A few
weeks previously I had purchased a Speedy Stitcher and a spool of buff waxed
heavy polyester thread, armed with the instruction leaflet that came with the
tool, I proceeded to practice the process before committing to the real thing.
To my surprise I got the hang of it in around an hour and proceeded to stitch
the protective leather sleeves onto the oars.
I first wrapped the leather around the oar and held it in place with clamps
whilst marking the point at which the two ends overlapped, I then removed the
material and trimmed back the edge approximately 6 mm from the mark, this
produced an open joint which would be closed when the leather was stitched and
stretched. I then marked out the
stitching centres and pierced the leather to assist the penetration of the
Speedy Stitcher needle. Working along the joint for approximately 50 mm, I kept moving
back to tension the thread by lifting each loop with a small screwdriver before
continuing. A good result was achieved with a traditional classic look.
The Speedy Stitcher
in action.
One down one
to go!
There
were two other surfaces that I considered would require protection, the notch
in the transom for the sculling oar and the base of the gaff jaws that come
into contact with the mast. I marked out and cut patterns on thin card to
arrive at a suitable design, giving due consideration to allow enough relief in
the profile to enable me to stretch the leather over the curved surfaces to
achieve a tight fit. Before fitting, I soaked the leather in water to make it more
pliable then stretched it onto the surfaces held temporarily in place with
clamps. I used a large spoon to shape the leather tight onto the contours then
finally fixed in place with copper tacks. Again a result, that looks both
decorative and functional.
Finally
I considered it prudent to fit a protective leather sleeve around the bowsprit
at the point where it passes through the bowsprit iron at the stem head; this will protect the
timber and provide a nice snug bed between the timber and the bronze ring.