The epoxy has cured on the base of the mast reinforcing. I used 6oz. cloth, left over from Paul’s Canoe build.
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-181-1024x768.jpg)
I get out the wet/dry 350 grit sandpaper & bucket of warm water with a little soap again. I sand smooth the joint where the cloth meets and where I did a little filling.
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-182-768x1024.jpg)
The varnishing consists of: a coat of varnish, rotating the mast every 30 minutes for two hours to minimise drips, let dry, repeat. It is the same method I used to epoxy coat the mast, just more coats of varnish (8!)
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-183-1024x768.jpg)
I take the Masthead Sheave plug assembly into the house to fit the sheave, washers and pin. The pin is 3/16″ brass rod. I got the brass washers from Roy.
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-188-1024x768.jpg)
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-191-1024x768.jpg)
After I cut the pin to size, I file the edges smooth. Ready to epoxy the plug into place.
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-193-1024x768.jpg)
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-194-1024x768.jpg)
Both the plug and the masthead are sanded down to bare wood. I set up the mast stand and then mix-up the epoxy. Two hundred stirs.
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-196-1024x768.jpg)
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-197-1024x768.jpg)
All is good.
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-198-1024x768.jpg)
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-203-768x1024.jpg)
After I have coated all the bare wood with the straight epoxy, I add wood dust to thicken the epoxy. I put the base of the mast on the floor, angling the mast up towards the top. I fill the mast head with the thickened epoxy mixture.
I insert the Masthead Sheave plug, the bamboo pin and then wrap the joint and pin ends with packing tape to prevent the epoxy from leaking out.
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-205-1024x768.jpg)
To have all of the epoxy settle around the Masthead Sheave plug, I place the mast upside down in the centre of my garage. Gravity will make the epoxy flow down and around the plug stem.
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-207-768x1024.jpg)
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-209-1024x768.jpg)
Heat lamp is shining on the joint. I rotate the mast every 30 minutes so the epoxy will settle evenly.
The distance to the inside peak of my roof is just a little over 17″. The mast barely fits!!!
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-210-768x1024.jpg)
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Birdsmouth-mast-212-768x1024.jpg)
Next step is to make the mast base plug. I have a piece that I will fit into the base. Tomorrow’s job….the mast is almost finished!
Good rowing to you,
![](http://www.urbanoarsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Old-Man-Bretner...Oarsman-for-web.jpg)
Mike