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In my endeavor to complete the Model Shipways Dapper Tom kit (I named her SIREN) I am getting to the stage where rigging will begin. Needing a Serving Machine, I decided to build my own as part of the learning process. It took about 2 weeks from initial plan to completion yesterday (a few days of delays due to parts being delayed in shipping, family stuff and distractions from other hobbies). If you subtract the replacement costs for parts I either lost or damaged/broke myself during the process, and knowing I sometimes make mistakes, I buy extra (2 motors and a pack of 6 switches), I spent about $100 total. Most everything was sourced from Amazon, Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, McMaster-Carr and Grainger. There was some trial and error, measuring twice and cutting once, and the discovery of parts are not EXACTLY the size they claim to be. As an example, the bearings I purchased from McMaster-Carr have what is supposed to be 1/8" center openings. The 1/8" solid brass rod from K&S used for axles fit snugly with no issues but the brass tube from K&S did not. Not even close. I had to chuck the tube in my electric drill and use sandpaper to trim it down to fit. About 15 minutes sanding, some WD-40 and persuasion with a small brass tack hammer I got it done. The tube will allow the rope being served to be threaded through the alligator clips and wound around the 2 arms on the left side so I can serve ropes longer than 12" if need be. I have not performed any soldering for about 10 years but it came back very quickly except my memory of wiring DPDT switches was a bit hazy. It took 3 attempts of soldering wires to finally get the wiring right so the motor runs forward and backwards. I also learned Gemini AI is not exactly accurate/correct with answers to questions and diagrams but good old Google did the trick. I added some non-slip pads to the bottom so it does not wander off the bench. The only down side so far is it is a wee bit noisy due to using metal gears but being half deaf it won't bother me much. Now my daughter occupying the bedroom next to my Man Cave may have a different opinion. LOL. I will post the results of the sea trials. Be blessed!
Serving Machine Update - My first go at serving a 5mm Deadeye. Not 100% pleased. Identified a few issues with the machine:
1) I cannot pass the rope through the alligator clip jaws with the plastic pads installed, there is no room to clear the spring. I worked around this by passing the rope around the side of the clip and then thread through the tube to the spindle arms. Not 100% ideal but it worked so I will go with it.
2) The initial start of the voltage regulator is at 2.89 volts when I turn it on. The motors are 3v - 24v and begin spinning at around 2.98 volts but with the current set up, it is WAY too fast. The serving was almost 1/4" wide before it registered in my brain the machine was turning. I changed to the smallest drive gear on the motor to see if it will slow down the initial start. I will try again once the new motor mount is dried so I can re-position the motor due to the smaller diameter drive gear.
Another option I am pondering is a larger gear on the axle with the alligator clips. The issue is finding gears that match the teeth pitch of the others currently installed. So far, I can only find ones that are the same size. Also, this will entail a rearranging/replacement of the bearing support mounts (vertical sides), which I am not looking forward to. Everything is on the "back-burner" so to speak until I get this sorted. "There Is Always Bourbon", Cheers!
