Nicer scarf

Given the numerous scarfs needed to build this boat, a machine-assisted method is beneficial. After some experimentation, the Festool router with track accessory and a handy clamp did the trick. This process is drastically less laborious and produces a consistent, though slightly rough result. A bit of block planing refines the scarfed surfaces.

Despite the relative ease of this scarfing method compared to electric and manual planing, it still requires some care and takes time. Router depth setup requires testing and refinement in some cases.

The bar clamps not only align the sheets, but act as a support for the aluminum track so that it doesn’t sag and inadvertently deepen the cut.

This method was first used to create 3” scarfs on seven full sheets of 3/8” plywood. The video depicts scarfing four shorter sheets of 3/8” ply used between bow and amidships sections of the bottom panels.