How in the world did I miss this thread? :eek:
Mr. C, how about an update on the project. Whenever possible, include lots of pictures.
A belated congrats to you.
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How in the world did I miss this thread? :eek:
Mr. C, how about an update on the project. Whenever possible, include lots of pictures.
A belated congrats to you.
Lots more work to report....Since last I updated The mast refit has been going along smashingly. The white two part epoxy topcoat has been applied, and fitting replacement and rebuild has begun. In the phot0s below you can see the newly designed mast head fitting with the OGM Photo-sensor LED Tricolor light, and new windex mounted on top. This light rocks, at only .08 amp max draw!!! Also note the new Dweyer shroud tangs...the only tang I've ended up reusing is the Jib Halyard tang, due to its' special curvature, and it seems in decent shape...
Here's the new Oilite bronze bushing installed in my Main Sheave. A good friend of mine in the local marina pressed and machined this in exchange for a 12 pack!! Good trade, eh?!?!
The sheave runs like new now, seems to be fine to accept 5/16" line for a new Halyard, I'm not going back to wire... :rolleyes:
The prior owner had started on a new aluminum mast step, however did not quite finish it up, or deal with the issue of mounting it to a level surface on the deck. I didn't want to reuse wood under the mast step, so I decided on creating a solid epoxy base to level out the camber of the deck, where the mast step will reside.
This was accomplished by prepping the surface and building a plastic dam to contain the "peanut butter", then I coated the underside of the aluminum step and inside the dam with PVA and used the step to press the epoxy into the mold. The finished product came out beautifully...and also sealed the old screw and wire run holes in the process...finished product picture to come, here's one of the mold while the epoxy was curing.
of how I modified the mast head to accept parrallel forestays,jus' put full length 1/2 inch thick spacers between the original mast head and the two pieces you added-----and where there was one forestay ya' can now put two----one on each side.works very well an' thass how'll do it all dee time mon!!!!
cj, thanks for the updates and sharing your projects with us!
Got a couple ideas from you on your masthead, thanks.
Where to you find sintered oilimpregnated bronze PLATE sitting around?
Seems like the purrfect stuff for a sheeve up there. Very cool! :D
How do you isolate your stainless from the aluminum?
Ebb,
I found the Oilite Bronze in 1" round stock at a local machine shop who allowed me to purchase a 1 foot piece from him for $20. If you call around, a machine shop or hot rod shop that does custom bearings may have some scrap pieces around that you can buy.
Here's how to do it the easy way...
1. Provide lots of beer...
2. Offer it only to really BIG guys....with tools and time....
3. Don't give them the beer 'til the mast is up!!!