(^9)
A perfect match.
Just a few minutes’
work with some fine
sandpaper around a
sanding block and the
new cap looked really
good. To finish off I gave
it a coat of Cetol 077 HLS
Plus and two coats of
077 Filter Plus.
(^4)
I mixed up a small amount of epoxy
adhesive, adding a spoonful of
silica, a thickening additive used to
control the viscosity of the epoxy. Then,
after spreading it evenly to the surfaces, I
used six market stall-type sprung clamps
to hold it all together overnight.
(^7)
The result wasn’t a perfect circle,
but it was true enough for a
home-made mast cap, and alongside the
original I noted that it would need the
edges rounding off.
(^8)
I used my smallest external radius
bit in the router, having carefully
clamped the cap to the bench. I was able
to add the round edge in five placements.
Then I flipped it over and did the same to
the underside.
10
With a smear of silicone mastic the cap was screwed
to the mast through the VHF aerial bracket.
2
Other than the top surface the
condition was pretty good, with no
signs of delamination and a sound finish.
It was all about the top surface and holes,
so it had to be replaced.
(^5)
After 24 hours the clamps were
removed and the epoxy had set
firm. Since the actual dimensions weren’t
vitally important, I simply drew around
the original cap.
(^3)
As a firm believer in never throwing
away offcuts, I was quickly able to
locate some pieces of 6mm okoume
marine plywood left over from my
Eastport Pram build.
(^6)
I used a radius blade in my jigsaw
to cut the cap, being careful to cut
slowly as this allows a more accurate cut.
If you go too quickly the blade can take
you to places you don’t want to go...
DIY MAST CAP
singke
(singke)
#1