Basically the question of resin 3D printed or wood is a preference issue. The more important question after looking at all of the fittings available online would be whether or not the fitting was historically accurate. It doesnt have to be perfect. But it should at least be close.

Here is an example from a widely used MFG...if the MFG took the time to design this in CAD which they did...it doesnt matter what material is used in the end. But the least they could do is try and make it accurate. The whelps are too narrow, The upper and lower Capstans are identical. The lower should have fewer whelps. The chocks are not correct as the lower chocks are not convex. The drums have a different number of openings for the upper and lower for a different number of capstan bars. Then there is just the aesthetics, which leave very little in the way of details. Now this is perfectly fine for folks that dont care about these things. Most would never notice. But it wouldnt take much to make this capstan actually accurate with very little added expense. I wouldnt want to pay 10 or 15 bucks for this as an a supposed upgrade.

Comparing that to an accurate version although 3D printed at less the cost, is a no brainer to me. These are the choices folks have.

I do try to also make all wooden versions of each item also so there is that choice as well.

But the wooden ones will cost a lot more and look almost exactly the same....if painted.

Each builder must make a choice based on the time they have to build these fittings, if not from scratch... and how much they would like for them to look like the real thing.

The wooden example below is available...with about 80 pieces which needs to be sanded to remove the char and put together with as few gaps as possible. Its a really fun project but a bit costly for some.

An interesting question and dilemma. I will make a sled for the Carronade out of wood and see what the difference is if only as an experiment.

I really like doing the designs and comparing them side by side. In the end the proof is in the pudding...it either looks right or it doesnt. The material choice is just a coin flip depending on the skill level of the builder and time available to build and finish these. Having a choice is very important.

I remember these were provided in the very first kit I made....do you remember these? Even the bad Capstan kits offered today are better than these. This was all you could get.

I believe they are still added to those kits but I do confess that they bring back fond memories of being very satisfied after I built it.

Seems like only yesterday that the only aftermarket capstans looked like this.😁

Yes they were so awful...but I remember them. They were literally in every European kit. And made from WOOD...so they were extra special!!!

Chuck

Boxwood!

Aaaargh. Earlier on I added the rope serving machine into my basket and then decided to add some blocks and stuff to replace the Vanguard Models items. After doing all that I faffed around for a few hours before deciding that that was all I wanted and to push the "buy" button.

I should have known. Out of stock now.

Any idea when it'll be back? I promise to push the button real fast this time.

I will make more this coming week. LOL.

Chuck

I think I got that last one. Sorry! :-)

@Griphos I'll let you off this time. 😁

I have decided to update my rope coil and hank tools. Basically I just made them double ended. This saves on resin so I can make them even more affordable to buy already 3D printed. I dont know why I didnt think of this to begin with.

Anyway I will start making these as soon as I sell out of the few I have left of the not doubled ended versions.

AND...just a note. There are as I mentioned so long ago, a couple of people selling rip-offs already. I guess I should be flattered, but it does make me a bit angry. LOL. Please dont buy these from other folks. One guy simply removed my branding and inserted his own. literally printed from the exact same files.

Another has NOT started selling them yet but mentioned on SOS that he might. He changed the shape a bit and made the plugs interchangeable, but it is still the exact same tool!!! No difference at all. Its basically the same and he mentioned that in his posts. I am hopeful he will do the right thing and not start selling them at the request of members on that other forum. I dont think he will so hopefully for now there is only one guy who ripped this off and is selling them.

Its so nice to be the innovator and have others try to profit from it....LOL.

Chuck

Get a patent on things right away! Then sue 'em....

I do have one...LOL. And yes I am looking into it even though you guessed it, the guy is in China. So it may be a mute point. But the other guy is in Italy so if he decides to start selling then it is game on.

I have already tried with China and its just impossible. I have a good team of copyright and trademark lawyers as well. My wife works for one of the largest and oldest firms in the country. They have a huge team there to offer advice.

Chuck