Jan 9. Angler Stand

Lots to catch up on. I've been out sick, basically since before New Year's. Man, I just couldn't shake it. Today is the first day I actually got out to the shop. I was also held up a bit by running out of resin,and a credit card mishap meant a delay of a couple weeks. Anyhow. First day back was a really good day, most likely because I had ten days to think the next jobs through, so I guess my mind was ready to move. 

Two things to notice here. One is that I have the angler support board (background) fitted and installed. I actually worked on this a bit while I was sick and waiting for the goo to arrive (or waiting for the goo in my throat to leave, whatever). The other thing is the thingy in my hand. That's one leg support, two of which will be attached to the angler support board to allow the angler to lock into his awesome position standing, maybe even while going through rapids, while leaving both hands free to "angle".  Seriously. When I stand here, I want to scream "I'm the king of the world!"

Here they are clamped into position for a fitting. I raised then up on a higher board than the plans suggest to keep them well above the kneecap. They're really quite comfy even without padding. Also, the heal-raiser on the floor is going in. More on that later. 

Take a look at the first picture above. AWESOME SHAPE!  It is a lamination of a mahogany and plywood sandwich, both for thickness and strength. And the only thing I can say after making such a beautiful piece is:

Blanche Arbogast. 

Huge story/diversion here. Six months after beginning work at my first job at Boeing in Renton, Nancy and I moved into a 1908 salt box in Knickerbocker's first addition to the city of Auburn. It was a 3-block square that looked like Beaver Cleaver's Neighborhood, except in 1988. Six houses away lived recently-widowed Blanche Arbogast. I visited the estate sale of her late husband and found the above gem -- a big old cast iron sanding table. I use this thing almost daily -- all day, at that. With an 80-grit belt I can turn a rough-hewn and glued block of wood into the beautiful piece above in about 10 minutes. Look at all the dust that i never sweep. I'm Ashamed to say that I talked her down to $35 from $50. Now it feels like I robbed the poor, berieved woman. I'm actually very ashamed. I was young. 

Thank you anyway, Blanche. And to your nameless husband whom I never met. 

Back on topic. Leg hooks are in place. And floor foot support shown too. 

Beauty shot. Look at all the curves!

Close up. Still a bit of sanding to match the top of the leg hook to the curve of the support board. 

The up-curve of the rockered bottom of the boat at the standing angler position would cause a severe calf stretch, which, over even an hour would be very uncomfortable. This little heel lift fixes that problem. Size 13 max. 

Nice lines. Good decisions. 

Nice lines. Good decisions.