The Backbone and Molds
The first step in the construction of a canoe is to get out the backbone and the molds, or forms, which give the correct dimensions and shape of the craft. The backbone may be made from any inexpensive soft wood, such as cedar, spruce, pine, or cypress; and for making it a piece of lumber, 16 ft. long, 4 in. wide, and ⁷⁄₈ in. thick, is used. By referring to [Fig. 1] it will be seen that the upper edge measures exactly 15 ft. 8³⁄₄ in., and that the lower edge is ¹⁄₂ in. longer, giving a total length of 15 ft. 9¹⁄₄ in. The spaces numbered from each end of the backbone toward the center, as 1, 2, 3, and 4, indicate where the corresponding molds are to be placed. Seven molds are used and as a canoe is tapered alike at both ends the molds are numbered alike and are made exactly to the same dimensions.
Fig. 1
The First Step in the Construction of a Canoe Is to Get Out the Backbone and the Molds, or Forms, Which Give the Correct Dimensions and Shapes of the Craft
A good way to lay out the backbone accurately is first to mark the total length, making the lower edge 1 in. longer than represented in [Fig. 1], then measure along the top edge exactly 22¹⁄₄ in., and run a pencil line across. From this line measure off ³⁄₄ in. and draw a second line across the width of the board parallel with the first. This space represents the thickness of the mold, and it is marked 1. Measure off 23¹⁄₄ in. and make two parallel lines as before and number it 2, measure another 23¹⁄₄-in. length and number it 3. Begin measuring from the opposite end of the board as in the first instance, 22¹⁄₄ in. and give it number 1, then mark off 2 and 3 the same as for the end already marked. The board is then cut off at the bevel mark at each end.