Seating a mast

[JRB9019]

Hi all, 

I'm getting to the exciting part of building my first model H.M. Pickle

After a little fine sanding on deck, I was able to seat the main mast and it sits firm and true. However, I've just made a start on the foremast and although it sits at the correct angle (bow to stern) and is deep enough according to the plans, it is not sitting in anything and is easy to move around, especially port to starboard.

I know that the rigging will tighten the mast up and stabilise it, but has anyone any other advise?

I've seen other modellers making chocks for their masts but don't really want to start that if I can help it.....

 

Thanks 

[PietFriet]

I don't know about the Pickle specifically, but typically the mast rests on the false keel. If so just glue the mast to the false keel to keep it in position. As you probably have figured out, for a next build it is always a good idea to address the positioning of masts before you start planking the hull by building a receptacle. Often same extra wood on either side of the false keel will do.

Edited March 23, 2021 by PietFriet

[JRB9019]

On 3/23/2021 at 7:25 PM, PietFriet said:

I don't know about the Pickle specifically, but typically the mast rests on the false keel. If so just glue the mast to the false keel to keep it in position. As you probably have figured out, for a next build it is always a good idea to address the positioning of masts before you start planking the hull by building a receptacle. Often same extra wood on either side of the false keel will do.

Thanks for your reply. I like your suggestion about checking the mast before decking and planking which is what I thought I had done!

As mentioned, the mainmast slots in perfectly. I can feel it being held on all sides but for some reason the foremast just doesn't want to sit as it should - and I'm not about to cut a hole in the deck to find out what is wrong!!!

I have a couple of ideas to see if I can pack the hole below but it won't be easy! 

[Jim Rogers]

You could get a tight fitting mast coat, secure it to the upper deck and then hold in place with shrouds.

 

[Jaager]

An old method is to use a cutoff sharp end of a nail.  Drill a hole in the bottom end of the mast. Insert the cut end of the nail into the hole and have just enough of the point sticking out to seat into the "deadwood".  If you had cut the slot for the mast too deep, a longer piece of nail can be used to raise the mast a bit.

The size of the nail depends on how large of a hole is drilled into the end of the mast.

[rraisley]

Similar to Jaager, I used a cut-off brad inserted into the bottom of the mast, and drilled a matching hole in a block at the keel. On my Victory cross-section, right from the beginning, I glued a piece of 1/16" walnut sheet across the top, from one side of the hull to the other, with a matching hole for the mast. In all stages of construction, from when I first started the hull until the net to last deck went on, I've simply slid the mast in place and used it as a guide to placing of support members and openings on all decks. By the time I got to the upper gun deck, the mast was held securely and accurately in place by the pin a the decks above it, so could remove the walnut piece.

[bayshore54]

On 3/25/2021 at 10:18 AM, Jaager said:

An old method is to use a cutoff sharp end of a nail.  Drill a hole in the bottom end of the mast. Insert the cut end of the nail into the hole and have just enough of the point sticking out to seat into the "deadwood".  If you had cut the slot for the mast too deep, a longer piece of nail can be used to raise the mast a bit.

The size of the nail depends on how large of a hole is drilled into the end of the mast.

I use the pin method for securing yards to the masts. It never occurred to me to set the mast with a pin. Thanks for the tip.

[JRB9019]

Many thanks for all your responses. I certainly like the idea of a pin/nail in the foot of the mast. It does seem to be the best solution.

 

End of term report "The pupil must pay more attention to the details of his work. He shows promise but there is a long way to go".!!!