The project will see him forge a captain’s sea chest from the last remaining piece of decking saved from the 1920s battleship, which played a pivotal role during World War II. The creation will then be gifted to the Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth.
To complete the project, Mr Deeming will use 19th century building techniques, assisted by Starrett’s precision hand tools. As part of its sponsorship of the project, Starrett has donated a 14MD millimetre reading double steel square with three graduated blades, and two combination squares, one with a 150mm satin chrome rule and one with a 300mm satin chrome rule.
“Starrett was my first port of call when embarking on this project,” explained Mr Deeming. “Having experience with its hand measurement tools in the past, I know they are manufacturing to the highest levels of quality and precision – essential factors in this once-in-a-lifetime project to restore a piece of historical decking into a new heirloom for the Royal Navy.
“Having studied boat building at the International Boat Building College in Suffolk, I couldn’t surpass the opportunity to create something of such historical significance – and Starrett’s generosity has been gratefully welcomed.”
“Starrett’s hand tools are created for use by contractors, designers and hobbyists alike and it’s always interesting to hear the new and exciting ways our tools are being used,” noted John Cove, marketing manager at Starrett. “The project will give a piece of history a new lease of life, which Campbell hopes to see passed down the Navy for generations to come.
“The team at Starrett wish Campbell the best of luck in his endeavour and we’re looking forward to seeing the finished product.”
The three-month project is being documented by Scottish Television and the BBC to give viewers a greater insight into the history of the decking and the craftsmanship of the project to create the sea chest. Further details of the precision measurement tools Starrett has donated can be found on the company's website.
Starrett www.starrett.co.uk
