Hi there!

I am considering cutting a mast 20cm off its base.
Problem is I do not have a vise to clamp it while cutting. I have a saw though.

Any suggestion on where I can do that? Are there any workshops where I can go do my thing? Anyone of you done it here/ suggestions?

Cheers

Whoa, I don't like the idea of a carbon masts in a vice.
Find a surface raised enough to allow your saw it's full stroke, take your shoes off and use a foot to hold the mast while you cut.
Amongst other things I've done a bit of bush carpentry, saw horse and foot is all I've had for a lot of stuff.
A vice is just an unnecessary luxury most of the time, and in the case of a carbon mast could do some damage.

2 potential problems with cutting 20cm off the base.
1, you shift the boom reinforcing down the mast, if you're tall and use a high boom, that may crush the mast.
2, you won't be able to fit as much extension up the mast, if you have 1 long extension for several sails, the extension may not go up far enough for your smallest sail

if you do decide to cut it... heaven forbid... (not religious tho) haha

wrap masking tape around the end you want to keep to do two things... 1. helps to prevent the carbon/glass from splintering... and 2. if you apply it straight and accurately it gives you a guide for cutting so that you make a clean straight cut...

Last tip for the night... do not cut all the way thru from one side... Take small cuts that just break thru the carbon then rotate the mast a wee bit and make another cut until you have worked around... This avoids the saw cutting off at some odd angle and also avoids the carbon splintering...

Wear rubber gloves if they are handy...

If you want a vice use a wooden support... say trestle and sit the mast on some rag. then use one of those rubber ocky straps and wrap it around it all... that will hold it very nicely without hurting the mast... Tho Decrepit is right... use your foot and a good wooden platform or deck or similar will suffice...

Why are yuo cutting the mast? Why not just cut the mast stop out of the top of the sail and sew in a length of adjustable webbing that allows you to slide the sail down lower on the mast and have a useless bit of mast poking out the top?

Its not ideal... but nor is cutting the mast...

PS. to finish off the cut do not use a file... use sandpaper only to clean the surfaces. A file can cause it to chip and splinter...

if you do cut it tell us what you do for feedback and other peoples benefit...

I dont know mate if it helps but have you thought of using a pipe cutter? As the name suggests its what we use to cut copper pipe, PVC, etc. You turn it around the mast and tighten the adjusting screw every turn.Leaves a nice neat and importingly straight cut. No idea how it would work with a carbon/glass product. Any bunnings will have them in the plumbing section $15. Big enough for SDM/RRD.

Yeah sorrry you'll be able to hold mast in your other hand. no need for vice..

Hi,

Thanks for the usefull tips! The mast I intend to cut is a Neilpryde X6 Wave 430.

Reason to cut is I have broken the mast I use for a 5.0; tried the 430 on it but the sail felt stiff especially in the upper range. Would like avoiding buying a 400!

I use the 430 on a bigger sail, having the mast shorter wont be a problem, adding 15 or 20cm base extension.

So the idea is to end up with a customized 410 or 415 X6 mast for both sails!

What about using a X6 400 tip on your X6 430 base.

I used to do that when we had SDM and it worked fine.

I still have a X6 400 tip. PM me if you are interested

Hey Nat, thanks, it is a good idea; by this way I would keep my mast intact.

However, I am concerned having a stiffer bottom section, meaning a fuller shape in the bottom. To flatten it I could downhaul more, but then get a looser leech, compromising lower wind range (?)
What do you think?

As there is no wind at the moment, it is difficult to try...

Hi Yves

I used to use a 370 tip and 430 base when my husband was using the 400 X6 and to be honest I couldn't tell any difference. I would expect using a 400 tip and 430 base would not be that different than using either a proper 400 or 430.

If you would like to rig your sails on the 400, 430 combo you are welcome to try we live SOR.

Nat

Select to expand quote

stone said...

Big enough for SDM/RRD.

How big is an RRD mast?

Sorry to pick on mate but its the second time you have said it.

Its an RDM mast. Ultimately they should be called SD or RD masts cos Diameter is one word.

To the original question, try to avoid cutting it. cut the minimal amount off 20cm is a fair bit.
use tape as mentioned above and use a very fine toothed blade to avoid splintering and dont breath in the dust

Yeah ok. sorry. i know.