Modified snatch block
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2020 2:01 pm
The block is a Nicro or a Fico , Ronstan makes a similar one . They come stock with black hard rubber cheeks and a white plastic sheave . This block was modded by me when I had my machine shop , so it was a doable thing to make the pulley out of SS , but even though I lightened it up all I could it was still heavy . Recently I purchased these sheaves from Duck works and they are perfect . https://www.duckworks.com/product-p/rl-e-5-8.htm
The first thing you need to do when starting this project is to disassemble the block of course , drill out the riveted axle and make a new axle tapped 1/4-20 . That could be done with a drill press or a small hobby lathe . There are some plastic spacers in there too , they can be re used . I prefer to remake them (the axle too) out of brass . Another part is the round bar at the end of the block , This I made from SS, it is taped at both ends and the screws that are used have had the heads cut down . Next is the wood , I like teak . When I had my shop , I cut the slots and hole on the mill , it was fast and easy . A small hobby mill would do nicely . A little while back I made a few more of these and my good friend Jboat Tom cut the slots for me in his awesome wood shop on his router . So that's the hardest stuff , the rest is just shaping , sanding and a coating of your favorite stuff . Hope you like it . It is a fun project .
Mark .
025 by mark westi, on Flickr
020 by mark westi, on Flickr
The first thing you need to do when starting this project is to disassemble the block of course , drill out the riveted axle and make a new axle tapped 1/4-20 . That could be done with a drill press or a small hobby lathe . There are some plastic spacers in there too , they can be re used . I prefer to remake them (the axle too) out of brass . Another part is the round bar at the end of the block , This I made from SS, it is taped at both ends and the screws that are used have had the heads cut down . Next is the wood , I like teak . When I had my shop , I cut the slots and hole on the mill , it was fast and easy . A small hobby mill would do nicely . A little while back I made a few more of these and my good friend Jboat Tom cut the slots for me in his awesome wood shop on his router . So that's the hardest stuff , the rest is just shaping , sanding and a coating of your favorite stuff . Hope you like it . It is a fun project .
Mark .
025 by mark westi, on Flickr
020 by mark westi, on Flickr