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View Full Version : Mast making - Grain direction for mast staves



m2c1Iw
4th February 2008, 07:34 PM
First of many questions from someone who knows absolutely nothing about boat building.

Is there a prefered grain direction for the mast staves on an Oz Mk2 PD Racer?

I have some 90x90mm clear fine grained Oregon which should do the job with some scarfing but not sure of flat or qtr and on which sides of the mast.

Cheers Mike

bitingmidge
4th February 2008, 09:35 PM
Mike,

I'm about to upload a few pics to PDRacer.info which will be useful, but without wanting to overstate the obvious, the grain needs to run lengthwise.

If you've got the ability to mill the oregon down to the correct thickness, to build a hollow mast, it'll be lovely.

It may be late tonight or tomorrow night before I've finished though.

Cheers,

P
:D

m2c1Iw
4th February 2008, 09:49 PM
Ta Midge

:doh: poor phrasing again


Mike,
without wanting to overstate the obvious, the grain needs to run lengthwise.
:D

:D:D:D Yep got that, was thinking about orientation.

As I can mill for either qtr or face was wondering if there is an influence on bending or strength and if so is it the same for front/back and sides.

Hope I have explained what I mean.

Cheers

Boatmik
4th February 2008, 10:44 PM
Quarter sawn makes sense when you are struggling with the expansion and contraction of timber.

Quarter sawn has the lowest amount of geometrical distortion if it soaks up.

But if coating with epoxy it makes no difference as little or no water will get in or out to make the the timber expand.

So ... If it makes no difference in practice - just take the most economical cuts.

MIK