Preparing Standing Rigging.

[ford34tom@comcast.net]

I am building Model Shipway's U.S.S. Constitution Cross Section and am ready to build the lower shrouds. I am using the thread/cordage supplied with the kit.

The supplied manual says to prepare all rigging with a mixture of 50/50 white glue and water. Others say to wax all of the rigging. I intend on tying the ratlines with clove hitches and a drop of white glue. I'm wondering if I wax the shrouds will my drop of glue attach the ratlines to the shrouds or just seal the knot?

I'm a beginner at this, Thoughts??

[modeller_masa]

It depends on the purpose of the uses.

 

Temporary-fast-soluble adhesion - Nail polish clear color (Lacquer based)

Temporary-medium speed-soluble adhesion - Dewaxed shellac

Temporary-slow-soluble adhesion - Diluted PVA wood white bond

 

Long-term-protective coat - Diluted PVA wood white bond, dewaxed shellac, candle wax, bee's wax, thread wax, etcs

 

Permanent-Instant-non soluble strong adhesion - CA super glue (Extreme caution!)

 

You can apply the protective wax to the threads before rigging. It removes thread fuzz and prevents thread from getting entangled. You can apply the protective wax after all the rigging work, but beware of spilling glue on the deck or sails.

Edited Saturday at 09:31 PM by modeller_masa

[palmerit]

If you use glue - I do - check what color it dries to when it’s going to be exposed, like on rigging. I put a drop of different glues I had on a card and left them to dry - including both “white” glues and “yellow” glues. Only a white bookbinders glue dried completely clear:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07RV5VW2T
Even some of the other white glues I have dried kind of opaque. I use this (more expensive) book binders glue when the dried glue might show (like on rigging). 
 

Edited Sunday at 04:12 PM by palmerit