Scratching Deadeyes

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 2:08 pm • Post subject: Scratching Deadeyes

Hi mates. Although there are many ways to scratch deadeyes here is another one maybe more simple.

1.Depending on scale, from a wooden rod cut slices as the deadeye’s bodies…and with a simple jig, drill the three holes on each one.

2.Take one deadeye and put three pins in its holes. Choose the right fuse (teeth?) for your rotary tool so as this can secure the three pins together on it. When you place the deadeye (with the pins) on the tool you must put the pins as deep you can in order you have the deadeye as close you can to the tool’s end. Put on your protection eyeglasses.

3.Turn on the tool and with a conical file start creating the groove. First with the point end and then with the body of the file.
4.When you see that you have made the groove you want (not turning off the tool) with a flat file or a sand paper (I used that sponge for sanding) trim down the external edges of the deadeye.
5.Turn off the tool and turn over the deadeye again with the pins on the tool and now trim down the other edges.
Now if you see that you have an incomplete groove then make a new pass with the conical file. The second pass usually completes an incomplete groove from the first time.

The result I think is acceptable.

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:01 pm • Post subject:

Thanasis,

That is a great idea. 8) I have scratched up some deadeyes for a couple of models if I was short or didn’t like the ones supplied. I did it entirely by hand and needless to say they were less than perfect.
This looks like a great way to do a lot and making them uniform. That for me was the biggest problem. Spam

for sharing.

Rusty

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 4:17 pm • Post subject:

Hi Thanasis,

Another very clever solution 8) . Thanks for posting it!

Scott

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 4:42 pm • Post subject:

Thanasis,

Many thanks for a beautifully illustrated description!

Jim

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:42 pm • Post subject:

Thank you all.The pleasure is mine Cap...my friends. Very Happy

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:47 pm • Post subject:

Thanasis:
That's a good drilling jig. I have made several like that out of wood, but yours will last longer than mine being made out of metal.

I got my idea from Harold Underhill's Plank on Frame Models. He suggested a very similar type drilling jig to that you have made. Don't know where he got the idea, but it seems great minds think alike.

I use my jig a little differently, but your system seems to work well.

Russ

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:15 am • Post subject:

great idea thanasis,

i made a drilling jig out of a brass hinge, with a plate with the holes in it soldered on,

but getting them turned was the difficult bit and i had to wait ages to get a friend to turn them,

john s