Masts

[whiskers]

Hi guys
I was bored silly today so thought I would pass it on. I received my order of dowels this afternoon. The picture is very boring and does not show that these are made from exotic wood. I grew tired of the standard wood (oak or similar) that is typically used for masts etc. I found a fellow who makes dowels from a large number of exotic woods.
Any length and diameter. The two in the photo are canary and padauk. When a suitable finish is applied the grain of the wood really comes out. Just a bit of an upgrade for a model. . Enough of boring you.

 

[Bryian]

I think it would be correct to cut the masts lengthways into sections, then laminate together as thats how they did it on real ship construction.
Most modellers just use a single dowel for masts which I think is incorrect on larger ships.

 

[whiskers]

I think it would be correct to cut the masts lengthways into sections, then laminate together as thats how they did it on real ship construction.
Most modellers just use a single dowel for masts which I think is incorrect on larger ships.

Brian
I never thought of that but it makes perfect sense. Would they have laminated wood of the same species or used whatever was available and cobbled a mast together?

john

 

[Sea Burd]

They are prob real straight. I had to call and get most of mine replaced, they were so warped. Those look nice.

 

[whiskers]

They are prob real straight. I had to call and get most of mine replaced, they were so warped. Those look nice.

That’s what I found when either buying in a store or kit supplied. They were almost always warped or curved to some degree. This guy’s product is Class A.

 

[Jimsky]

That’s what I found when either buying in a store or kit supplied. They were almost always warped or curved to some degree. This guy’s product is Class A.

Hello, Whiskers, is this your private supplier or he takes orders? It may be well useful for our members.

 

[jimmystratos]

There's a picture here of the construction of HMS Victory masts. Unfortunately it is appalling resolution, and I haven't been able to find a larger version or the document it came from. Pinterest file

 

[whiskers]

Hello, Whiskers, is this your private supplier or he takes orders? It may be well useful for our members.

Jimsky
This fellow takes orders. He is in Canada as am I. The product is not anything fancy but high quality for sure. I’ll look up his contact info.

 

[whiskers]

There's a picture here of the construction of HMS Victory masts. Unfortunately it is appalling resolution, and I haven't been able to find a larger version or the document it came from. Pinterest file

Jimmy
Thanks. That gives me a good idea of the procedure involved.

 

[whiskers]

Hello, Whiskers, is this your private supplier or he takes orders? It may be well useful for our members.

The business name is dowels on demand. Contact is dmandryk@memlane.com
You can pay by cheque or PayPal
I have no affiliation to this fellow just advising that his product is excellent.

 

[Jim J]

Thanks for the info on this supplier. Just checked out his web-site and it looks like he has some beautiful stuff. Have bookmarked it so I don't lose it. Will definately use him in the future.

 

[Donnie]

Brian,
you are correct - that in looking at a cross-section of a mast. However, to this day, I have yet to see any modeler take on this challenge of the "built up mast" - I wish I could see one done. It seems that alone would be a work within its self.

 

[danielsje]

In the past I have tried a built up lower mast for a larger model. I glued four pieces of square stock together then sanded the edges to round. Once stained and poly is applied the seams show the construction nicely. This was a few years ago...not tried it since. The model is cased so I can't get a clear picture to post. I just picked up a mini bench top mini lathe...I might try the technique again and use the lathe to round...

 

[TKAM]

I've been doing a little research and found that conifer (essentially a pine tree) was used a lot. Why use exotic wood?

 

[jimmystratos]

1) Pine dowelling isn't very stable.
2) Looks.

 

[TKAM]

1) Pine dowelling isn't very stable.
2) Looks.

Fair 'nuff, makes sense. I asked for samples from the above mentioned specialty dowel company but I'd like to add something other than the Douglas Fir and Pine I already requested. What other type of wood do you think would make a really top notch mast/spar? I've only ever used the kit provided El Cheapo dowels and I want to step up my game for my Rattlesnake. Thank you in advance.

 

[Jim J]

Ash and birch make for nice masts. They're stable, fine grained and take a stain well. They are also reasonably workable so it's fairly easy to taper them with some sandpaper and a drill. I have used both to great effect. I'm sure some others may have differing opinions on this - but they have worked well for me.

 

[jimmystratos]

There's a picture here of the construction of HMS Victory masts. Unfortunately it is appalling resolution, and I haven't been able to find a larger version or the document it came from. Pinterest file

Finally! I've found a decent reproduction of the plate about mast construction!

 

[Brewbrarian]

Finally! I've found a decent reproduction of the plate about mast construction!View attachment 172653

I think I recognize that as one of the plates from Steel, Elements of Mastmaking, Sailmaking, and Rigging. Beautiful illustration.