Nope. Just runs free off the spool.
Vasa - 1:65 DeAgostini [COMPLETED BUILD]
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Oh oh. Ok I have some experimenting to do then, thanks again for your feedback.
Seems to me that your rope making coupled with a “Bad Word Jar” could result in a revenue stream for future projects. 
Jan
I was wondering if the quality of a rope that you make yourself is better than ropes that you can by retail?
I agree it's cool to make your own rope but I am just wondering if this is worth it.
Any input?
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It's a personal choice. I don't do it because it's cheaper, but rather because I want to replicate the proper scaling for the lines. It's that simple for me. I am still in the experimentation stage so the quality of the ropes is poor. But I am getting better at it. After all this is just a hobby and not a job.
I LOVE this question Gilbert! As a novice I can tell you that thus far I cannot make rope better than I have seen on the secondary market - though my more recent efforts are much improved over my first attempts.
But then you continue in your post bringing up the topic of whether the effort is worth it. This is more of a philosophical question (perhaps one you did not intend to ask so please indulge me for a moment). My entire life I have been driven by the destination. In this hobby I have found something that allows me to enjoy the journey. If all I wanted was a cool model to display I would offer to buy something from one of the expert builders on this site. Indeed, I will never be able to build a ship like (I was going to list some names here but don't want to insult anyone by leaving their name off) so I can't even claim that as a goal. But I LIKE working on my ship. I LIKE designing upgrades to the kit parts. I LIKE trying to work with different materials. I LIKE the challenge of building at scale. I actually LIKED fairing the frames (
)and laying the hull strakes. I LIKED the monotony of adding hundreds of scarf joints and tiny nails. I LIKE that at times I want to quit because things aren't going well. I LIKE getting better at making ropes.All this to say, FOR ME, the work (the task of building) is worth it because I'm in it (doing it) for the work. As I get more experienced will I one day choose to purchase aspects of the build that I could do myself. Maybe. Or perhaps even likely. But for right now, it's worth it.
If you were not asking the philosophical question please don't be offended by my reply. We all have our reasons for adopting this ridiculous hobby (grown men and women making tiny ships - really?!?) and I have every confidence that there are some who just read what I posted and are thinking: that guy is nuts! I wouldn't argue the point with them
.
Yards are done (well, all but the longest one):
You might be surprised to learn that the narrow portion at each end might not be correct. I read a discussion on the museum build forum where it could very well be that the yards ran smoothly to their ends on the original ship. The 1:10 model builders chose to include them so I did as well:
The fact that you continue to follow my build is wildly encouraging. Thank you for that!
You might be surprised to learn that the narrow portion at each end might not be correct. I read a discussion on the museum build forum where it could very well be that the yards ran smoothly to their ends on the original ship. The 1:10 model builders chose to include them so I did as well:
The fact that you continue to follow my build is wildly encouraging. Thank you for that!
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did the Vasa have stunsails? I think those narrow ends were designed to hold the hardware that partially holds the stunsail booms
Not as far as I know. I think stun'sls are a few decades later but I'm out of my depth here.
Looks great.
Yes, probably more true to original with smooth yards, but easier to rig this way. And might not be visible when done anyway.
Here's a yard from the museum:
https://digitaltmuseum.se/011024785810/ra
Cheers,
Peter
Yes, probably more true to original with smooth yards, but easier to rig this way. And might not be visible when done anyway.
Here's a yard from the museum:
https://digitaltmuseum.se/011024785810/ra
Cheers,
Peter
Hi PaulI LOVE this question Gilbert! As a novice I can tell you that thus far I cannot make rope better than I have seen on the secondary market - though my more recent efforts are much improved over my first attempts.
But then you continue in your post bringing up the topic of whether the effort is worth it. This is more of a philosophical question (perhaps one you did not intend to ask so please indulge me for a moment). My entire life I have been driven by the destination. In this hobby I have found something that allows me to enjoy the journey. If all I wanted was a cool model to display I would offer to buy something from one of the expert builders on this site. Indeed, I will never be able to build a ship like (I was going to list some names here but don't want to insult anyone by leaving their name off) so I can't even claim that as a goal. But I LIKE working on my ship. I LIKE designing upgrades to the kit parts. I LIKE trying to work with different materials. I LIKE the challenge of building at scale. I actually LIKED fairing the frames (
All this to say, FOR ME, the work (the task of building) is worth it because I'm in it (doing it) for the work. As I get more experienced will I one day choose to purchase aspects of the build that I could do myself. Maybe. Or perhaps even likely. But for right now, it's worth it.
