Mast steps and foot??

[Superslooper]

I have a great idea to cast my own mast step and foot just for the hell of it, I currently have an aluminium setup wtih tubular ally mast dooes any one know of any reason why a bronze step and mast would be a bad idea ie. would it react etc?? Thanks chaps.

 

[old_salt]

I can not see anything wrong with your idea especially if it is for a wooden boat.
I think the increased weight would be insignificant but its strength and durability would be 10 fold it will be interesting to hear others comments on this one.
Do you intend to make your own Pattern.
I would be interested learning the name of the foundry where you intend to get your casting done.
I have a list of bits I would like to have cast in bronze.

 

[oldsaltoz]

I have a great idea to cast my own mast step and foot just for the hell of it, I currently have an aluminium setup wtih tubular ally mast dooes any one know of any reason why a bronze step and mast would be a bad idea ie. would it react etc?? Thanks chaps.

I could think of a lot of items I would rather spend my cash on.

Why replace a tabernacle that is working fine, even made of the same material ensuring no reaction.

You do realise you will be cleaning this for the rest of your life, or trying all sorts to remove the green stains on deck.

Perhaps when you see the cost of casting you might reconsider and spend up on something you actually need and that will improve the look, comfort or reliability.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[Tranona]

I would be interested learning the name of the foundry where you intend to get your casting done.
I have a list of bits I would like to have cast in bronze.

I was hoping I would be able to recommend the foundry that did the heel casting for my boat, but unfortunately it was nearly 20 years ago and I have just checked and they no longer exist. Anyway, I made my own pattern, had it cast and then a machine shop cleaned up the face, bored to insert a replaceable delrin bush and drilled the mounting holes so it all fitted perfectly. Even had a spare bush made, but to date no wear!

Google Bronze Foundries UK and you will get lots of leads. Also Classic Marine does of lot of bronze casting work, but I don't know which foundry they use.

 

[Superslooper]

I am in the process of making my own forge and furnace I will use the existing tabernacle and step as a pattern and will let you know how I get on just wondered if the bronze would react with the ally tube on the mast?? as I said just for the hell of it if it works it works...

 

[old_salt]

I am in the process of making my own forge and furnace I will use the existing tabernacle and step as a pattern and will let you know how I get on just wondered if the bronze would react with the ally tube on the mast?? as I said just for the hell of it if it works it works...

Now "THAT" (my own forge and furnace) is something I am interested in having been in heavy and marine engineering all my life.
Please let us know how you get on.

 

[Peterduck]

I've had a lot of bronze castings made, both for my own ketch and for my brother's vintage cars. It is very tempting to regard making a mould using an old component as an easy thing, but the easy bit is getting it wrong. Not for nothing is one person in a foundry employed as The Moulder, and the thought of managing a crucible of molten gunmetal is not one which I would contemplate. Ithink that you could expect galvanic reaction between the gunmetal and the aluminium, to the detriment of the aluminium.
Peter.

 

[Superslooper]

Thats what I was afraid of that last thing I would want was the bronze eating away at the bottom of the mast thanks for that another idea shelved there but I will be going forth with smithing and casting I expect a few bad cast and such to begin with tho' Thanks for you input