Staghound 1850 by rwiederrich - 1/96 - Extreme Clipper

[ClipperFan]

@Jared

Has the tougher wood worked better for you or are they breaking too? Incidentally completing Stag Hound build within 100 days was a condition of the contract. 

[ClipperFan]

@Jared

Maybe @rwiederrich can give you some tool suggestions to alleviate those problems.

[Jared]

Its hard to say if the new wood is really any stronger.  Where the snapping occurs is on thin spars where a minute hole was drilled.  It just takes an accidental light knock to snap them.  Having limited vision in one eye makes things more accident prone.

 

I am about to pick up again on my model.  All of the smallest diameter spars are waiting my "magic touch".

[ClipperFan]

@Jared have you considered fabricating a jig of sorts to immobilize and protect the section of spar you're attempting to drill? I would also start with the tiniest drill first to create a pilot hole which could then be gradually widened to your desired diameter. Rob has an incredible assortment of such drill bits. Maybe he could give you an idea of where to find some.

[vossiewulf]

Also, you can use small scale carbon fiber rods for doweling. Obviously, they're quite strong for their size. I use .020, .030, and .040" rods for that purpose.

 

[Jared]

Let me clarify.   Drilling itself has not been the problem.  I am using tiny diameter drill bits about the diameter of a pin. Most of the holes are drilled on a dremel drill press where the spares are supported.   The breaks are happening at the ends of the thinnest masts during subsequent handling of the spars or, mire often from accidently hitting a fragile mounted spar with a hand when rigging.   I think I need a few more eyes 🧐.