If you were not asking the philosophical question please don't be offended by my reply. We all have our reasons for adopting this ridiculous hobby (grown men and women making tiny ships - really?!?) and I have every confidence that there are some who just read what I posted and are thinking: that guy is nuts! I wouldn't argue the point with them
Thanks for your thorough reply and your motivation for doing so
Don't get me wrong, I fully understand the spirit of "doing yourself".
I too LIKE working on my ship and have great fun doing so. No question about that.
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I used a quote somewhere else on this forum, paraphrasing what you have written above: "It's all about the journey, not the destination" (reportedly a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson).
That's it. No further need to excuse ourselves. We enjoy ourselves with our hobby. We study, we learn, we try, we fail, we try again. And after completing a step towards our destination, we're allowed to be proud of our accomplishments, regardless of level.
I really enjoyed tinkering with your philosophical question, to me it's again a learning experience.If you were not asking the philosophical question please don't be offended by my reply. We all have our reasons for adopting this ridiculous hobby (grown men and women making tiny ships - really?!?) and I have every confidence that there are some who just read what I posted and are thinking: that guy is nuts! I wouldn't argue the point with them
Great philosophical discussion here. I LIKE model building for two reasons, the challenge brought on during the journey and the (for me) the satisfying feeling of leaving my mark in the world. During my professional career as a Field Engineer/ Senior Survey Manager for a construction company, I participated in the construction of many structures, bridges, pumping stations, water treatment plants. One day my dad said to me 'son you are really leaving your mark in the world'. Well, all the sudden I understood why I felt such a deep sense of JOY after each project was completed. It is not important for people to remember who I am; it is important to have contributed to society in a positive way.I LOVE this question Gilbert! As a novice I can tell you that thus far I cannot make rope better than I have seen on the secondary market - though my more recent efforts are much improved over my first attempts.
But then you continue in your post bringing up the topic of whether the effort is worth it. This is more of a philosophical question (perhaps one you did not intend to ask so please indulge me for a moment). My entire life I have been driven by the destination. In this hobby I have found something that allows me to enjoy the journey. If all I wanted was a cool model to display I would offer to buy something from one of the expert builders on this site. Indeed, I will never be able to build a ship like (I was going to list some names here but don't want to insult anyone by leaving their name off) so I can't even claim that as a goal. But I LIKE working on my ship. I LIKE designing upgrades to the kit parts. I LIKE trying to work with different materials. I LIKE the challenge of building at scale. I actually LIKED fairing the frames (
All this to say, FOR ME, the work (the task of building) is worth it because I'm in it (doing it) for the work. As I get more experienced will I one day choose to purchase aspects of the build that I could do myself. Maybe. Or perhaps even likely. But for right now, it's worth it.
If you were not asking the philosophical question please don't be offended by my reply. We all have our reasons for adopting this ridiculous hobby (grown men and women making tiny ships - really?!?) and I have every confidence that there are some who just read what I posted and are thinking: that guy is nuts! I wouldn't argue the point with them
I LOVE this question Gilbert! As a novice I can tell you that thus far I cannot make rope better than I have seen on the secondary market - though my more recent efforts are much improved over my first attempts.
But then you continue in your post bringing up the topic of whether the effort is worth it. This is more of a philosophical question (perhaps one you did not intend to ask so please indulge me for a moment). My entire life I have been driven by the destination. In this hobby I have found something that allows me to enjoy the journey. If all I wanted was a cool model to display I would offer to buy something from one of the expert builders on this site. Indeed, I will never be able to build a ship like (I was going to list some names here but don't want to insult anyone by leaving their name off) so I can't even claim that as a goal. But I LIKE working on my ship. I LIKE designing upgrades to the kit parts. I LIKE trying to work with different materials. I LIKE the challenge of building at scale. I actually LIKED fairing the frames (
All this to say, FOR ME, the work (the task of building) is worth it because I'm in it (doing it) for the work. As I get more experienced will I one day choose to purchase aspects of the build that I could do myself. Maybe. Or perhaps even likely. But for right now, it's worth it.
