I am interested in the placement of V panels and methods for shaping them. My first question is in regards to the transition from flat-bottom to V in the mid section of the board. Where does this transition begin? Does it occur in a straight line, perpendicular to the stringer? Or is there an angle to the beginning of the V panels? Finally, when shaping your V panels, what technique do you use to shape the outer edges of the panels closest to the rails? Do you make curved cuts following the outline curve of the board? Or straight cuts parallel to the stringer? Thank you for all your help.
I am interested in the placement of V panels and methods for shaping them. > My first question is in regards to the transition from flat-bottom to V in > the mid section of the board. Where does this transition begin? Does it > occur in a straight line, perpendicular to the stringer? Or is there an > angle to the beginning of the V panels? Finally, when shaping your V > panels, what technique do you use to shape the outer edges of the panels > closest to the rails? Do you make curved cuts following the outline curve > of the board? Or straight cuts parallel to the stringer? Thank you for all > your help. Roy, First of all, the transition from flat to V is so subtle that it’s virtually undetectable by feel if it’s done correctly. There are several methods used to shape V into a board. These methods are determined by the experience of the shaper. The more experienced you get, you’ll become so familiar with your planer that you’ll use it put your V in almost like you’re banding your rails with lots of depth adjustments as you go to keep all the contours blending properly. As a beginner,it’s easy to get flat spots on your rail line when V is added. The safest way if you’re a little shy with your planer is to use a sanding block about a foot long that had a LITTLE flexibility to it. Set the board in the racks with the bottom of the rail sticking up at about 45 degrees. Starting at about 2 feet from where you want to start the V, hold the block flat on the bottom edge without any pressure and start running the block down the edge where you want the V. you’ll bevel the rail slightly where the V goes. The most important part is making sure that there are no flat spots on the bottom edge. KEEP THE CURVE ON THE BOTTOM EDGE. Once you’re happy with the rail curve at the bottom edge, join the edge to the stringer and you have your V. Don’t EVER shape down past the established bottom edge that you put in or you’ll lose your bottom edge curve. There are other methods to achieve the same end result but This is about the safest and most foolproof when you’re starting out.The easiest V to put in is in the tail as you simply run the curve at the rail right off the tail. There is no set place to put V in a board. You could write a 10 page article on the subject and not cover it all! good luck! aloha