It is Phenolic resin laminated cotton block. It is very inexpensive, very
strong and is a wonderful, old fashioned material. It does not weather well.
It is hard to paint so appearance will suffer. So what. It lasts a very long
time
Steve

"Robert or Karen Swarts" wrote in message
...
Can anyone tell me the name of the brownish or red-brownish material used
to make blocks, sheaves and winches? I have heard Delrin suggested, but
the only kinds I can find are white and black. Also, can paint (what kind)
be used to finish it?

Thanks,
BS