There was a flurry of activity today. Early this morning I rushed to the factory that was making the remainder of the metal parts for ‘Sharpy’, but I discovered it had gone bust! Consequently, I’ll have to find another metal fabricator who can do the job, or do it myself.
I then sped to Homebase where I found a length of hardwood for making capping pieces for the forward and aft edges of the keel. I managed to buy it for half price, because a section had wormworm in it, but the rest was excellent with a straight grain and no other blemishes.
Next I visited three suppliers of Code 3 lead flashing and paid £42.90 for 6 metres by 6 inches at the cheapest store.
Back at home I cut out the streamlined profile of the keel weight from a piece of paper, and used it to make a plywood template.
After I placed the template on the lead flashing I scored around the edges with a bradawl to mark the shape which I cut with a pair of scissors. I subsequently cut out 13 pieces of lead before I called it a day and downed tools. I shall need up to another 80 pieces for making the keel weights. The final number will be determined by the total weight of the lead pieces; the port weight must be 33 lbs, and the starboard one must be 40 lbs.
Hi, Bill. I will need 8kgs of lead soon, so would be interested in suppliers you found and who was cheapest. My local B&Q has stopped stocking lead roll.
ReplyDeleteBrian (keyhavenpotterer)
Hi Brian,
ReplyDeleteBy the time I finish 'Sharpy's' keel I shall have approximately 8 kilos of scrap cuttings left over. The price of scrap lead just now is about £1.00 a kilo. You could have my scrap for free, but the carriage costs would be greater than your savings! I bought my lead flashing at Undercover Roofing Supplies Ltd., Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5QW - at £3.30 a kilo! That's not the cheapest way to get hold of it for casting.
What are you building?
Bill.
Hi Bill, thanks for the offer of your scrap lead. Will have to formulate a plan!!!
ReplyDeleteI have fallen for SCAMP. Just became a grand-dad and cannot think of a nicer little safe dinghy to introduce her to sailing. It's also a nice exploration of my search for the perfect 12' lug rig dinghy.
I am having a cnc kit cut to amke it possible even for someone with my lack of build confidence to have a go.
She has been doing fantastically well in the Everglades Challenge until she ran aground in the very shallow water near the finish. There has been a 50% drop out including a Wayfarer on the first day of what's been a very tough event.
Brian
OK Brian. As I say, you are more than welcome to the lead. It's a matter of how you can get it without spending more than it's worth.
ReplyDeleteSCAMP does look a very attractive boat. The CNC kit sounds like a good idea, because it will eliminate quite a bit of hard work and be accurate.
By the way, congratulations on becoming a grandad.