Mickgee

Hello Sam,
 
I agree with mtaylor about lot of work for a few small pieces.  Also, those etching brushes you showed are an excellent choice.  I've always preferred the glass fiber brushes, they're exceptionally suited for this task.  Brass brushes tend to clutter up easily, and also offer a small amount of particles which negate previous steps.
 
Here's the deal.  The very small metal parts show many smooth surface areas if you look at these under magnification.  Brushing the small surfaces with a light, abrasive "pencil tool" will slightly roughen up the surface, and this procedure will help the blackening agent to better grip.  Even if you choose to paint, same positive effect.
 
I'd suggest just lay the parts on a glass slab, and spray them automotive brake cleaner.  Dry the rest, dump them in alcohol, you're ready to go.  Air drying will proceed quickly.
 
I'm a retired master hand craftsman of the watchmaker branch.  We do this stuff and related, on a fairly regular basis.  Metal prep is a must, but doing too much too often is a waste of time.  We want best results without unnecessary events.
 
Good luck to you, sir.  I'm happy that you give small things such great attention.
 
Michael

Hello wefalck, a couple of your observations, especially concerning a quote, are incorrect.  For instance, I didn't state directly that carbide was a steel. 
 
Also, I didn't write to drill holes with a bur, I used this method as an example, later on writing that the proper bit is better suited for drilling holes.  This was used as an example, not to be taken as a method I'd prefer.  When a true drilling bit breaks, it's mainly because the initial mark was not indented to keep the bit on track, or too much pressure was applied, plus heat causes the material to break down.  I'm writing about drill bits of under 1mm diameter.
 
Color coding as written, pertains to how rough the cut will be, the better quality burs have an immovable color ring, it's painted on.  Concerning HSS, I rarely wasted time and expenses going this route as the material just dulled too quickly.  Also, the only time a carbide bur would break was when overheated while grinding or the sideward pressure applied was too great,  which would show that an improper technique was applied.  You may have noticed before some of these "carbides", or hardened steels are still magnetic, suggesting there would still be steel involved.  Sometimes the hardened heads are attached to steel shafts, not all of time though.  Again, depends on the quality and size.
 
Of course a modeler can choose whichever method he deems fit.  I chose with this reply to clear up a few of my points since you seemed to misrepresent or misunderstood what I'd previously written.  I try to make clear statements to keep things like this at a minimum, I'll try harder for the future.

Carbide is the only way to go.  Lesser quality steel will become blunt quickly, they'll become more expensive than carbide soon.
 
Dave, the selection Toni showed is a wonderful collection.  The colored bands are only a reference to the coarseness of the individual bit.  Their individual usage is for the most part a matter of speed used and/or material that needs cutting/grinding.
 
For drilling holes, for instance in brass strips, a drill press or at least some kind of device that keeps the rotating instrument steady is a must in most cases.  Also, using the correct bit for the deed is good advice.  For instance, drilling small holes with a round bur does work, just the bur, even a carbide bur will dull soon.  Whereas a bit used only for drilling holes will last 5 times longer.
 
I've been acquainted with metal/carbide burs for 47 years.
 
Greetings,
Michael
 
PS:  I forgot to add, a wonderful source for every imaginable bit form/shape is from the dental industry.  Often, a dental depot will sell burs and bits less expensive than a hobby shop.  You might have to twist their arm to sell you some, but most will happily agree.
 
The plastic bands around the shaft are red = coarse, blue = middle, yellow = fine.  I believe there are also green bands, but I haven't a clue as to their usage, never had one.

Carbide is the only way to go.  Lesser quality steel will become blunt quickly, they'll become more expensive than carbide soon.
 
Dave, the selection Toni showed is a wonderful collection.  The colored bands are only a reference to the coarseness of the individual bit.  Their individual usage is for the most part a matter of speed used and/or material that needs cutting/grinding.
 
