Sprat & Winkle wire choices + jigs?

[Ralf]

Hi Folks, 

 

Getting back into modelling and using 3mm / Finescale Sprat & Winkle couplings and have a couple of questions... 

 

- Why do they use both 26swg Nickel Silver Wire and 28swg Brass Wire?? Going to buy some straight wire to make staples but surely 1 type of wire would do?

 

- Planning on making a jig to improve consistency like this one (see link) - any thoughts / feedback / tips on jigs... https://cpineroad.blogspot.com/2017/03/sprat-winkle-coupling-jig.html and presumably also need a fitted height checker like the one Phil Parker has here: http://philsworkbench.blogspot.com/2019/03/fitting-sprat-winkle-couplings.html

 

Many thanks
Ralf

 

[Flymo749]

On 11/01/2020 at 20:46, Ralf said:

Hi Folks, 

 

Getting back into modelling and using 3mm / Finescale Sprat & Winkle couplings and have a couple of questions... 

 

- Why do they use both 26swg Nickel Silver Wire and 28swg Brass Wire?? Going to buy some straight wire to make staples but surely 1 type of wire would do?

 

- Planning on making a jig to improve consistency like this one (see link) - any thoughts / feedback / tips on jigs... https://cpineroad.blogspot.com/2017/03/sprat-winkle-coupling-jig.html and presumably also need a fitted height checker like the one Phil Parker has here: http://philsworkbench.blogspot.com/2019/03/fitting-sprat-winkle-couplings.html

 

Many thanks
Ralf

 

 

 

Hi Ralf,

 

I'll declare upfront that I have an interest in answering here, as I designed my own mounts for Sprat & Winkle couplings, and make them available to anyone else who would find them useful.  To answer your two specific questions:

 

1. the two sizes have different purposes.  The loop for mounting the hook is robust, the loop for coupling is as fine as can be usable for reducing the visible intrusiveness.  I use 0.45 mm and 0.33 mm straight brass wire, respectively.

 

2. for making the loops of a consistent size, I've etched holes onto the edge of the fret of mounts.  That means they are always consistent in size.  For the final fine tuning of the height, I also use a gauge based on a buffer stop.

 

On both these points, you'll find a more full explanation in the attached file of instructions.  I hope they are comprehensive enough to answer your questions, as I view good instructions as a right and not a privilege from kit manufacturers.  The two photos show the finished articles, ready for fitting to a vehicle.

 

Cheers

Paul Willis

 

 

 

Mounting plate for Sprat.pdf