tool use and safety. Using an essentially unguarded circular saw blade at twice it's design RPMs for freehand cuts may be expedient, but it's not safe, and it's not professional in any sense other than that he is probably getting paid for it. Mr. Sauzedde himself understands this - if you watch many of his videos, he uses that tool quite frequently, and usually makes a comment when doing so to the effect that it's not safe, but "oh well, it works for me." The subtext - don't do this yourself, couldn't be clearer. Meanwhile, the surgeons at the trauma hospital just up the road from where I am sitting have in the last 18 months reattached the forearms (yes, arms, not digits) of two separate "professional" builders who had them amputated by unguarded table saw blades. These guys nearly died, and have permanently loss much functional use of their arms because as "professionals" they believed they knew the tool they were using well enough to ignore safety systems.


Well, that's the point, isn't it? He isn't "doing it in his own shop." He's doing it in youtube videos that are being watched by those people you characterize as "walks into the box store and buys a tool not knowing which side of the blade is the dangerous side." 175,000 people have watched the first video. He's doing it as a teacher and with the explicit endorsement of Jamestown. In my mind, a professional does not teach techniques he or she has to warn people against using.

In the words of Sgt. Hulka - "Lighten up Francis"

He's not making a safety video. And if you think the mouth breathers of the world were going to key in on and takes note of all the safety nuances while watching you were mistaken.

[Mark W Pugh]

Less than a day, up to $21,100.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-16-wooden-work-skiff-built-by-Louis-Sauzedde-on-Tips-from-a-Shipwright-/201900564523?hash=item2f0236202b:g:3QoAAOSw5UZY-ngE&vxp=mtr

[Dave Zellers]

Man that's a beautiful boat.
Even tho I build cabinets from rough lumber it's just so cool to have watched that skiff grow from nothing.
Boats and cabinets are two different animals.

[keith micinski]

Cutting off body parts doesn't concern him to much but he draws the line at hearing protection. This is easily the best thread ever posted on sawmill. I can't believe there is a single person that's on this web site and interestied in woodworking that wouldn't enjoy some aspect of this web series.

[Chris Padilla]

I'm puttering along watching him work. He has a natural and calm presence about him that is perfect for YouTube. The videos are quite excellent and well-produced.

[James Pallas]

I believe that shipwrights, carvers, and possibly painters and sculptors have a third eye or something that allows them to have a special sense of curves. It is not a skill that I possess. Perhaps Malcolm S. could elaborate on this. When boards start to bend in every direction I get lost quickly. This was not a really tough build for this craftsman. Fun to watch for sure.
Jim

[keith micinski]

Just wanted to thank Robert again for posting this. I think I was more excited for the premiere of season 2 then I was for Game of thrones and the Mcgregor fight combined. And somehow it got better.

[Mike Cutler]

Beautiful boat!!

The guy is definitely skilled, but I've seen his work before.
It's a long series, with a lot of good info in it, regardless of his tool use practices.

Keith
I hope you get over the slotted, or flathead screw, bias. They do have a place, and boat building is one of them. Screws used in boat building have to able to be removed and a flathead screw is easier than a phillips if and when it gets buggered up to remove. I've repaired many wooden boats though the years, and getting those screws out is pain in the butt.

The question about building the boat designed to swell, to seal, is a little backward. The wood is going to swell, and there is no way to stop it. If the swelling is not accounted, for the seam will split and no matter how tight it was when dry, it is now leaking water. He's building a boat to swell to seal because he doesn't have a choice.

[keith micinski]

I will never believe that flathead galvanized screws are the best option for anything!!

[Ron Kellison]

For slotted head screws I recommend Klein as an off the shelf, readily available quality driver. Other alternatives are made by Grace for gunsmiths (parallel ground tips) and Lee Valley (Parallel grind tips). The parallel grind is an important aspect of good slotted tip drivers because they are made to precise standards for gap width and the tip contacts more of the inner surface of the slot, reducing the possibility of slippage and camming out the slot. YMMV!

[marty fretheim]

I had to laugh at some of his (un)safety practices also. The guy has definitely been doing this a long time. And he seems to still have all his body parts. I was impressed with his ability to follow pencil lines so well. A skill I'm still working on.

If I sanded that paint without my respirator I'd be suffering for a week if not worse:)

[Mikail Khan]

Link to season 2 episode 1

https://youtu.be/rUnj3moDFFQ

I enjoyed the first one.

MK

[Jim Mackell]

He also worked on the Coronet, a 100 ft plus sailing yacht restoration. Check out Coronet 1885 web site if you want to see some real shipwrighting. .
Jim

I saw that entire series on Ultimate Restorations. Just awestruck at the work and the workmanship.

[Mark Mallia]

This guys methods remind me of myself. I'm confident in my own safety, but it would make me very nervous to allow an inexperienced person to use the same procedures. For example, my tablesaw is unguarded, it just isn't possible to do the things I do with a guard in place, but I won't allow anyone else to use it.

[Pat Barry]

Thanks for posting this link. It took me a long time to watch and now I'm hooked on every episode.

[Ted Phillips]

I really love how he shows how he hunts down and finds the right log for each job. Season 2, Episode 2 is all about a trip to the sawmill where he finds a 23 foot Swamp White Oak log and has it sawn to his specifications. You can tell that sawyer at the mill has developed crazy skills after years on the job.

It is a real pleasure watching professional tradesmen in their natural habitat!

[John Gulick]

I have been in the biz for almost 50 years and have always believed " if you can build a boat, you can build anything". However I am not onboard with operation of power tools without guards, etc. etc.

[Justin Ludwig]

So, I have never heard anyone refer to a flathead screw driver as a slotted screw driver once in my 40 years but I guess you can learn something new every day. I didn't think about them being able to be cleaned out and removed easier, that does make sense. I love how uptight it is around here and no one can focus on anything that is said other then to find a way do argue or dispute it. "Slotted screws" suck and I would rather throw the boat away and build a new one then to have to install one single flathead errr slotted screw. Death to the slotted screw!!!!!

I got your back. I was just having the "death to flatheads" conversation this weekend with my brother-in-law. I also am new to hearing them referred to as "slotted". Semantics...

I'm a little behind on my forum perusing.