If you were not asking the philosophical question please don't be offended by my reply. We all have our reasons for adopting this ridiculous hobby (grown men and women making tiny ships - really?!?) and I have every confidence that there are some who just read what I posted and are thinking: that guy is nuts! I wouldn't argue the point with them
What a great thought provoking post Paul. I can relate to everything you wrote, as well as how much I LIKE the interaction with, and support of, so many wonderful people on this forum. Thanks for your continued inspiring log by the way.
Great post! I like the journey and like to think I can improve on the model to add more realism, more detail. Since I am fairly new at wood ship building, these are all learning experiences. I bought a ropewalk but have yet to use it. I have questions as to thread sizes, thread material and thread colors to use. But my enjoyment comes from figuring these things out. I spend a lot of time on SoS - seeing what others are building, their techniques and methods of work. My garage is my shop and I spend HOURS out there - because I love it! Keep doing what you are doing. I'll follow along!I LOVE this question Gilbert! As a novice I can tell you that thus far I cannot make rope better than I have seen on the secondary market - though my more recent efforts are much improved over my first attempts.
But then you continue in your post bringing up the topic of whether the effort is worth it. This is more of a philosophical question (perhaps one you did not intend to ask so please indulge me for a moment). My entire life I have been driven by the destination. In this hobby I have found something that allows me to enjoy the journey. If all I wanted was a cool model to display I would offer to buy something from one of the expert builders on this site. Indeed, I will never be able to build a ship like (I was going to list some names here but don't want to insult anyone by leaving their name off) so I can't even claim that as a goal. But I LIKE working on my ship. I LIKE designing upgrades to the kit parts. I LIKE trying to work with different materials. I LIKE the challenge of building at scale. I actually LIKED fairing the frames (
All this to say, FOR ME, the work (the task of building) is worth it because I'm in it (doing it) for the work. As I get more experienced will I one day choose to purchase aspects of the build that I could do myself. Maybe. Or perhaps even likely. But for right now, it's worth it.
If you were not asking the philosophical question please don't be offended by my reply. We all have our reasons for adopting this ridiculous hobby (grown men and women making tiny ships - really?!?) and I have every confidence that there are some who just read what I posted and are thinking: that guy is nuts! I wouldn't argue the point with them
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I LOVE this question Gilbert! As a novice I can tell you that thus far I cannot make rope better than I have seen on the secondary market - though my more recent efforts are much improved over my first attempts.
Paul brilliant philosophy and I love this approach and share it wholeheartedly. ...I think we are all nutsBut then you continue in your post bringing up the topic of whether the effort is worth it. This is more of a philosophical question (perhaps one you did not intend to ask so please indulge me for a moment). My entire life I have been driven by the destination. In this hobby I have found something that allows me to enjoy the journey. If all I wanted was a cool model to display I would offer to buy something from one of the expert builders on this site. Indeed, I will never be able to build a ship like (I was going to list some names here but don't want to insult anyone by leaving their name off) so I can't even claim that as a goal. But I LIKE working on my ship. I LIKE designing upgrades to the kit parts. I LIKE trying to work with different materials. I LIKE the challenge of building at scale. I actually LIKED fairing the frames (
All this to say, FOR ME, the work (the task of building) is worth it because I'm in it (doing it) for the work. As I get more experienced will I one day choose to purchase aspects of the build that I could do myself. Maybe. Or perhaps even likely. But for right now, it's worth it.