For drilling holes, for instance in brass strips, a drill press or at least some kind of device that keeps the rotating instrument steady is a must in most cases.  Also, using the correct bit for the deed is good advice.  For instance, drilling small holes with a round bur does work, just the bur, even a carbide bur will dull soon.  Whereas a bit used only for drilling holes will last 5 times longer.
 
I've been acquainted with metal/carbide burs for 47 years.
 
Greetings,
Michael
 
PS:  I forgot to add, a wonderful source for every imaginable bit form/shape is from the dental industry.  Often, a dental depot will sell burs and bits less expensive than a hobby shop.  You might have to twist their arm to sell you some, but most will happily agree.
 
The plastic bands around the shaft are red = coarse, blue = middle, yellow = fine.  I believe there are also green bands, but I haven't a clue as to their usage, never had one.

Hello wefalck, a couple of your observations, especially concerning a quote, are incorrect.  For instance, I didn't state directly that carbide was a steel. 
 
Also, I didn't write to drill holes with a bur, I used this method as an example, later on writing that the proper bit is better suited for drilling holes.  This was used as an example, not to be taken as a method I'd prefer.  When a true drilling bit breaks, it's mainly because the initial mark was not indented to keep the bit on track, or too much pressure was applied, plus heat causes the material to break down.  I'm writing about drill bits of under 1mm diameter.
 
Color coding as written, pertains to how rough the cut will be, the better quality burs have an immovable color ring, it's painted on.  Concerning HSS, I rarely wasted time and expenses going this route as the material just dulled too quickly.  Also, the only time a carbide bur would break was when overheated while grinding or the sideward pressure applied was too great,  which would show that an improper technique was applied.  You may have noticed before some of these "carbides", or hardened steels are still magnetic, suggesting there would still be steel involved.  Sometimes the hardened heads are attached to steel shafts, not all of time though.  Again, depends on the quality and size.
 
Of course a modeler can choose whichever method he deems fit.  I chose with this reply to clear up a few of my points since you seemed to misrepresent or misunderstood what I'd previously written.  I try to make clear statements to keep things like this at a minimum, I'll try harder for the future.

Carbide is the only way to go.  Lesser quality steel will become blunt quickly, they'll become more expensive than carbide soon.
 
Dave, the selection Toni showed is a wonderful collection.  The colored bands are only a reference to the coarseness of the individual bit.  Their individual usage is for the most part a matter of speed used and/or material that needs cutting/grinding.
 
For drilling holes, for instance in brass strips, a drill press or at least some kind of device that keeps the rotating instrument steady is a must in most cases.  Also, using the correct bit for the deed is good advice.  For instance, drilling small holes with a round bur does work, just the bur, even a carbide bur will dull soon.  Whereas a bit used only for drilling holes will last 5 times longer.
 
I've been acquainted with metal/carbide burs for 47 years.
 
Greetings,
Michael
 
PS:  I forgot to add, a wonderful source for every imaginable bit form/shape is from the dental industry.  Often, a dental depot will sell burs and bits less expensive than a hobby shop.  You might have to twist their arm to sell you some, but most will happily agree.
 
The plastic bands around the shaft are red = coarse, blue = middle, yellow = fine.  I believe there are also green bands, but I haven't a clue as to their usage, never had one.

Carbide is the only way to go.  Lesser quality steel will become blunt quickly, they'll become more expensive than carbide soon.
 
Dave, the selection Toni showed is a wonderful collection.  The colored bands are only a reference to the coarseness of the individual bit.  Their individual usage is for the most part a matter of speed used and/or material that needs cutting/grinding.
 
For drilling holes, for instance in brass strips, a drill press or at least some kind of device that keeps the rotating instrument steady is a must in most cases.  Also, using the correct bit for the deed is good advice.  For instance, drilling small holes with a round bur does work, just the bur, even a carbide bur will dull soon.  Whereas a bit used only for drilling holes will last 5 times longer.
 
I've been acquainted with metal/carbide burs for 47 years.
 
