POTC Compass scratchbuild-COMPASS DIAL IN!

Maelstrom · Jul 28, 2010

Been working on this for a long time. Kept setting it aside and coming back to it. Finally got the masters done, poured the molds and created a piece to do the damgae to, hinge up, and make the brass bits for. Here's a little teaser of the brass bits before weathering them.

The numbered dial I got from board member MutantEnemy as I sourced out getting this done, but none of the local engravers felt they could get the job done right. The center, lower ring is a bronze bushing as I couldn't find a brass washer the right size. The color is not too far off, but I think after weathering it won't be noticebale at all. The struts are cut from K&S 155 sqaure brass tube. Its hard to tell from some pics if the original struts had the taper or not, but I cut them that way because I thought it looked nice. The center "fin" is hand cut and filed from K&S flat brass bar.

The main body is in primer right now and I have the clasp, clasp post, hanging ring, and dial already done. And will post pics of them later.

Let me know what you think so far! :thumbsup or :thumbsdown

Maelstrom · Jul 28, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild

"lanyard" ring

Made from a brass knurled knob with the knurl filed off, flat brass stock, brass threaded rod, and brass ring.

sebastian · Jul 29, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild

Very cool looking. Keep the journey posted.

Cheers
Sebastian

PHArchivist · Jul 29, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild

Where did you find the hardware for the lanyard ring?

MooCriket · Jul 29, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild

You are really doing an outstanding job on this:thumbsup

Maelstrom · Jul 29, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild

PHArchivist said:
Where did you find the hardware for the lanyard ring?

The knurled knob, brass stock bar, and bolt I got from Ace Hardware (True Value Hardware...same difference check local listings). The rings I got from Hobby Lobby.

I took the knurled knob and screwed it down tight on the bolt and placed it in the chuck of my drill press. While on, I took the file to the knurled part until it was smooth. Then a quick pass of fine sandpaper and steel wool until nice and shiny.

I cut off a piece of the bolt to use as a post to insert into the body of the compass. A piece of brass bar got a hole drilled thru it and cut down then filed to shape. This was the tab for the ring to go into and that piece was then soldered onto the de-knurled knob.

The rings are actually steel rings but came "brass" plated. They are welded but a quick pass of the hacksaw popped the weld open. Spreading it open slightly with pliers I got the opp. sides lined up with the hole I drilled in the bar and let the pressure off. It's nice and springy so it closed right back together into the hole.

The Hobby Lobby rings came in a pack of 12 for $3. They are Treehouse Studio brand item # 181412 and it has a web site on the back of the package as Deprecated Browser Error so if no Hobby Lobby's near you you may be able to order some online.

The ring I darkened up some with the torch, but am currently waiting on a bottle of "Blacken-it" from Micromark to use on all the bits-n-pieces.

Hope this description wasn't too long and that it made sense LOL

Maelstrom · Jul 29, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild

Pay no attention to the deprecated browser error above. The web address was supposed to be craftsetc.com but this web address just takes you to Hobby Lobby's site.

Link above is safe to click or you can just clicky here: www.shop.hobbylobby.com

Type in 181412 in the search and the rings will pop up.

DrMcoy · Jul 30, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild

u making any of these for sale??

Maelstrom · Jul 30, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild

DrMcoy said:
u making any of these for sale??

The compass or the bits?

Maelstrom · Aug 3, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild-BRASS GETTING WEATHERED

UPS stopped by today and I got the "Blacken-It" in (along with other goodies...I love Micro-Mark) and decided to start weathering the brass bits while I'm waiting for washes to dry on the main compass body.

Maelstrom · Aug 9, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild-FINISHED EXTERIOR PICS!

Well...almost finished. Will probably work on some more weathering, but here are a few pics of the exterior. I can see a few touch up spots to address as well...

A couple of unfinished interior pics. Still need to add the stars inside the lid.

Thanks for looking and hopefully commenting

Maelstrom · Aug 9, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild-FINISHED EXTERIOR PICS!

Well it's my thread an' I'll post if I want to...post if I want to

Nver took many pics of the construction of the compass, but here's a few I'll throw in here.

Enjoy.

Shylaah · Aug 10, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild-FINISHED EXTERIOR PICS!

This is really a very nice looking piece!! Great job on it!!
I kinda got lost here, though.....
Did you build a replica then cast it?

Also curious to know how you plan to afix the dial arms.

Shylaah

Sarednab · Aug 10, 2010

Re: POTC Compass scratchbuild-FINISHED EXTERIOR PICS!

Fantastic work!!! Many congrats!

Maelstrom · Aug 10, 2010