I have a problem

[Johnnymike]

I have built a number of VOC ships and working on Batavia now.
I have lost control of my right hand [and I am right handed].
I am up to rigging and have done most of the standing rigging.
No matter what I try I can not tie the clove hitch on the rat line rigging.

I can not use tweezers steadily.

I have tried many time different ways and I can not get a good knot.

I feel a knot is needed to get the detail I want.

Does any one have any suggestions?

 

[AllanKP69]

The ratlines are very small lines (3/8" to 1/2" diameter) so at scale they can be threaded through a needle. Pierce the shroud and run the ratline through. on to the next ones and done, or better, go through the shroud and wrap around and back through the shroud then to the next shroud &c. I saw this years ago and it looked pretty good. Key is to use small line. Not sure of your scale, but as an example, at 1:72, the diameter of the thread should be about 0.17mm There are tan and brown sewing threads that should suit well. Like the shrouds, they were not black.
Allan

 

[Johnnymike]

thanks Allen
I am in 1:72 scale.
I can tie the line the problem is actually handling the thread to get it where I want it to go
being unable to thread with a steady hand is my problem.

Actually I just may have found my solution.
Building a model with one hand poses special challenge's. I have learned to overcome many
and the one thing I have learned is I have to break each task into its most individual moves.

What I just tried is to do the first wrap around and then add a small amount of thread glue to this
to hold the thread in place. Then I do the second wrap and again hold the knot with glue.
Because the thread glue is really temporary it give good working time and does not make the thread stiff.

I do one individual move at a time then hold it with glue. Then on to the next.
This sounds unnecessary to the abled body but it is the way to success if you use one hand.
I have to do many more stops and starts than necessary but I do get the result I want.

 

[AllanKP69]

thread glue

And another day learning something new. Thanks for this. I have used Fray Check when I was required to include sails (before trying silk span) on a couple schooner models but never heard of thread glue. I did a little digging and found temporary basting glue. Is this what you are using?
Thanks John (or thanks Mike ---- or both )
Allan

 

[Johnnymike]

This just keeps getting better.
I use something similar but it is in a bottle and I have to put
a very small amount on my finger or tooth pick to apply.
I looked up basting glue and found one that has a needle
like applicator that I can use to apply directly to the knot.

Thanks