Mast Drill Guides (pair)

Drill guide blocks for precisely drilling masts and aligning the gooseneck from various manufacturers. One pair in each set.

Features

• Accommodates 11 mm masts
• Supplied in pairs to maintain alignment reference while moving one of the blocks
• Nylon thumb screw for solid positioning. Can be screwed from two sides for greater flexibility
• Drill guide holes on four faces at perfectly square angles
• 1.5 mm holes for drilling
• Reference notches for marking and aligning holes to measurement references
• Gooseneck alignment guides fit 2, 3, 4 and 5.5 mm pins allowing for precise alignment of goosenecks from different suppliers. Tested with SAILSetc and PG Modelisme models.
• Orange colour for easy visibility in the workshop.
• Printed in PLA which is a bioplastic but has low heat resistance. May warp if left in direct sunlight or hot environments such as a hot car.

Usage instructions

• If working on a pre-bent mast, align one block to the fore or aft bend marking and lock down.
• Do not over tighten the nylon lock as it may deform the mast.
• If working with an unbent mast that will be bent, fix one block to the base of the mast and use it as reference while bending the mast. This way the block will be perfectly aligned to the mast bend direction.
• With one block set as reference, lay the mast and block on a flat surface and align the second block to same flat surface. With one block tightened, the other may be moved without losing alignment reference.
• Use the side notches to measure the positions for forestay and shrouds. Alternatively build a reference ruler with markings for bands and holes. Use the side notches to align the drilling holes to the markings on the ruler.
• Drill carefully with a 1.5mm drill. Be careful to keep the drill aligned not to widen the reference holes. If the tool is used carefully it may be used to drill multiple masts before needing replacement.
• If a larger hole is needed, drill a 1.5mm hole, remove the drill block and re-drill with a wider drill bit. Alternatively carefully drill the block with a wider bit to widen the reference hole.
• To align a gooseneck:
  • Check which ends of the gooseneck fit into the reference guides. Some models require removing the boom end fitting. Some models will align using the screw that holds the boom end fitting.
  • The pin or screw on the gooseneck should fit snugly into the alignment groove. Add tape to both sides of the groove if a tighter fit is desired.
  • Check if your gooseneck can be supported by two blocks, from either side, for greater support
  • With one block still serving as an alignment reference on the mast, position the second block so it holds the gooseneck in place and aligned to the mast bend and drilled holes. Tighten the block
  • If your gooseneck can be supported by a second block on the other end, move a free block to this position and tighten. The gooseneck should be firmly in place for drilling.
  • Optionally, for added stability while drilling, place a few dots of cyanoacrylate glue to hold the gooseneck in place, or temporarily tie it down with zip ties.
  • Carefully drill the gooseneck and mast as instructed by the manufacturer.

Specifications

• Material: 3d printed in PLA which is a bioplastic with low melting point and becomes soft at 50°C.
  
• Fixing screw: M6 nylon thumb screw
• Dimensions: 34 mm cube