Fabricating Mast Bands

[Bob Smalser]

Starting with a salvaged gooseneck screwed and brazed to a mounting block, some 1/8 X 2 silicon bronze strapping, and a bending jig made to fit the strapping's thickness ....



...the bronze is heated red and a 90-degree bend made.



The mast circumference it measured...



...and the distance is derived to the next bend.



The second bend is made so when the band is formed and the two bends butt, they are the derived circumference.



The workpiece is placed in an "oven" and heated to red...



...then while red, bent around a form made to the exact diameter of the mast.



Then the workpiece is placed back into the oven, heated red for a second time, and immediately quenched in water to anneal (soften) it.

Continued….

[Bob Smalser]

The rough workpiece is cleaned to check for cracks...



...and gently shaped to its final form in place on the mast, which has been padded with tarred cotton friction tape.



Cold forming continues with the gooseneck mounting block in place to mark the cutoffs...



...and pilot holes are drilled in place for the mounting bolt.



The pilot holes are drilled to size in the vise, the assembly buffed, and assembled in place. All that's left to be done is to cut the SS allthread and add the decorative acorn nut.



The jib halyard block is done the same way.

[Pete Lamberty]

Fantastic Bob. Even though I don't know the first thing about boats, I find your photo essays to be very interesting. Thanks for posting.

[Effie Lever]

Bob,
Thanks for the post, sometimes you stop and ask yourself: how did they do this? You gave us a glimpse at another small part that goes into a sailing boat. I agree with Pete, very interesting.<O</O

Effie

[Joe Unni]

Thanks Bob!

I've always loved learning, "how'd they do that" about most anything.

Very cool.

Thanks again,
-joe

[Glenn Clabo]

Moving to Boat Building Forum...