Marking out gauge for wooden masts???

[Guest]

Hi all,

Some time ago, someone posted a pic and or a diagram of a gauge for marking out wooden masts, sorry can't remember the correct name for this gizmo, but if anybody has any details I would really appreciate it. I seem to recall that someone posted a link on it???

Best, Charlie.

 

[JesseLoynes]

Do you mean a spar gauge? Used for turning square timber to octagonal on the way to becoming round.

Usually a length of timber with a stop at either end, and two marking points in between. Ratios of distance is

1st stop-1st point : 1st point-2ndpoint : 2nd point-2nd stop is

7 : 10 : 7.

It helps to mark out the timber so you knock the four corners of and are left with an octagon.

There's quite a useful page here: http://www.pettigrews.org.uk/lm/page030a.htm

If you are making a smallish spar, once octagonal you can normally knock those eight corners off to make 16 sides by eye. Once you have sixteen sidess it's quite easy t ofair it to a round spar.

If you are making a large mast, it can be worth making a second or even third gauge to help mark out the next set of sides. Making a spar for a norfolk Broads wherry, we went to 128 sides before rounding!

Hope this helps, Jess.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Jesse, that's exactly what I was on about /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.....Proper Job!

 

[Boatmik]

Hi,

It is do do with making paddles, but the plans here have the method and the spar guage drawing in a step by step format.

The spar guage just needs to be scaled up (or down) to suit the project. An accurate match between the guage and the spar is not required - so make it a bit over and it will be suitable for other spars as well.

http://www.storerboatplans.com/Paddles/FreePaddle.html

 

[Guest]

Thanks Mik,

Looks a useful site, I have saved it and will have a proper look later, have you built a "Beth"? Looks like a nice wee boat! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Edit.......Hmmmmmm, should have a look at things before asking daft questions /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Interesting site you have! Thanks Mik!

Charlie.

 

[Boatmik]

Ha, Smiffy

No probs at all! Yep, Beth is a hoot! But I would say that, wouldn't I?

A spar guage came in terribly useful as you can see from this pic. Those were the first round wooden spars I ever made. Some time ago now!