Replacing Planks the
Ken Thompson Way

Click On Each Picture To Enlarge

Replacing a Plank the Ken Thompson Way: Step-1

First-Commodore Ken Thompson's first step in replacing a plank is to smoothly tape a strip of brown paper over the missing plank, which he next reinforces with vertical strips of tape. Finally, he lays a tape strip along the periphery of the opening, then using a sharp knife, cuts out the pattern (see below).

Replacing a Plank the Ken Thompson Way: Step-2 -- The Pattern!

Here, Ken Thompson and Dick Peterson hold up the pattern Ken has just cut from the brown paper strip, above. This pattern is then carefully traced onto a mahogany plank pre-planed to the proper thickness.

Replacing a Plank the Ken Thompson Way: Step-3 -- Cutting the Replacement Board. 

Here, Ken Thompson and Stan Lehnhardt use Robin Mcgeorge's fifty-year-old band saw to cut the traced pattern from the mahogany plank. Robin and Harry Matus adjust Dick Peterson's midget circular saw in the background.

Replacing a Plank the Ken Thompson Way: Step-4 -- Ready to Place the new Board.

Walter Hill, Ken Thompson, Stan Lehnhardt, and Dick Peterson (left to right) prepare to install the newly cut replacement board.

Replacing a Plank the Ken Thompson Way: Step-5 -- Fastening another perfect Fit!

Stan Lehnhardt holds the new plank in place while Ken Thompson drives screws. It's simply one more perfect fit for Ken Thompson, who claims he's been doing this sort of thing since Noah accidentally stove in the Ark's hull grounding it on Mt. Arrat.

---