Working Block with Pulleys

[Donnie]

One of these days, I am going to get out my lathe and make or try to make some blocks with brass pulleys inside. It will be tiny, but I think I can do it. Would anyone out there be interested in seeing this come to life? Would this extra detail make any difference to a ship? It would have to be made mostly for 1:78 to 1:90(ish) scales. It is possible to make the pulley turn, but I am not making any promises at this point. Brass is very soft is reason for using it. So, I guess obviously if the pulley does not turn, it would not be classified as a "working" pulley, but just a fancy model (representative) of one.

This discussion is of course open for opinions.

Donnie

 

[JoeF]

Hi Donnie
What size are you thinking of working on? Do you have an example photo or drawing?

 

[Donnie]

Right now, it is just an idea. I have no pictures, drawings, but just an idea that I have. I would be duplicating a block on the order of 1:90 scale, but even that is not accurate as 1:90th of what?
Taking consideration of a Block size of 4mm long by 3mm wide (for a double block) and 4mm long and 2mm wide for a single block would be the measurements. The pulleys therefore would be in the order of 2mm in diameter and .5mm in width. I know, small and tiny. in inches that is about 3/16 long and 1/8 wide for a double block and then 1/16 wide for a single. the pulleys would be 1/32 in thickness. Then you have the functionality of it. I might talk myself out of this before I even get started - thinking that I would have to make a lot of them obviously.

All of this would be built on layers or all sandwiched together. Probably not worth the trouble, but could be an interesting project. I need some hardwood to do this.