Greetings,
Michael
 
PS:  I forgot to add, a wonderful source for every imaginable bit form/shape is from the dental industry.  Often, a dental depot will sell burs and bits less expensive than a hobby shop.  You might have to twist their arm to sell you some, but most will happily agree.
 
The plastic bands around the shaft are red = coarse, blue = middle, yellow = fine.  I believe there are also green bands, but I haven't a clue as to their usage, never had one.

Carbide is the only way to go.  Lesser quality steel will become blunt quickly, they'll become more expensive than carbide soon.
 
Dave, the selection Toni showed is a wonderful collection.  The colored bands are only a reference to the coarseness of the individual bit.  Their individual usage is for the most part a matter of speed used and/or material that needs cutting/grinding.
 
For drilling holes, for instance in brass strips, a drill press or at least some kind of device that keeps the rotating instrument steady is a must in most cases.  Also, using the correct bit for the deed is good advice.  For instance, drilling small holes with a round bur does work, just the bur, even a carbide bur will dull soon.  Whereas a bit used only for drilling holes will last 5 times longer.
 
I've been acquainted with metal/carbide burs for 47 years.
 
Greetings,
Michael
 
PS:  I forgot to add, a wonderful source for every imaginable bit form/shape is from the dental industry.  Often, a dental depot will sell burs and bits less expensive than a hobby shop.  You might have to twist their arm to sell you some, but most will happily agree.
 
The plastic bands around the shaft are red = coarse, blue = middle, yellow = fine.  I believe there are also green bands, but I haven't a clue as to their usage, never had one.

Hello Sam,
 
I agree with mtaylor about lot of work for a few small pieces.  Also, those etching brushes you showed are an excellent choice.  I've always preferred the glass fiber brushes, they're exceptionally suited for this task.  Brass brushes tend to clutter up easily, and also offer a small amount of particles which negate previous steps.
 
Here's the deal.  The very small metal parts show many smooth surface areas if you look at these under magnification.  Brushing the small surfaces with a light, abrasive "pencil tool" will slightly roughen up the surface, and this procedure will help the blackening agent to better grip.  Even if you choose to paint, same positive effect.
 
I'd suggest just lay the parts on a glass slab, and spray them automotive brake cleaner.  Dry the rest, dump them in alcohol, you're ready to go.  Air drying will proceed quickly.
 
I'm a retired master hand craftsman of the watchmaker branch.  We do this stuff and related, on a fairly regular basis.  Metal prep is a must, but doing too much too often is a waste of time.  We want best results without unnecessary events.
 
Good luck to you, sir.  I'm happy that you give small things such great attention.
 
Michael

Hello Sam,
 
I agree with mtaylor about lot of work for a few small pieces.  Also, those etching brushes you showed are an excellent choice.  I've always preferred the glass fiber brushes, they're exceptionally suited for this task.  Brass brushes tend to clutter up easily, and also offer a small amount of particles which negate previous steps.
 
Here's the deal.  The very small metal parts show many smooth surface areas if you look at these under magnification.  Brushing the small surfaces with a light, abrasive "pencil tool" will slightly roughen up the surface, and this procedure will help the blackening agent to better grip.  Even if you choose to paint, same positive effect.
 
I'd suggest just lay the parts on a glass slab, and spray them automotive brake cleaner.  Dry the rest, dump them in alcohol, you're ready to go.  Air drying will proceed quickly.
 
I'm a retired master hand craftsman of the watchmaker branch.  We do this stuff and related, on a fairly regular basis.  Metal prep is a must, but doing too much too often is a waste of time.  We want best results without unnecessary events.
 
Good luck to you, sir.  I'm happy that you give small things such great attention.
 
Michael

Hello Sam,
 
I agree with mtaylor about lot of work for a few small pieces.  Also, those etching brushes you showed are an excellent choice.  I've always preferred the glass fiber brushes, they're exceptionally suited for this task.  Brass brushes tend to clutter up easily, and also offer a small amount of particles which negate previous steps.
 
