lapstrake planking

[adkrover]

.'m planking a decorative hull lapstrake style using clear pine. I cannot seem to clinch tack the laps without splitting the planking. I am clamping the lap and using a bucking bar to roll over/clinch tacks. Before the head of the tack even gets flush with the planking most of the planks are cracking. Using about 3/16" planking.

 

[Mark Adams]

Are you pre-drilling? That might be the problem if you are not.

 

[adkrover]

Yes I did predrill, quite snug hole.

 

[Mark Adams]

Maybe a slightly larger hole? Pine splits pretty easily. Since it doesn't need to be watertight, there is no reason to not over-bore it.

 

[adkrover]

couple of pics of first 6 planks ect;

 

[Rollin Thurlow]

Too long of a clinch nail could cause splinting also.

 

[adkrover]

tack size

Is there a rule of thumb for tack size-vs plank thickness?