Order of Mast Assembly

[mrcc]

I have a couple of kit builds under my belt, but not sure how to do masts that have multiple elements to them. I scoured this specific section of MSW without a clear understanding.

 

The question is glue the lower portions of the masts FIRST, securing them in their respective mast holes in the deck and then build the top mast, and then the top gallant mast subsequently (adding all the blocks and fittings as you go up at each section of the mast), making sure all are in proper alignment as they build up or whether to build the entire masts off the deck and then place them? 

 

Not sure on my Mamoli Friesland what is best or ideal given the very limited instructions on this matter?

[Y.T.]

Do not secure mast in the corresponding hole in the hull till you are totally satisfied with complete mast with all sections assembled. You can pull the mast in and out the hole whenever you please and fill necessary. When you are satisfied - secure the mast in the hole.

[druxey]

If you are rigging, the masts will stay put without glue. Hint: they didn't glue the masts in at full size either!

[mrcc]

Thank-you for your input!

 

I appreciate it...

[Pfälzer]

Hi, 
When setting the masts, I always start in the middle and then work my way outwards.
I do the same when rigging, so that we don't get in each other's way.
I don't glue the masts in place, but align them by tensioning the ropes. I just insert a piece of brass wire into the base for guidance.
I do the same with the yards. I drill a hole in the centre and at the appropriate point on the mast and insert a piece of wire for guidance.
This puts tension on the rope without the yard moving upwards, which can be annoying.
Again, no glue is used here; the direction and angle are achieved by rigging.

Greetings from the Palatinate

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

[barkeater]

You do want to assemble your mast components before instillation. They need not be glued together if the fit of pieces is tight, but they do need to be assembled. Assembling allows you to make sure that they are perfectly centered and not canted to port or starboard. If you just insert the main mast, you may be a bit off center and not realize it until you install the topgallants.

Rich

[mrcc]

Thanks Rich, thanks Pfalzer!

 

I have a “game plan” at this time and appreciate your help and suggestions.

[Capt. Kelso]

Just finished the masts on my Kate Cory Whaling Brig. I regretted not having completed as much as possible prior to installing the masts. In hindsight I could have kept the masts in a jig, added the yards, blocks, footropes, eyebolts, etc., everything except the standing rigging. Basically, completed the masts prior to installation. I have built many models, but this was a real learning experience for me.

 

One issue I found when I started the rigging was items that needed to be added to the masts overlooked after I installed them. There were items noted in the rigging plans not included in the mast plans which I then had to add. I should have fully studied the rigging plans prior to installing the masts.

 

Best of luck with your build.