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turbowoodworker

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More information may help with the answer but can you mock up a template and rout to the template? how big is this thing, full size, model???
 
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smallfry

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Jul 25, 2013
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It's a full size 600 lb. lead filled fiberglass keel about 6 feet long by 16 inches wide and 2 inches thick. there is a head section that isn't foil shaped, so I couldn't use a template at each end (I don't think). Ive never used a jig to shape things in the thick dimension like this application. All that I've done before has been for outer edge shapes, thus the question.
 

turbowoodworker

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My lack of knowledge about sailboats (I was in the Navy but didn't learn much) makes it hard for me to understand and therefore help you. Are you making the keel out of spars covered with fiberglass or a composite? Then filling it with lead?
Maybe I should sit back and let the real boat builders help. I saw "router jig" and assumed I knew it all. Just on the internet that is.
 
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A_Pmech

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I'm going to assume you want to generate the shape so you can build a plug to make a set of molds, is that correct?

Tell us more about the proposed method of construction and things will become clearer. (At least in my mind.)
 
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smallfry

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I'm going to assume you want to generate the shape so you can build a plug to make a set of molds, is that correct?

Tell us more about the proposed method of construction and things will become clearer. (At least in my mind.)

Sorry for lack of quotes and other info. The keel has been removed from my 21 foot club racing sailboat. It is intact but suffered from gelcoat blisters. I've dried and repaired the divots and have filled the low areas with epoxy putty. I made a template to spread the putty but I'm concerned that the final result will not be accurate enough. (It's a very competitive class with some excellent sailors, so I need to have the best possible shape to have a chance). What I've done so far looks ok but i'm looking for perfection. I thought that there may be a better way.
 

ez-duzit

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I can't see how a router jig will help you. The kind of work you're talking about requires a great deal of hand work and skill. If you hope to get the approval of the racing organization, you'll need a precision set of templates.
 

A_Pmech

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Ahh!

So long as the hydrofoil section does not change, stroking parallel to the line of average chord with a fairing block should produce acceptable results. It worked well enough for NACA and later NASA when building the propellers for the largest wind tunnel in the world anyhow. The process will average the error in true shape the best between chordal sections.
 
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smallfry

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Jul 25, 2013
Messages
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Thanks for the help. I'll get back to the long sanding board. At least my upper body strength should be improved so long as I don't wear totally out.
 
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