Choosing the correct thread for your project starts with knowing the basic properties of thread and the options available. It can be overwhelming when you realize how many different types of thread are out there. The trick to thread selection is to choose the correct weight/thickness, fiber, and...
I knew I had a lot to learn about rope but this is getting way too complicated. Why can't I just order some .50 rope on a large spindle? That would be so much easier than trying to make my own. I see what Signet is saying and I forgot about the compression of winding. Jimski's method of measuring sounds good too. I'll have to try that.
The question is: Do you really want "thread" or do you want scale rope for your model. The largest thread on SailRite's site is 0.0258" or 0.66mm, and will not really look like scale rope. If you want 0.5mm rope, in cotton or polyester, you can buy it from a number of places. In sizes as small as 0.20mm to over 2.0mm. My model uses 0.3 to 2.0mm sizes, in rope and cable (multiple ropes twisted together). I don't know what size of rope you need, but I'm sure it will be at least 3 sizes, probably double or triple that, in beige/tan and brown/black. Finding thread that gives you all that will be impossible, and I don't think you'd like the result.
On the other hand, quality miniature rope is expensive, on the order of 25 cents to over a dollar a yard, and my model uses over 200 yards. Here are links to some quality rope suppliers:
Dry - Dock Models & Parts is providing high quality ship model fittings and parts
drydockmodelsandparts.com
Amati and other model manufacturers still scale rope much cheaper, but in less sizes and colors, and IMHO not with the quality of the above. It depends on your model, your experience and your expectations as to what you use. I decided to scrap the ropes that came with my MarisStella model and buy quality rope, but that may not be your requirement or in your budget.
As to the required sizes, there are a number of spreadsheets available, and you can view an article and download the spreadsheet here at the forums:
The question is: Do you really want "thread" or do you want scale rope for your model. The largest thread on SailRite's site is 0.0258" or 0.66mm, and will not really look like scale rope. If you want 0.5mm rope, in cotton or polyester, you can buy it from a number of places. In sizes as small as 0.20mm to over 2.0mm. My model uses 0.3 to 2.0mm sizes, in rope and cable (multiple ropes twisted together). I don't know what size of rope you need, but I'm sure it will be at least 3 sizes, probably double or triple that, in beige/tan and brown/black. Finding thread that gives you all that will be impossible, and I don't think you'd like the result.
On the other hand, quality miniature rope is expensive, on the order of 25 cents to over a dollar a yard, and my model uses over 200 yards. Here are links to some quality rope suppliers:
Dry - Dock Models & Parts is providing high quality ship model fittings and parts
drydockmodelsandparts.com
Amati and other model manufacturers still scale rope much cheaper, but in less sizes and colors, and IMHO not with the quality of the above. It depends on your model, your experience and your expectations as to what you use. I decided to scrap the ropes that came with my MarisStella model and buy quality rope, but that may not be your requirement or in your budget.
As to the required sizes, there are a number of spreadsheets available, and you can view an article and download the spreadsheet here at the forums: