2 Posts
3 Followers
9 Likes
Sail Servo Arm - How I build them....
Sail Servo Arms are subjected to a great deal of stress and torque, particularly when handling 1,000 sq. inches of sail. The servos I use generate about 275 oz.in. of torque. (20kg.cm.), so a strong arm is necessary. There are commercially available arms that are typically plastic or aluminum, but I prefer to build my own out of carbon fiber 2.5mm sheet. I like to build everything anyways!
Starts out as with all of my designs, I sketch options and then creative final drawing to full size in graph paper. To transfer this design to the carbon sheet, I use some masking tape and cover an area of the cf sheet. Then I redraw on the masking tape with a thin sharpie. Then I cut out the arm on my bandsaw while wearing safety glasses and a mask. The carbon fiber dust and slivers are nasty, don't want to breath at all. Still trying to dig a sliver out of my finger so you might consider gloves as well.
I recently found this nice aluminum servo hub which is low profile and has threaded holes - see photo for brand. The hub is secured with four screws and seem to be adequately strong.
The eyelets that the sail sheets (lines) will pass through need to be smooth to avoid snags and will have to take a lot of wear. I use glass rings that are used in fishing pole guides. I buy the replacement tip kit, see photos. Using a rotary tool with an abrasive wheel I gently cut through the metal ring holding the glass ring, it will just pop out.
Finished arm shows the pressed in glass eyelets and hub mounted. Then, finally shown mocked up in a current build.
Please ask any questions that you may have as this is a pretty brief post.
Joe
Joe727
3 years ago
17 Posts
12 Followers
78 Likes
Ketch Barge "Pearl of Ipswich"
Hello,
As I have mentioned before, I like the workboats from the age of sailing. The sailing barges caught my interest some time ago on one of my stays in the UK and I recently purchased a number of books on them. interesting history, more to it than I realized. Finally decided to build a Ketch Barge that is categorized as a Boomie as well. Several reasons; I wanted to model one of the larger ones, this one is 85', and I like gaff rigged boats with booms. Topsails a must as well and I like ketches. This one fits the bill and who could resist the chance to set 7 to 8 sails!
Frank Carr's book tells the story of the barge Pearl and included plan, elevation, lines and sail plans. Nice bit of information, I can build with that. See attached photos. This will probably be a lengthy build, my Falmouth Gaff-rigged Cutter took me two years. I built that one while on assignment in Grand Cayman using only my small kit OD hand tools. More to come, hope to start this week. Cheers, Joe
Joe727
3 years ago
9 Posts
0 Followers
21 Likes
Model Smoker Build
Hello,
Yesterday, I showed a Model Smoker that I built, I have had requests to share details. This blog will walk you through what I did. Please note that this was built from ideas gathered from the web, I did not invent this. Also, anything that has voltage and anything that creates heat can be a hazard, I am not responsible for any damage caused. Again, just sharing information.
First, I researched the web and saw how others made a smoker, then I just wanted to cobble together one mainly from parts I have. You can see this on a variety of searches and videos.
First, Collected parts required.
1. Thrift store hair dryer
2. Wick lamp or Tiki torch, or similar wick
3. Wire crimps
4. 18 GA wire
5. Box, enclosure, container
6. 5v -12v fan, direction pushes air into box.
7. Foil, had copper sheet of aluminum foil
8. Adhesive, used CA
9. Mint tin or other
Since I did not photograph the original, I will put together some build steps and sketches. More to come, see photos for parts used.
Joe
Joe727
5 years ago
22 Posts
3 Followers
70 Likes
Rescue Vessel - Springer Tug
Hello all,
Even though I am in the middle of several projects, including refitting two of my boats, I can't resist starting a new one. I am sure that I am not the only one with this affliction, I get bored quickly and jump from project to project. To keep them moving, I mostly work simultaneously.
So here goes, my first ever Build Blog, bear with me....
Picked the Springer Tug as it is very simple and it will just be used ss a backup recovery vessel. I intend to build it a zero cost from my parts box and scrap wood pile. I put together my extra props, driveshaft, gearbox, motor, esc and RX. May have to buy a SLA Battery to get descent run time.
Started last evening by making a template based on the plan in photo, credit goes to hull designer, see photo.
Then I determined my motor location and Drive Line Angle so I could design the stuffing tube. Constructed that the same night using a 3/16" SS steel drive shaft. Bronze bushings from local hardware store and brass tubing from my supplies. See photos...
Had the 500dc motor, Master Airscrew Gearbox, drive shaft, coupler and 2" brass prop. More to come.....
Joe
Joe727
4 years ago