How to split a twenty foot length of pipe.

This project is a real learning experience. Thanks to the experts at aluminumalloyboats.com  we learned about another use for Pam cooking spray.  It turn out that it is an excellent cutting fluid.  And you can often find a BOGO offer at your local grocery store.   We move this contraption outside since we need 20 feet on both sides of the blade.  John feeds it and Dawn holds it straight and level after the cut.  The only problem is that you crave French fries afterward.

The bow eye also has another use.  It is attached to the chain fall on the outside of the shop to lift the bow.  The bow area is much easier to weld and grind in this position. The grinding goes on and on.

What a grind!

All of the rough welds have been sanded off the bow.  The hull has been "roughed up " with a sanding pad.

Close up.

Trial fitting the bow eye.

Keel

With the boat flipped over, it was time to weld the half piece of round tubing.  This will protect the keep when we inevitably touch bottom.  Ratcheting straps came in handy to help bend the straight tube to the center curve.

Bending

Almost in place.

One of many interesting bugs that visit the shop.