the idea here.

The simple jig in the photo is my new design scarf joint router jig that supports a plunge router at just the right angle to form a scarf joint between two pieces of marine plywood. The long piece of wood is the guide piece that when screwed down through two layers of plywood hold them and the jig in position as the routing is done.

The jig can be moved along to various positions to rout in stages the full width of the plywood stock. It may sound complicated, but is easier and more accurate than the old way of hand planing each piece of stock. Later in the blog (after the plywood is received) you will see the jig in use. The round hole in the jig is for attaching a vacuum cleaner to assist in removing routed waste. The red board is the support for a plunge router.

Of  course, we could do things the old way, gain greater skill, possibly waste expensive wood, and run a greater risk of failure. I will set up a trial experience so that students can test their hands in the old way.

The Bevins skiff is an eleven and a half foot row boat that can be adapted to sail. It can comfortably fit three, and the point of making at least two is that in sailing, the performance of one can be compared to the other, and students can observe the effects of wind and water and the other vessel in comparison to their own technique.

It seems to be a secret of sorts (at least where educational policy makers are concerned). But when we learn real things by doing real things, what we learn has greater relevance and greater lasting effect.

Make, fix, create and encourage others to learn lifewise.