A
sailmaker is a person who makes and repairs
sailA sail is any type of surface intended to generate thrust by being placed in a wind—in essence a vertically-oriented wing. Sails are used in sailing.-History of sails:...
s for sailboats, typically working on shore in a sail loft.
The sail loft consists of many other sailmakers as well. Large ocean-going sailing ships often carried sailmakers among the crew. The sailmaker maintained and repaired sails, and this required some knowledge of the sailmaker's craft and many of the tools of the sailmakers loft on shore.
Today, one of a sailmaker's most important jobs is to show his customers how to set and trim their sails to get the most out of them.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Sailmaker' Start a new discussion about 'Sailmaker' Answer questions from other users |
A
sailmaker is a person who makes and repairs
sailA sail is any type of surface intended to generate thrust by being placed in a wind—in essence a vertically-oriented wing. Sails are used in sailing.-History of sails:...
s for sailboats, typically working on shore in a sail loft.
The sail loft consists of many other sailmakers as well. Large ocean-going sailing ships often carried sailmakers among the crew. The sailmaker maintained and repaired sails, and this required some knowledge of the sailmaker's craft and many of the tools of the sailmakers loft on shore.
Today, one of a sailmaker's most important jobs is to show his customers how to set and trim their sails to get the most out of them. Sometimes a sailmaker will accompany the client out on the water and adjust the sails. The modern sailmaker makes use of computer-aided
designComputer-aided design is the use of computer technology for the design of objects, real or virtual. CAD often involves more than just shapes...
and
manufacturingComputer-aided manufacturing is the use of computer-based software tools that assist engineers and machinists in manufacturing or prototyping product components...
tools. Computer graphics can allow the sailmaker to produce a "lines drawing" of the sail. Once the design is complete, the sailmaker can now use a low-power laser to cut the material to the exact shape.
Sailmaker's tools
- Fid
A fid is a conical tool made of wood or bone. It is used to work with rope and canvas in marlinespike seamanship. A fid differs from a marlinspike in material and purpose. A marlinespike is used in working with wire rope, may be used to open shackles, and is made of metal. A fid is used to hold...
, used to stretch grommetthumb|right|250px|Some rubber grommets.thumb|250px|right|Metal eyelets and eyelet setting tool.Grommets and eyelets are metal, plastic, or rubber rings that are inserted into a hole made through another material...
s before inserting reinforcement;
- Sail palm, an oversized thimble
A thimble is a protective shield worn on the finger or thumb. It is generally used for sewing.The earliest known thimble was Roman and was found at Pompeii. Made of bronze, its creation has been dated to the first century AD...
used to drive needles through heavy canvas;
- beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced in the bee hive of honey bees of the genus Apis. Worker bees have eight wax-producing mirror glands on the inner sides of the sternites on abdominal segments 4 to 7...
, used on thread;
- Benchook, to provide a "third hand" to hold sailcloth taut;
- Seam rubber, to press folds in to fabric;
- sailmaker's needles; and,
- Sewing machine
A sewing machine is a textile machine used to stitch fabric or other material together with thread. Sewing machines were invented during the first Industrial Revolution to decrease the amount of manual sewing work performed in clothing companies...
.