Re:18 ft. router

At 09:19 AM 2/4/04 +0000, you wrote:

>OK, so you got Oak. I'd be thinking in terms of glued up parts with
>the grain oriented so as to keep each other in check. Odd numbers of
>laminations with the core as straight as possible. Through bolts and
>epoxy. Maybe even a couple of wraps with fiberglass, but then your $$
>is starting to go. I would say at least five laminations. One core
>and two on each side. Each is 90 degrees to the other in terms of
>grain. If you are working with S4S 1x which 0.75 nominal that gives
>you about 3.75" net. OK, OK we all can add, I know. Maybe go to 7
>laminations? What's the span? Not the 18 feet I hope.

Might try the WEST system. Wet Epoxy Saturation Technique. The Gougeon
Brothers have built some awesome strong, and light structures using the
system. Several years back, I saw local TV coverage of four guys carrying
the main hull of Sling Shot, a 40' boat. They used cedar for the wood, and
thin slices. They also made huge wind generator blades up to around 70 ft
in length.

Use a little structural engineering, and you should be able to build up a
very strong and not to heavy, and if engineered well, not to springy
machine using this method.

http://www.westsystem.com/

No association with this company, just an admirer for years, mainly the
boats they built.

Don