looking for... tapered brass rod...

[AndrexP]

Does anyone out there know where I can buy tapered brass or steel rod that is suitable for masts & yards on 1/350 or 1/700 scale warships? I guess I�m looking for diameters in the order of 1-3mm.

I have tried to taper my own brass rods using a Dremel, and have only been marginally successful (*), producing non-uniform tapers after great effort.

Andrew

(*) although I have been pretty successful in burning my fingertips with the Dremel at 35,000-gazillion RPM�

[MichelB]

Try sewing needles. The tapering is not perfect, but the effect in 1:700 is still quite convincing. And they come in all shapes and sizes, and are dirt cheap.

[Foeth]

Or try several of hypodermic needless around eachother, with a bit of putty and patience you might be able to get a taper.

[David Griffith]

I just use brass rod and taper it by hand. I put one end into a pin vice to have something to hold it with, put the rod flat on the edge of my workbench and go at it with a file. I use one just a bit coarser than an ordinary needle file. One from the Tamiya set is ideal.

Then, when it's nicely tapered, finish it off with some wet and dry paper to give it a smooth finish.

It just akes a couple of minutes to put a taper on a 1/700 mast or topmast, a bit longer for 1/350.

I too, have tried burning my fingers by using a Dremel and wet and dry, but I find this hand method is quicker, more controllable and much less painful!

Regards,

David Griffith

[BISHBASH]

I've just joined. Try brass tapered clockmakers pins as supplied by M & P UK.
Good for small gun barrels.

[JIM BAUMANN]

tapered masts are available from Burkhadt Masch of Modellmarine shop

have a look here top right hand side

available in the USA from Battlefleet models

http://www.battlefleetmodels.com/

Good luck
JIM B

[Guido]

Another source is the mail order company NNT Modell Germany.
See link at the frontpage of modelwarships.
Guido