After squaring mast heads to their
proper width, cut the tenon or tongue
at the top (Figure 6-2).
On most ships, the heel of the topmasts
and topgallant masts has a rectangular
or square section. Although the
restored
Morgan’s
heels are round like
the rest of the mast, they do have a fid
slot. Drill this hole, then shape it with a
file. The fid, a rectangular or square
pin, prevents the mast from falling
through the top (Figure 6-3).
After completing the basic masts, drill
holes for the required sheaves (pulleys).
A sheave is used for yard halliard tyes.
Once a line runs through a hole, it’s
impossible to tell if a sheave is present,
so don’t install real ones.
Mast Bands:
Use brass or paper strips for
the mast bands. Figure 6-4 shows some
options. Fit the bands on the spars as
soon as they are tapered. Do not install
eyebolts or other fittings that could pre-
vent attaching the mast bands, or tubs
for the upper topsail yards.
Mast Caps, Tops, Trestletrees, Crosstrees, and
Spreaders:
Although mast caps are laser-
cut, some filing may be necessary if the
holes don’t fit the masts. Glue eyebolts in
the mast caps per the plans.
The basic platform for the fore and main
tops and the curved supports are laser-
cut. Make the other straight parts from
stripwood (Figure 6-5). Tops are simple
and fun to do.
Fashion trestletrees, crosstrees, and top-
mast spreaders from stripwood. Curved
crosstrees are laser cut. Figure F-6 illus-
trates the mizzen crosstree assembly.
Eyebolts, Jackstay, Boom and Gaff Fittings,
and Spider Bands:
The mizzenmast and
yards have wooden jackstays for securing
the spanker. Jackstays are laser-cut and
about the right size for the mizzenmast
and lower yards, but a little large for the
topgallant and royal yards. Slightly sand
the strips or make new jackstays from
1/32” square stock (Figure 6-7). Pin and
glue them to the spars.
Cyano a large eyebolt to the spanker
boom and gaff. The masts have smaller
eyebolts for rigging. Check the plans for
their locations, drill a hole, and cyano the
26
STAGE 6
Fig. 6-1 Shaping & Tapering the Masts and Spars
Straight line - No!
Desired curve. Mathematically a
parabola, but very close to arc
of a circle. Simply taper spar
gradually toward the end.
Bottom of mast, max. dia. of
gaff / boom, or Cl. of yard
round
1st cut to square 2nd cut to octagon 3rd sand round
Fig. 6-2 Squaring the Mast
1. Slot with razor saw
2. Slice square
3. Cut tenon
Fig. 6-3 Fid in Topmast Heel
Fid
Rectangular hole in mast
