Taking on a cedar strip restoration
I’m in the research and exploratory surgery phase of an inherited cedar strip canoe project. I have never made one but have decent wood working skills but don’t want to do anything unspeakable to the original builders hard work. Based on what little I one I need to cut out any glass that isn’t bonded plus a margin to ensure the existing glass is well bonded. Feather back sections that I cut and sand down any punky wood to clean bright wood before I patch in new glass. The gunwale on bow and stern is fairly hammered and I’ll cut those back to clean wood and patch on there too. I’d appreciate any advice on what wood to use and how aggressive I should be cutting back. I don’t see any fastenings but was playing on using some brass screws to secure the gunwale patches unless that’s a bad offer too. The inner gunwale looks to be in good condition and was hoping to leave those in place before if possible. The hull itself, seats, thwart etc also look/feel solid to the Aul test.
I’m also wondering how to know how deep I should sand the hull before I epoxy and poly. I have limited boat building knowledge and apologize if I’m already way off base. Also, if this post is better over on boat building, let me know.
