Scale Rope FAQ

The questions we get asked most about making scale rope for model ships. Still stuck? Get in touch.

What is scale rope for model ships?

It's rope made to match a model's scale — so a 1:72 shroud reads correctly next to a 1:72 hull. Real ships used rope measured in centimetres; scale rope reproduces that relationship in millimetres. The RopeMaster 4000 makes it from ordinary thread.

Can I really make rigging rope at home?

Yes. Feed thread into the machine, turn the handle, and consistent laid rope comes out the other end. No special skills — just a bench and a 20mm × 20mm (or 3/4") rail you supply. See the step-by-step method.

What thread should I use?

Cotton for a soft, matte look at smaller scales; polyester for a crisper, harder twist. Silk and substitutes for the finest detail. Avoid slippery or waxed threads that won't hold a lay. Full breakdown in our thread guide.

How thick should the rope be?

It depends on your scale. At 1:72, shrouds sit around 2 mm and ratlines around 0.4 mm; at 1:48, roughly 3 mm and 0.6 mm. Match the rope to the scale before you make a metre of it — see the thickness guide.

DIY kit or pre-assembled?

The pre-assembled kit (€239) is ready out of the box. The DIY kit (€179) is the same machine as a flat-pack for makers who'd rather build their own tools. Both are hand-built in Tallinn, Estonia.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes — worldwide shipping, and we answer our own email from the workshop that builds the machines.