Sources and Information for Traditional Hardware?

[Jak Mang]

I have a 1936 Alden cutter that needs new rigging. It is currently rigged with swaged wire and bronze turnbuckles on the shrouds and bowsprit. The rig has been "patched" haphazardly by different people over time.

I have been searching the net and have not found many suppliers for deadeyes and solid thimbles. There are one or two offshore sites with very limited selections. Port Townsend Foundry has some thimbles: http://www.porttownsendfoundry.com/id62.htm

Beyond the hardware itself, I'm also looking for sources of information on the appropriate selection of these components for loads and rope sizes. The Arts of the Sailor http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/048...lance&n=283155
has some information on setup, but not much on design. The Rigger's Apprentice discusses eye splices for thimbles and deadeyes.

Would it be better to stick with turnbuckles rather than lanyards?

Some local riggers that I have talked to seem very opposed to replacing wire standing rigging with rope and traditional hardware. I know this is not a dead art, but it seems to be very weak. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-jak