Here's the deal.  The very small metal parts show many smooth surface areas if you look at these under magnification.  Brushing the small surfaces with a light, abrasive "pencil tool" will slightly roughen up the surface, and this procedure will help the blackening agent to better grip.  Even if you choose to paint, same positive effect.
 
I'd suggest just lay the parts on a glass slab, and spray them automotive brake cleaner.  Dry the rest, dump them in alcohol, you're ready to go.  Air drying will proceed quickly.
 
I'm a retired master hand craftsman of the watchmaker branch.  We do this stuff and related, on a fairly regular basis.  Metal prep is a must, but doing too much too often is a waste of time.  We want best results without unnecessary events.
 
Good luck to you, sir.  I'm happy that you give small things such great attention.
 
Michael

Hello Sam,
 
I agree with mtaylor about lot of work for a few small pieces.  Also, those etching brushes you showed are an excellent choice.  I've always preferred the glass fiber brushes, they're exceptionally suited for this task.  Brass brushes tend to clutter up easily, and also offer a small amount of particles which negate previous steps.
 
Here's the deal.  The very small metal parts show many smooth surface areas if you look at these under magnification.  Brushing the small surfaces with a light, abrasive "pencil tool" will slightly roughen up the surface, and this procedure will help the blackening agent to better grip.  Even if you choose to paint, same positive effect.
 
I'd suggest just lay the parts on a glass slab, and spray them automotive brake cleaner.  Dry the rest, dump them in alcohol, you're ready to go.  Air drying will proceed quickly.
 
I'm a retired master hand craftsman of the watchmaker branch.  We do this stuff and related, on a fairly regular basis.  Metal prep is a must, but doing too much too often is a waste of time.  We want best results without unnecessary events.
 
Good luck to you, sir.  I'm happy that you give small things such great attention.
 
Michael

Hello Sam,
 
I agree with mtaylor about lot of work for a few small pieces.  Also, those etching brushes you showed are an excellent choice.  I've always preferred the glass fiber brushes, they're exceptionally suited for this task.  Brass brushes tend to clutter up easily, and also offer a small amount of particles which negate previous steps.
 
Here's the deal.  The very small metal parts show many smooth surface areas if you look at these under magnification.  Brushing the small surfaces with a light, abrasive "pencil tool" will slightly roughen up the surface, and this procedure will help the blackening agent to better grip.  Even if you choose to paint, same positive effect.
 
I'd suggest just lay the parts on a glass slab, and spray them automotive brake cleaner.  Dry the rest, dump them in alcohol, you're ready to go.  Air drying will proceed quickly.
 
I'm a retired master hand craftsman of the watchmaker branch.  We do this stuff and related, on a fairly regular basis.  Metal prep is a must, but doing too much too often is a waste of time.  We want best results without unnecessary events.
 
Good luck to you, sir.  I'm happy that you give small things such great attention.
 
Michael

Hi Passer, yes, stain before gluing the 2nd planks.
 
Here an example of mahogany strips that I treated with black water based stain.  The strips were stained before application.  Once glued into position, the sanded planks become a little lighter of course, but can be easily re-stained after gluing and sanding smooth.  See the lighter spot on the planks near the keel?
 

 
Here the same area after being re-stained and then sealed;
 

 
When the glue covers the previously stained planks, the stain remains as is, because the glue seals the pores, but the rest can be sanded and re-stained, no problems at all with this particular black hull.
 
Michael
 
 

Hello Art,
I just ran across this informative post, many thanks.
I'm a fan for using toilet bowl cleaners for other heavy duty cleansing issues, I'll surely add brass blackening to the list.
For other uses, the stuff will eliminate all plaque and other deposits from removable dentures, with no harm to the base appliance.
One can spend lots of time and cash for a thorough cleaning of dentures....or use toilet bowl and pipe cleaner as a remedy.
Fact, this is no BS.  I know a thing or two about teeth, not to worry.  Now, say aahhh...
Michael
 

Hello Jörgen, we'd all be pleased if you let us know how things turned out.  We're always looking for other methods and materials to use so your input will be appreciated.
 
