Mast bands

[Brian56]

Does anyone have any pointers on how to fabricate mast bands?  I need 24 of them to fit mast diameters of 12mm (12 per mast) On the original boat these were timber hoops with a metal eye to attach the luff of the sail to. I'd like to make them in timber also but how to form the hoops?

[Richard Griffith]

Hi Brian56, there are several ways.  The one I like is: make some shavings from clear white pine and soak them in ammonia for about an hour (you can dilute the ammonia 50% or use it full strength).  Wrap them around a waxed dowel that matches the inside diameter of the hoop.  Secure with rubber bands until dry.  Remove and glue, then replace them on the dowel again until dry.  Then slice off each hoop as needed.  Eyes can be applied.  Good luck.  Duff

[dgbot]

I make mine the same way but use water and white glue instead. 

Edited August 11, 2013 by dgbot

[Kevin]

This might help you

 

 

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/1302-mast-hoops-simple-technique-for-making/?hl=%2Bmast+%2Bhoops

 

 

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/2817-mast-hoops/?hl=%2Bmast+%2Bhoops

Edited August 11, 2013 by Kevin

[Brian56]

Thank you all for the ideas, I'll give them a try. I can't believe there are articles on the subject, I did a search on 'mastband' and it came up with nothing.

[russ]

_{These are mast hoops, sometimes referred to as sail hoops. Mast bands are metal bands that fit around the mast tightly and have eyes or lugs for attaching blocks etc. Using the term hoops should improve your search returns.}

 

_Russ