Filleting Time

For the first fillets I decided to start in the aft area between bulkhead eight and the transom.

This is how I make fillets:

• Lightly coarse sand the area and remove the dust.
• Mark the fillet radius with a compass.
• Clean joint with methylated spirits (please note this is the recommended cleaning agent for Bote-Cote)

• Mask the area.
• Check the radius of the filleting tool or paddle against the masking tape.
• Do a couple of trial runs with the filleting tool.
• Paint a thin coat of epoxy to ensure good wetting out.

The wetting out of the joint prior to making a fillet produces a strong bond and prevents a dry joint.

• Mix the epoxy and filleting powder to a peanut butter or vaseline consistency.
•  Apply to the joint with a mixing stick or piping bag.
• Hold the filleting tool at an angle and press firmly while drawing along the joint to smooth it out.
• Clean up the edges with a flat spatula.

• Once the epoxy has slightly hardened remove the tape and with a wet gloved finger smooth the edges.

That's the first fillet down, many many more to go.

 I decided to fillet, sand and glass the transom area between BH 8 and the transom first. I thought that would be a bit easier on the old body to do one section at a time.

 

• The fillets are sanded.
• The area thoroughly vacuumed and wiped down with methylated spirits.
• Masking tape is located to allow the glass cloth to overlap at the edge.

• A paper template was made for the glass cloth.

• The glass is wetted out with a rubber squeegee

The glass is fully wetted out with the top edge overlapping the masking tape.

After an hour or so when the epoxy is "B" staged the excess glass cloth is trimmed along the masking tape line with a Stanley knife and removed leaving a neat clean line.

My Thoughts for the future.

I will add two additional layers of glass tape over the transom fillets to provide additional strength in this area. My decision to do this is to strengthen the area for future additions I may add. I have been considering modifying the boom gallows to support solar panels and radio aerial. As I intend to live aboard the Pocketship for up to two- or three-week periods. Well, that's my thoughts.................

Thats the end of the Fifth month of construction...........