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

Robert or Karen Swarts wrote:
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


Had to be certain without looking, but it may be that you are describing
Bakelite

bob

Or maybe "phenolic" -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite

Different core colors depending on whether it's made from paper or cotton
cloth. Several skin colors available.
http://www.sdplastics.com/phenolic.html

I've never tried painting it, but it machines nicely and if you scuffed the
surface with sandpaper, ????

Roger

http://home.insightbb.com/~derbyrm

"RW Salnick" wrote in message
...
Robert or Karen Swarts wrote:
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
Had to be certain without looking, but it may be that you are describing
Bakelite

bob

Robert or Karen Swarts wrote:

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



Micarta?

Richard Lamb wrote:
Robert or Karen Swarts wrote:

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


Micarta?
Over here at least its definately TUFNOL
http://www.tufnol.co.uk/ and look for fabric laminates (their original
product)

There isn't a lot you can do to restore weathered tufnol unless you are
willing to cover it with opaque paint, (which doesnt tend to stick very
well unless you do a lot of surface prep first) but if you polish it
occasionally, it will take years to weather enough to loose strength.

It was the first high tech composite used for boat fittings and IMHO for
general use where durability and performance are more important than
minimal size or weight saving, its still one of the best.

--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
[at]=@, [dash]=- & [dot]=. *Warning* HTML & 32K emails -- NUL:
'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.

It definitely isn't bakelite.

Since both Micarta and Tufnol include phenolic as a subset, I'm guessing
that's what it is based on color and texture.

Still seeking a way to refinish it.

Thanks for your help.

BS
"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

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

Shortly after the last dinosaur roamed the earth, blocks and even a few
winches were made of a 'Tufnol', a composite of linen and phenolic.
IIRC, most of the manufacturers were English. Gibb and Tuffblox were two.
I thionk that the material is still available for use as an electric
insulator. Tro McMaster-Carr. I expect that it'll hold paint OK. What
kind of paint depends on how much time and money you want to inverst in
tarting up some very obsolete gear.


"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

These blocks and sheaves are on a 36 year old sailboat. Even a pair of
winches made by Gibb, England. They appear to be in pretty good condition.
Just the outer surface appears a bit weathered. Quite impressive, really.

Bob Swarts

"Jim Conlin" wrote in message
...
Shortly after the last dinosaur roamed the earth, blocks and even a few
winches were made of a 'Tufnol', a composite of linen and phenolic.
IIRC, most of the manufacturers were English. Gibb and Tuffblox were two.
I thionk that the material is still available for use as an electric
insulator. Tro McMaster-Carr. I expect that it'll hold paint OK. What
kind of paint depends on how much time and money you want to inverst in
tarting up some very obsolete gear.


"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