Just wondering how much space is needed to build a solo strip canoe? I have an area that I have in my garage that I have for my shop that is approximately 24 x 13. Part of that space is taken up by two work benches, table saw, small wood lathe, and drill press. I mainly work on building small stuff along with my muzzle loaders. Can open door and move outside in good weather, but not this time of year.

I do have another shop available to prep and rip blanks.
Thoughts? Thanks KL

Kevin,

If you can cut your strips outside or in another shop then all the room you need is enough space to walk around the canoe and a spot on a workbench long enough for the strips. I built two canoes in an area that was 12' X 20'. I did all the building and glassing indoors in the basement of my house and took the canoes out through a window.

Dick

You have the same size room, and amount of "stuff" as me (see NW Passage Build thread). If you can get 2' all the way around (say 7'x20'), and a way to get out of the room, you should be fine.

Kevin,

If you give me your muzzleloader stuff you should have enough room to build one :)

The length of your shop is fine. You're gonna need 10" width so you can work but that's going to make for some tight working space.

I should mention that it is highly advantageous to be able to stand back and look at the canoe while stripping it. There is a lot to see on a canoe that you can't see from 2'away. Especially when checking to make sure your bow and stern are exactly plumb. This must be done from several feet back.

So, clear out everything that doesn't have to be in the shop.

Tom

My shop is 13 X 20 (outside dimensions). This size was dictated by zoning set backs. It was built with retirement and my canoe project in mind. All of my equipment is movable. On one wall I have an 18' workbench. I wanted 18 foot of workspace for gunnel work. Heat is electric cove heaters.

My canoe is 15.5 feet. At times I find it tight to get around but I have gotten used to it. I had some challenges when I wanted to turn a strip end for end. With the long ones, I opened the door and turned around outside. Biggest drawback is not being able to get far enough away from the canoe to look at my work

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I have enough room to give it a go.
Woodcanoe that would be a great trade for you. It’s like 30 years worth of tools, started out Gunsmithing and then went into Tool & Die. I have one spot left on the wall at home (in my shop) for when I retire for my favorite of all.



I purchased from a tool vender when he retired. Starrett - they are all American made (can’t say that any more as some of their tools are now made off shore, if they are even made).

I currently have it at the college that I teach at for students to look at, and for me to drool over. Tool porn at its best ;-)

Well my Canoecraft by Ted Moores came today. Guess its the next step in the process for me. Thanks everyone.

I built my Merlin in half of my 2 car garage. For quite a bit of the build I would hang the entire thing, form and all, from pulleys screwed into the ceiling joists so I could park under it.

JD