Admiralty Pattern anchor
Instruction
This is a scale model of an Admiralty pattern anchor that could even be used for a ship-model. Uses a 2" by 3" scrap of 1/16 basswood, or any other 1/16" material such as cardstock or matboard. Check the "Tabs" slider if you want to make it into a kit card that will hold the pieces safely until you assemble it.
I used to have one of these old-fashioned anchors myself, though I rarely used it as it was such a pain to stow compared to modern anchors. Worked great, though, particularly in rocky bottoms. And looks salty as all get-out! If I still owned it, I'd put it on display. As it is, I guess I'll settle with this miniature one. I think I'll make a few to use as Christmas ornaments next year.
Remove all parts from the card. Pay attention to the subtle angles on the pieces that make up the cross-stock so that you can align them for the gluing. Trim any rough edges that will be on the insides of the through-hole now, while it's easy.
The cross-stock is a total of five layers thick. Make sure the opening will fit the shank (three layers thick) before the glue sets. You can use a toothpick to get the glue only where you want it on these tiny parts.
Clean up all glue squeeze-out with a dampened rag before it sets to make your finished project neat. Use a stick to clean the square corners of the hole--much easier while it's wet than after it's dried.
With a piece of sandpaper flat on your bench, you can square up the edges of the lamination before final assembly.
Note: the cross-stock is at right angles to the shank and flukes of the anchor, despite what it can look like in 2-D drawings. The stock is there to make sure the fluke of the anchor will bite into the sea floor.
You can add a ring with a loop of wire. Real anchors always have this ring without exception, again, to help make sure the pull of the anchor rode is at the correct angle to get the anchor to set.