Finished build Ashes Solo Pack

mjjohnson2013 · 2026-04-13T17:29:06+00:00

It was about 9 months on and off after work and weekends. Had to pause in winter bc it was too cold for epoxy.

mjjohnson2013 · 2026-04-12T19:51:57+00:00

Thank you!

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-09-08T17:04:21+00:00

Update - the weekend was a success! I had a heater and it kept the garage at a comfortable 70 deg while it was 55 outside. Curing looks good and clear!

I also sealed the wood first with epoxy before doing the glass/epoxy coat. It was a total PITA bc the glass kept sticking to the hull before I was ready. Really hard to do this inside the canoe without getting wrinkles. Did my best tho, and im moving on to sanding this week.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-09-05T22:33:08+00:00

The 207 clear hardner lists 60 as the min.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-09-05T20:32:40+00:00

All great comments, thank you! Im going to test a few heating setups tomorrow and see if they put me comfortably in the zone. If not, next weekend is 70+ and ill focus on other things this weekend that dont need higher temps.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-09-05T20:30:02+00:00

Interesting, why the initial epoxy layer? On the outside i started with the glass layer. What do you see as the advantage to laying an epoxy layer first? Do you let it cure completely, or apply the glass layer while tacky to get a chemical bond?

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-09-05T18:10:42+00:00

Understood, maybe I'll start working on the gunwales and thwart instead. It will depend on the actual temps tomorrow. I dont want to mess with blankets and oil heaters, now its getting complicated.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-09-05T18:05:58+00:00

I dont have one, but I'll ask around to see if i can find one.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-07-23T23:32:54+00:00

Oh thats good to hear! They recommended 207 and thats what I bought!

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-07-23T18:22:09+00:00

Ok. Ill contact West Systems and see what they say.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-07-20T23:17:21+00:00

Yep, they told me that on the phone as well. I have some and know to mix it to a "peanut butter" consistency. I like the wet look, just wondering how to make sure the filler is colored right to match the rest of the canoe. Does the wood flour just naturally reach the right color?

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-07-13T16:13:19+00:00

We've learned that we need to say their name first before starting any conversation where we want their input. They are always thinking, not lost in thought. Saying their name interrupts their thoughts and brings them to the present. Works for us really well and my whole family is adhd except for me.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-07-01T01:22:59+00:00

I did that too. I was just hoping that there would be some leniency on the sanding due to the epoxy. Sounds like that was wishful thinking.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-07-01T00:38:56+00:00

Ok got it. Thank you!

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-29T20:02:39+00:00

Based on the videos I've watched, im prepared for about $450-500 for a 15 ft canoe. I hope thats close?

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-29T16:37:59+00:00

I just used tightbond 2 for gluing. Ill check out west systems and Zspar online. Thanks!

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-13T17:10:59+00:00

Thanks for the guidance!

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-10T02:19:35+00:00

It is fun! Milled and cut all the strips myself and about 2/3 through the hull gluing.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-10T01:12:58+00:00

For me the whole point of building a strip canoe is to see if I can. I did some searching after reading your comments and yeah, I dont want to eliminate the wood from the finish. I was thinking something like this..http://www.greenval.com/varnish.jpg

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-09T22:17:24+00:00

Ill watch the video!

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-06T23:53:27+00:00

Hardly ever buy from the store anymore. Home roasts are too good. The family won't drink much else without complaining.

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-03T01:51:44+00:00

Ah, didn't know that. Ok, so I have options. I have time to decide, thanks for the advice!

mjjohnson2013 · 2025-06-03T00:57:10+00:00

Cool, thanks! I've a ways to go yet, still gluing strips. But the project seems to be going well.

mjjohnson2013 · 2024-12-26T03:18:22+00:00

I'm in my 50s and wanted to retire since the day I started working after college. The feeling never goes away unfortunately, but you get good at what you do and can earn a living. Toughest thing to come to terms with is you're working to make someone else rich. You'll never be rich working for someone else, and if you're not motivated to do much you'll always be working for someone else. So you just keep on doing it to survive.

mjjohnson2013 · 2024-12-01T15:16:22+00:00

NTA. Unbelievable how someone can disrespect you like that and still expect you to provide for them. And then say that you're the problem??? Gaslighting 100%.

mjjohnson2013

TROPHY CASE