best kit-supplied rigging line?

[jbford]

my work is not good enough to warrant buying handmade "rope" but am thinking of laying in a supply of cheap line from one of the major kit manufacturers.

 

of the line i have seen, some seems fuzzy almost like yarn and some is very hard and slick.

 

any suggestions would be appreciated.

[hornet]

You can also make your own rope walk. I have done this using Lego, scrap timber, perspex and a few screws, nuts and bolts. It may not look as flash as commercially bought rope walks but it cost me very little and does the job. There are lots of ideas that you can copy ou YouTube.

[NMBROOK]

I have heard Amati rigging line is probably the best off the shelf non rope product

 

Kind Regards

 

Nigel

[mtaylor]

I've used the Amati and it seems nice for "store-bought" line.  Chuck makes great rope at a decent price, IMO.   I'm hoping to fire up the ropewalk for my build and see if I can get close.

 

As for ropewalks.. there's previously mentioned Domanoff and they Byrnes.  I think ME also does one but it's hand-powered and wood.

[hornet]

Hi Mark.

 

When I first built my rope walker, I was hoping for it to be hand powered. However, if I wanted to make up a rope of a decent length it was far too slow to be practical. I now run mine with a variable speed battery operated drill. It is much easier. I've not seen the ME one but I would guess you may have the same problem with it as well.

 

Steve

Edited March 4, 2016 by hornet

[mtaylor]

Steve,

 

I think Chuck did his rope early on using that one... and motorized it.  I could be wrong on that.... 

[catopower]

jbford, what is it that you are building that you don't think is good enough for nice quality rigging line?

 

You will definitely find that the good stuff will enhance your build and your enjoyment.

 

Of course, if you're rigging a 3-masted ship, it might take a good supply of line.

 

I turned my own rigging line early on, but I was never really very satisfied with what I could produce. I have given in to the wisdom of buying line from Chuck Passaro – it's really nice stuff!

 

Clare

[jbford]

all- thanks for the insights.

 

Clare--my most detailed model that is already in the closet is the MS Niagara. it will certainly use a bit of line and take some time.

 

 

before that, i am about to start on a AL Bluenose-II and then the MS Glad Tidings. got the Bluenose second hand and it is complete except for the line. i may use the slick Model Shipways line for both of these.

 

we hope to get up to PA to see the niagara firsthand and take a lot of photos

 

i'm trying to not plan too far out as arthritis is really slowing me down. Buying from Chuck might be the best way to go, already have some of his fine blocks and they are great.

Edited March 4, 2016 by jbford

[Bill Tuttle]

I have to agree with Clare.  There is too much work involved rigging the ship to use a rope that is less than satisfactory.  The cost is insignificant when the work involved enters the equation.  Chuck's rope is beautiful as are his blocks.  Spend a few extra bucks and you will never be sorry.  The rope machine is an easily constructed item and a lot of fun to use.  I built mine about 10 years ago and don't know how I ever got by without it.

 

Good Luck and I hope the arthritis lets up.  I have the same problem with that.

[DocBlake]

I've used Amati and for commercially produced line it's not too bad.  Compared to Model Ship Ways junk it's spun gold, but it's not close to Chuck's Syren line.  Considering the time spent on building a model, don't skimp on line.