Sitka Mast luff groove replacement with sailtrack on Folkboat questions:

[David G]

Re: Sitka Mast luff groove replacement with sailtrack on Folkboat questions:

Okay, here’s my interpretation of the jig, that Jay suggested to use for cutting the new slot into the mast:

https://lolfolkboat.files.wordpress....2-13-26-am.png

That's the ticket. If you're familiar with a 'spar gauge'... it's just a router version of that.

And a flat bench would definitely simplify... but isn't absolutely critical. What's most important is blocking the stick up so it doesn't roll, and so the top edge is very close to parallel to the top of your bench. Or... to be more precise... equidistant. For example -- if the best bench you can manage has a slight droop in the middle... just make sure your spar droops too. Very strongly second the notion of taking it out in multiple passes. It won't be a wide bit, and spruce is not a dense wood... but you'll still get better accuracy, with less chance of grabbing/veering with smaller bites.

[Jay Greer]

Re: Sitka Mast luff groove replacement with sailtrack on Folkboat questions:

Here is another kind of gauge that I created for laying out the faceting lines on an elliptical mast. The bench I am using was sixty feet in length. Note the 2x4 clamping spalls. This bench was supported by 4x4 posts set into a dirt floor. My new bench will be on the second floor of my shop and will be wall supported with angled outer posts that rake back to the wall plate. This will give unobstructed foot room when making a long pass with a spar plane, skill saw or router.
Jay

[joshs]

Re: Sitka Mast luff groove replacement with sailtrack on Folkboat questions:

David: yes, I imagine that if the spar rolls while you're cutting, you're in deep trouble.

[joshs]

Re: Sitka Mast luff groove replacement with sailtrack on Folkboat questions:

My prototype test project is a success. I used the plate from my router table, attached some 1-1/4 inch dowels to it. These worked pretty well on some round, wooden wallpaper rollers I have in the woodshed. I went from a narrow cut to a wider one pretty successfully. I used a 2x10 for my bench.

In actual practice, I will use (2) 16-foot lengths of 2x10 and at least 6 saw horses, plus a considerable number of height adjusters for the mast itself.

Here are some photos: https://lolfolkboat.wordpress.com/?a...e_preview=true