Seeking the most perfect piece of ash

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Sorry but that is the surest way to build in failure, by cutting the shape across the grain. It is the curve which wants to be laminated. In other words the thinner laminations must be bent to the curved shape so that there is no short grain to fail.

Very much agree.

[Cruisingscotts]

If you are in the Salish sea you can hit up any of the number of local sawyers or sawmills on the islands. You can still get island fir with tight grain, its a lot stronger. AK yellow cedar is around as well. You may get lucky and find a grown fir piece with the right shape. Start checking out those southerly slopes.

[Delancey]

Originally Posted by minaret

Very much agree.

I agree with TN's statement as well. I also said nothing strong enough ever broke. However strong tillers laminated as you and TN recommend are, clearly they are not strong enough.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Delancey

I agree with TN's statement as well. I also said nothing strong enough ever broke. However strong tillers laminated as you and TN recommend are, clearly they are not strong enough.

This photo depicts an amateur-built/designed (horrible looking thing) assembly which failed. No thought whatsoever was given to fastener placement. And it is easy to presume the workmanship was deficient as well.

[The Vortex]

Right, Jim Cate. Same thing caught me and caused me to log in for the first time in years.
I too have a 6' long tiller and wish to make a wooden one. The best thing about my aluminum one is that it is in 2 pieces, separating at the 30" point, or right where the monitor vane lines attach. Pretty spiffy to be able to clear out that cockpit-sweeping piece. Looks ugly though. On my island, on the Salish Sea, I have a large Yew tree. I'm going to build a tiller from that. Someday.

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