TIPS

MAST HOOPS or SAIL RINGS

These rings were made using both basswood and white peroba using 1/8 X .010 strips of white peroba. (Since white peroba is very difficult to get, you may want to substitute lemon wood or something similar.-editor) The basswood is a little easier if you soak it in 50/50 carpenter's glue and water. Use hot glue for the white peroba. Wax or wrap the brass tubing with saran wrap. The tubing should be the inside diameter of the ring. Run the wood over the back of a butter knife (or something similar) as you would a ribbon to make it curl. Wrap the wood around the tubing, carefully butting the edges. (See sketch A.) If you used bass wood already soaked in glue, you can continue with the next wrap as in sketch B. Note that the two layers spiral in opposite directions. If you use white peroba, you will have to be very careful with the start of the second wrap so as to have the edges butt tightly together. Glue and wrap in short sections. After the glue has dried, allow plenty of time for drying. Chuck in lathe and sand smooth. If you don't have a lathe, a drill press could be used with care. Put a bit of TruOil on after you sand. Next, using a very sharp Xacto knife, proceed in cutting rings to width. After cutting, work the rings off the tubing with your finger nails a little at a time. Easy, don't hurry this step. Finish edges with 600 grit paper (if necessary) and apply your finish.

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