Upgrades to the V

[pjbrownva]

So, I know it's almost a year later... but I thought i'd try to revive this thread.

I bought a set of inexpensive router bits, and used them on some Brazilian hard wood called IPE to make my own bow pulpit.

bow pulpit 3.jpg

I used the router, and then used "Ipe Oil" when I was done. All of the cut edges have to sealed with this special wax, otherwise the wood dries un evenly and you cracking or splintering.
bow pulpit 2.jpg
The first version extended past the bow almost 3 feet. Although I used large pieces of Ipe ... about 1 ft long, in the cabin under the deck along with large fender washers to spread out the load, I still felt that the pulpit was too long and put too much strain on the deck... I could see it flexing too easily... and the wood flexed more than I liked... so I cut it down to make it shorter.

At some point I'll go back with the router to clean up the end I cut.

Well... here's a picture of how it looks so far....
bow pulpit 1..jpg

I also found what I think will be a cheaper source to obtain medium sizes of HDPE (High Density Poly Ethelyene)...
HDPE cutting board.jpg

I think that's the same material that Star Board is.... but if anyone knows of important differences... like (maybe treatment for enhanced UV resistance) please enlighten me before I go too far down this path!

You'll start to see more posts from me, as I'm really kicking this Pandemic V20 project into extra high gear!

P.S. -- Not trying to steal the O.P.'s thread. Since it went dormant, I thought this would be a good place to post about my work with trim and also starboard / starboard alternatives. If that's a bad idea.... please let me know, and I'll start my own thread or post everything under that "build thread" that I started and never got any photos in.

-Philip