by Richard Durham » Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:12 am
Here is my method. I use superglue for all joints and have never had a failure.
-For small diameter masts, I use either bronze rod or stainless steel tubing. I really like the bronze rod (stiffer than brass, but bendable) and it is available online from Walthers. The stainless steel tubing is available on line from Small Parts (huge variety) or from Great Models.
-Cut the pieces of mast to the correct lenths and file the ends.
-Measure the cross member to find the center, and then mark the center with a fine Sharpie. Now sand that area and remark the center with the Sharpie. The sanding will ensure a better connection with the vertical section (this is really the secret to success).
-Draw a cross on a flat surface with a fine tip Sharpie; I use a flat piece of tempered glass. Put a strip of removable double sided tape over the cross. Put the cross member piece of the mast, aligned to one of the lines that make up the cross and centered on the other line, on the strip of double sided tape.
Take the vertical section of the mast and lay it over the cross member, perpendicular to it and on center. Make sure that you sand the vertical section in the area where the cross member will attach. Hold it in place with a strip of removable tape.
Once both pieces are aligned and held in place by tape, apply a small drop of medium viscosity superglue to the joint. Let it dry for an hour or so. Carefully remove the mast from the double sided tape and apply small drops of superglue to the other two sides of the joint that previously faced down. Let dry and you have a simple, but strong mast. You can use this variation on this method for other types of masts.
All the best, Rich
Here is my method. I use superglue for all joints and have never had a failure.
-For small diameter masts, I use either bronze rod or stainless steel tubing. I really like the bronze rod (stiffer than brass, but bendable) and it is available online from Walthers. The stainless steel tubing is available on line from Small Parts (huge variety) or from Great Models.
-Cut the pieces of mast to the correct lenths and file the ends.
-Measure the cross member to find the center, and then mark the center with a fine Sharpie. Now sand that area and remark the center with the Sharpie. The sanding will ensure a better connection with the vertical section (this is really the secret to success).
-Draw a cross on a flat surface with a fine tip Sharpie; I use a flat piece of tempered glass. Put a strip of removable double sided tape over the cross. Put the cross member piece of the mast, aligned to one of the lines that make up the cross and centered on the other line, on the strip of double sided tape.
Take the vertical section of the mast and lay it over the cross member, perpendicular to it and on center. Make sure that you sand the vertical section in the area where the cross member will attach. Hold it in place with a strip of removable tape.
Once both pieces are aligned and held in place by tape, apply a small drop of medium viscosity superglue to the joint. Let it dry for an hour or so. Carefully remove the mast from the double sided tape and apply small drops of superglue to the other two sides of the joint that previously faced down. Let dry and you have a simple, but strong mast. You can use this variation on this method for other types of masts.
All the best, Rich