Good luck and have fun.
 
Michael

Hello Jörgen, we'd all be pleased if you let us know how things turned out.  We're always looking for other methods and materials to use so your input will be appreciated.
 
Good luck and have fun.
 
Michael

Hi Passer, yes, stain before gluing the 2nd planks.
 
Here an example of mahogany strips that I treated with black water based stain.  The strips were stained before application.  Once glued into position, the sanded planks become a little lighter of course, but can be easily re-stained after gluing and sanding smooth.  See the lighter spot on the planks near the keel?
 

 
Here the same area after being re-stained and then sealed;
 

 
When the glue covers the previously stained planks, the stain remains as is, because the glue seals the pores, but the rest can be sanded and re-stained, no problems at all with this particular black hull.
 
Michael
 
 

Hi Passer, yes, stain before gluing the 2nd planks.
 
Here an example of mahogany strips that I treated with black water based stain.  The strips were stained before application.  Once glued into position, the sanded planks become a little lighter of course, but can be easily re-stained after gluing and sanding smooth.  See the lighter spot on the planks near the keel?
 

 
Here the same area after being re-stained and then sealed;
 

 
When the glue covers the previously stained planks, the stain remains as is, because the glue seals the pores, but the rest can be sanded and re-stained, no problems at all with this particular black hull.
 
Michael
 
 

Hi Passer, yes, stain before gluing the 2nd planks.
 
Here an example of mahogany strips that I treated with black water based stain.  The strips were stained before application.  Once glued into position, the sanded planks become a little lighter of course, but can be easily re-stained after gluing and sanding smooth.  See the lighter spot on the planks near the keel?
 

 
Here the same area after being re-stained and then sealed;
 

 
When the glue covers the previously stained planks, the stain remains as is, because the glue seals the pores, but the rest can be sanded and re-stained, no problems at all with this particular black hull.
 
Michael
 
 

Hello Jörgen, personally, I prefer water based stain.  This would be a powder that is poured into very hot water, then stirred shortly.  Use a jar with a screw lid, and the stain will keep for many years.  Water based stain dries quickly, like within 30 minutes.
 
Please note, the wood should be stained before assembly, as it will not penetrate any glue that you may use for joining wood pieces, and the original wood color will remain visible.
 
Good luck and have fun.
 
Michael

Hello Jörgen, personally, I prefer water based stain.  This would be a powder that is poured into very hot water, then stirred shortly.  Use a jar with a screw lid, and the stain will keep for many years.  Water based stain dries quickly, like within 30 minutes.
 
Please note, the wood should be stained before assembly, as it will not penetrate any glue that you may use for joining wood pieces, and the original wood color will remain visible.
 
Good luck and have fun.
 
Michael

Hello Jörgen, personally, I prefer water based stain.  This would be a powder that is poured into very hot water, then stirred shortly.  Use a jar with a screw lid, and the stain will keep for many years.  Water based stain dries quickly, like within 30 minutes.
 
Please note, the wood should be stained before assembly, as it will not penetrate any glue that you may use for joining wood pieces, and the original wood color will remain visible.
 
Good luck and have fun.
 
Michael

Thanks guys for the feedback.
 
Dafi, in your 1st pic I see 3 lines, fairly large, coming down.  Do you have a shot of how you did all of them from the inside of the ratlines?  Your model looks wonderful.  In other words, of the finished model?
 
Thanks Jan for the directions to an excellent build,  I don't remember seeing anything quite as stunning as this project.  I realize too that sails are better handled from the deck,  but how these lines get there is what interests me the most at this time.
 
I think I'll give Mr. EdT's America yet another view.  What a wonderful project!
 
Thanks guys for your interest.
 
Michael

About as thick as a big man's arm would be my guess, fairly stout.
 
That's just another reason that I enjoy about watching "Master and Commander",  you can get a real idea about the size of rigging.  All throughout the movie are lots of closeup shots.
 
Michael