If you were not asking the philosophical question please don't be offended by my reply. We all have our reasons for adopting this ridiculous hobby (grown men and women making tiny ships - really?!?) and I have every confidence that there are some who just read what I posted and are thinking: that guy is nuts! I wouldn't argue the point with them
Hello Friends,
Recently I have been trying to develop a workaround for installing the deadeyes at the tops. Ordinarily the chain plate would pass through the outer rim (the darker ring in the image below):
Unfortunately, when I tried to drill or cut through the plywood rim (I used a part from the kit), it just crumbles. At first I thought it was because the part was so narrow (on the upper tops the rim is barely 2.0 mm wide). But on the lower tops the rim is almost 3 mm wide and it just crumbles too.
I considered several options and the leading contender in my mind was to drill through the planked portion (the base) and install the deadeyes there. But before I did that, I attempted a trial where I bent a piece of brass strip around the rim. The trial went well so I put that into production. Here is a photo tour of my approach.
Brass strips cut to length:
The end was rounded with a file and then smashed between two plates of steel to make a ring:
I then drilled through that ring (thanks @Jimsky - the Busch bits worked perfectly - and in my vise drill no less):
I then bent the brass strip into a shape that wrapped around the rim of the top:
These are 4 mm deadeyes:
And these are 3 mm deadeyes:
Comparing the 3mm and 4 mm ones I just made with the 5mm ones already installed at the channels (the deadeyes get smaller the higher they are on the ship):
The first ones I installed (I did get better at this over time...):
I am not completely satisfied with these results but the parts seem secure enough so I think I will run with it. As you know the macro images make everything look worse than it does at normal size but that's part of the game. I'm confident there is a better solution but this one is mine (for better or for worse).
Sadly, I counted wrong and I am 6x of the 3mm size short so I need to go back and make some more (super frustrating).
Thanks for stopping by to see what I have been up to. I am enjoying following your builds as well!
Recently I have been trying to develop a workaround for installing the deadeyes at the tops. Ordinarily the chain plate would pass through the outer rim (the darker ring in the image below):
Unfortunately, when I tried to drill or cut through the plywood rim (I used a part from the kit), it just crumbles. At first I thought it was because the part was so narrow (on the upper tops the rim is barely 2.0 mm wide). But on the lower tops the rim is almost 3 mm wide and it just crumbles too.
I considered several options and the leading contender in my mind was to drill through the planked portion (the base) and install the deadeyes there. But before I did that, I attempted a trial where I bent a piece of brass strip around the rim. The trial went well so I put that into production. Here is a photo tour of my approach.
Brass strips cut to length:
The end was rounded with a file and then smashed between two plates of steel to make a ring:
I then drilled through that ring (thanks @Jimsky - the Busch bits worked perfectly - and in my vise drill no less):
I then bent the brass strip into a shape that wrapped around the rim of the top:
These are 4 mm deadeyes:
And these are 3 mm deadeyes:
Comparing the 3mm and 4 mm ones I just made with the 5mm ones already installed at the channels (the deadeyes get smaller the higher they are on the ship):
The first ones I installed (I did get better at this over time...):
I am not completely satisfied with these results but the parts seem secure enough so I think I will run with it. As you know the macro images make everything look worse than it does at normal size but that's part of the game. I'm confident there is a better solution but this one is mine (for better or for worse).
Sadly, I counted wrong and I am 6x of the 3mm size short so I need to go back and make some more (super frustrating).
Thanks for stopping by to see what I have been up to. I am enjoying following your builds as well!
SO VERY clever! This is the kind of trick you can come up with when you truly know your materials. Bravo, Paul!
Bonus posting. The Wasa has these wonky looking deals at the channel associated with the mizzen:
So I made some. I won't explain the process because I trust it will be intuitive.
On the port:
And on the starboard:
I have no idea what is rigged here. I'm guessing something to do with controlling sails but that part of the build is still a year away so I'll figure it out later.
When I need a break I have also been making rope, and then more rope, and then more rope. And I also made some rope. And after that I made some rope...
If anyone cares - I'm getting pretty good at it
.
So I made some. I won't explain the process because I trust it will be intuitive.
On the port:
And on the starboard:
I have no idea what is rigged here. I'm guessing something to do with controlling sails but that part of the build is still a year away so I'll figure it out later.
When I need a break I have also been making rope, and then more rope, and then more rope. And I also made some rope. And after that I made some rope...
If anyone cares - I'm getting pretty good at it
.