Euler
Hi there,
Dear Mr. Euler, some years ago, demonstrated the behavior of columns under compression. He probably didn't have sailboat masts in mind, but because of him we know that keel-stepped masts can be a lot lighter -- not just a nudge, Ian -- than deck-stepped ones. For more on this, stand by for an article I'm preparing on rig tune for wooden boats. Meanwhile, I think Ian is otherwise correct; you want the partners to be working with the mast's energy, in order to stiffen it in the lower panel.
Spartite is indeed my favorite wedge material, partly because it is resilient, and won't put localized stresses on the mast, partly because it allows you to put the mast right where you want it, even if the partners are off-center, and partly because it is usually much cheaper than custom wedges to accomplish the same thing. Plus it is fun, kind of like pre-school playtime, as it involves modelling clay, foam, and masking tape, in addition to pouring thick blue liquid.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
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