gjdale

Rusty, Not sure if I've understood your question correctly, but your maths is correct. That is, if your "real life" tree nail is 1 1/2", then at your chosen scale of 1:24, this would be 1/16". As to whether 1 1/2" tree nails are correct in the first place, I've no idea!

Welcome home Rusty - looking forward to your next update.

Nice work Clare. Thanks for showing your method too, that's really interesting.

Fabulous Alexandru. Nice to see another update - she really is looking good.

Thanks John, I was wondering what the collective pronoun for blocks might be. Perhaps a "murder" of blocks would be appropriate!

Lovely work, as always, Toni. And thanks for the tip on the cup burrs and sanding discs.

So, your girlfriend already has you on your elbows and knees Danny! Very nicely done, as usual, though!

Hi all, A little bit of an update to report. Have spent the weekend making blocks (did I mention it's a long weekend here!) Last weekend, I concentrated on the 5/32" (3.97mm) size and made 568 of these (all single blocks). I've been making my way down in size, so started with 1/8" (3.18mm) and decided to test out making double and triple blocks at this size as well. In all, I made 284 singles, 60 doubles and 28 triples at this size. All went reasonably well. So far, so good. Then I went down to the next size: 3/32" (2.38mm) and started running into some problems. First up, I had scored the stock blanks too deeply, so the side walls would shatter every time the mill passed through them. So, nothing for it but to re-make the stock blanks. No big deal. The next problem was that at this size, the overhang on the box jig just wasn't sufficient to hold them in place when the final parting cut was made with the mill, and there are now several hundred 3/32" blocks occupying the space-time continuum somewhere between the workbench and the garage floor. After persisting with this for a while and getting only about a 10% yield (what was that definition of madness again?), I decided to try something different. So, I adjusted the depth of cut on the mill so that it left the blocks attached after the final pass, by a paper thin amount. This was enough to stop them disappearing into the never-never and I was able to easily break off the finished blocks from the stock. I ended up with 144 of these blocks. Here's how it looks: I then went on to the smallest size blocks: 5/64 (1.98mm). I take my hat off to Chuck (again)! These made the 3/32" size look like child's play. However, I persisted (employing the same method) and eventually managed a reasonable yield. I finished up with 160 of these little suckers. Fortunately, I don't need that many of these two smaller sizes! Here's a shot of the whole "family" so far: From left to right they are: 1/4" (6.35mm); 3/16" (4.76mm); 5/32 (3.97mm); 1/8" (3.18mm) triple, double, single; 3/32" (2.38mm); and 5/64" (1.98mm) And here's a shot of the smallest with the largest, just for comparison. And finally, my stash to date. I gave away most of my initial run of the larger two sizes and will probably re-make these anyway as I'm not satisfied with the sheave hole placement on these. I still need to make some doubles and maybe triples in the 5/32" size, and I need to make some singles and doubles in a 9/32" (7.14mm) size as well. The good news is that I've got the techniques all weighed off now, so one or two more weekends of block-making and I should be ready to start attaching them to my ship!

Lovely work as usual Remco. Always a joy to read your updates!

Looking fabulous Kevin. Be proud my friend!

Great to see some progress Sjors. She really is looking good. And a ready-made excuse for not doing the rest of the rigging on Mirage (yet)!

Nice!

Hi Robbyn, I use the the same method as Steve (Bedford). His tip about a tool to help with this is really important - almost impossible to do otherwise! Another way to make a similar tool would be to take a sewing needle, cut off half the eye, leaving a two pronged "fork", then mount the sharp end into a length of dowel for a handle. I'm sure there are other tools and methods you could use too.

Nice to see you setting sail there Robbyn - must feel like the finish line is in sight now!

Your boats look great Mobbsie! (And so much quicker to construct than my little ones )

Hi Meredith, Sorry to hear you are having trouble using your Byrnes saw, but I suggest you stick with it as it is a lovely piece of kit. Jeff Hayes (Hobby Mill) has written some tips and hints for using the saw. He is also very willing to give further advice via email, noting that you are already a customer of his. If you describe your particular issue to him, I'm sure he'll have some suggestions for you.

Fascinating and inspiring all at once Alexandru. Lovely work!

That looks absolutely fabulous Sherry. What a great job you did on the planking - all that 1:1 scale practice obviously helped!

Looks like you've overcome those initial problems Bob. Looking good! Glad to hear you're back to "enjoyment" mode.

Glad to hear of another great meeting John and Piet. Now just turn around and go back and take some pictures please!

I've passed on the details to my wife, along with a heavy hint, as I have a Birthday coming up next month!

Looking great as usual Rusty. Enjoy your break.

Congratulations Sjors - the ratlines look great. Good job. Well done Sir!

Great pics Andy, she really is looking good. Safe travels.

Bummer John. Hope tomorrow goes better for you. Perhaps that nine year old was right after all!