Gregory

There is BlueJacket  Redjacket..

I just noticed that ModelSpace payment plan is 30% more than one time payment..  That is really some ugly interest..

2 hours ago, skipper1947 said:

....a yacht from the early 1900s such as the Bluebird of Chelsea

Unfortunately, that is a niche that is not being filled by kit makers.

The Vanguard kits are fairly new and fairly high-end as well..

I was looking at your anchors for the WESPE, and that is an excellent example of using laser cut layers to make a 3D part..

Very nice work and a very good argument for using a small laser to make small parts..

3 hours ago, Bill Hudson said:

Are they compatible with Mac? Dose one also need a computer drawing program?

I would say 'yes' to both of those.  Most, if not all, tabletop lasers use a USB interface.  My experience on laser user forums tells me MAC users tend to have more interface problems due to driver issues.

The software that usually comes with DIY lower cost lasers is notoriously not very useful.

A sight I visit a lot Is the Support Forum for LightBurn software..   

More info about the software here:  LightBurn

Visiting that forum will tell you a lot about what kind of issues people have. Using it for model ship building can be as useful as any number of other tools.

Whether or not you can use LightBurn depends on the controller board of the laser.

It is a very robust cutting/engraving  program, that has limited creation tools.  It works best with images that you have already prepared with other editing programs like Adobe or Corel.

The usefulness of the laser itself depends on your goals and building technique.   You can create virtually any part that you see in todays kits that include laser cut parts.  You are essentially limited to 2D, but depending on your own creativity, you can create 3D parts by building it up in layers.

You can even explore carving by using the laser to create rough templates, then finishing them by had.

The table-top lasers tend to be relatively low power, and not able to cut through very thick material.  They would be most useful for engraving.

 I used a low power one for a while, and found it useful for essentially 'etching' a pattern on plywood or whatever, then using a scroll saw to cut it out.

The scroll saw would tend to follow the laser burn more so than a drawn patter.

If you decide to get a laser, be prepared for a steep learning curve in order to use it effectively.

Another thing to consider, is that the lower priced, put it together yourself, lasers are even more of a challenge before you even begin to burn anything..

P.S.

As  Jaager  mentions above, you do not want to operate a laser inside a house/workspace without some kind of forced ventilation system to the outside world.

Did you look in on AdamA's log?

He shows a lot of stern detail starting here:

P.S.

Posting your email in public areas of the forum is not a good idea.  Best to use private messages.

Have you looked at any of the Vanguard kits.

They are priced very competitively considering the quality..

If you are fixed on the Ontario, there is only one source..

Also it might help to know what difficulty level you are considering..

1 hour ago, allanyed said:

plus or minus experience/comments on using permanent marker pens

 I know there is a lot of variety with these pens, but my experiments with the common black " Sharpie " pens is that the results have a bluish/purplish sheen, and nothing I would be happy with as a final finish..

9 minutes ago, Keith Black said:

egg shell

Correction:  " boiled eggs " ..  😁

Sorry to hear of your loss..

Thanks for the apology..

12 minutes ago, rshousha said:

I was just commenting on the price comparison between then and an American website. 

You insinuated shopping at Cornwall was a bad idea and unfair to other retailers, and compared them to cheap Chinese knock-offs..

The price difference was for European kits, which would obviously give Cornwall an advantage.

Also, you mentioned price breaks for bigger players.  I believe that is common practice for a lot of products.. 

Ever priced one screw vs larger quantities?

6 minutes ago, rshousha said:

This discussion is exactly proof of that.

Proof of what?

That Cornwall has a better business model than you do?

32 minutes ago, rshousha said:

Let's all run to Cornwall models and throw our local hobby shops under the bus. 

Do you have a lot of local sources for kits and parts?

Let us know who they are, and we can check them out..

I've used Crafty Sailor in Canada ( not exactly local for me ), but their selection is somewhat limited..

Fantastic planking!

I really like the subtle color variation from plank to plank in your AYC..   

I'm not sure how shipping on parts would work out, but I have bought a couple of kits from Cornwall, and the lower cost of the kit made up  for slightly higher shipping charges.  The kits were at least $100 less than what I would have paid for a US vendor for the same kit.

Interesting selection here:  Watchmakers Tools - Esslinger

29 minutes ago, DelF said:

All I need to do now is figure out how to stop the deadeyes twisting when I rig the lanyards.

There must be some spring tension on the shroud that is causing that.  Not sure how you would go about solving it without undoing the lanyard and somehow reverse the tension on the shroud..

1 hour ago, Bob Cleek said:

if you are careful and not too concerned about ultimate accuracy.

How do you think this would affect accuracy? It raised my table by a few mills..

1 hour ago, druxey said:

If your brain even suggests 'Is this a bad idea?', then chances are, that it is! Use inserts for peace of mind, accuracy and bodily integrity.

Am I to believe such problems never happen with traditional ( proper ) inserts?

I have used this quite a bit and have had no accuracy or safety issues..

If one has the " proper " inserts, of course they should use them.

I only brought this up because I tried it on a whim, and had no issues.

I don't expect the pro's to stoop to such jerry rigging.     I just thought someone who is waiting on their  inserts for the Proxxon FET might give this a try  before they arrive.. ( I can't even seem to find them )

In hindsight, my topic title was not that well thought out..

21 minutes ago, mtaylor said:

Making a zero clearance insert out of wood or even plexi is a better idea and really not that hard.

I agree.  Your input is appreciated..

I found the tape to be quick and easy.  It didn't cause any safety concerns for me beyond what already exists.

I fail to see why my fingers would be in any more danger than with the use of a rigid insert. In either case my fingers would need to encroach on the blade, and I fail to see how a rigid insert would mitigate that if I were not being careful to keep my fingers from the path of the blade.  The tape certainly does not increase my comfort zone..

Now that someone mentioned it, the idea that a bind might cause a cut piece to go down through the tape, could be a gauge of a problem that needs to be addressed; cleaning, sharpening.

I'm never resistant to good ideas..  Though I try not to dismiss ideas without trying them

6 minutes ago, Jaager said:

Having a junky fence makes that not a problem.

Does the Byrnes saw have any vertical play when you loosen it to move it?

When you tighten it?

A lot to think about..

I appreciate the comments.

1 hour ago, thibaultron said:

The tape adds little support underneath so a strip can still be pulled down and rip the tape. Others may have better reasons.

Haven't had that problem..   I can see where it would be more of a possibility if the blade is binding against the material.

Time to clean or replace the blade.

Will keep it in mind..

1 hour ago, davyboy said:

Interesting,but why not make your own zero clearance inserts ? I have the Proxxon FET saw,I made my own zero clearance inserts from aluminium strip which is cheap enough. Cut to size and drill and countersink fixing screwholes,fit and slowly raise the blade. Bingo,you have an insert for every sawblade. JMO,but I think it would be a little dangerous using tape for this purpose.

 

Dave 

 I did that with my Microlux.  Was easy to make with my laser..

But, one day I needed a new insert and thought I would try the tape as  a stop-gap before taking the time to make one,  it seemed to work OK, so I thought " Why go to the trouble to make one? "..