Help with Rigging

[Harpy]

I am trying to rig my Uss England, but have never done rigging before. I am using Polyester Tansparent thread. It doesn't glue or hang well which I can deal with. I have been having problems with heating it to shrink. I am using an ember from cocktail sticks, but burning them in two sometimes and if I hold it much further away the thread doesn't shrink.
My question can you shrink Polyester Thread like plastic?
Here is what I have so far:

[JIM BAUMANN]

Use a more consistent heat-source that does not have the variance of extinguishing!!!!

I use the smoke from incense sticks to tighten my rigging
albeit I am a sprue rigger


Have a look here how I do it!- its a step-by step guide

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37536

HTH

JB

[Timmy C]

If polyester thread is anything like UNI-Caenis fly-tying thread, then yes, it can be tightened with heat. Keep in mind masters Baumann's and Griffith's method of holding the model upside down above the heat source - don't try to stick the heat source in between the model and the rigging, as that is surely too close and will burn through the rigging!

[Harpy]

Thanks, guys, the incense did the trick. Think Polyester thread is a bit too thick for 350th. I am going to try the spruce for the flag lines. Thanks for the link Jim and beautiful work.

[djandj]

I use the heat from my halogen desk light. Quicker, more consistent than insense and much less smelly

[JIM BAUMANN]

>>> I use the heat from my halogen desk light. Quicker, more consistent than insense and much less smelly <<<

all of which is true...

however.... the advantage of the vertically rising smoke ( ***) is that with practice and care you can tune individual strands without affecting the rest of the rigging--ie previously installed strands-- a general source such as the desk light could well overtghten soem previously installed strands..?


*** which is why I hold the model over my head when applying smoke--==> against a white ceiling I can see the smoke path and which strands I wish to tighten ... and marry the two up.

JB