Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: After a Month

  1. #1
    Senior Member Grinder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    winter haven, florida
    Hammock
    DIY double layer
    Tarp
    Guide Gear
    Insulation
    Pad or DIY quilt
    Suspension
    rings and strap
    Posts
    755
    Images
    19

    After a Month

    I've been dabbling in hanging for about a month. For the sake of present and future Newbies, I will summarize my learning curve.

    For a long time (years) I have been visiting Sgt Rock's site, I found it through an interest in alcolhol stoves. The cat stove (two cat food tins plus labor) is what got me there. But the hammock section caught my interest.Particulatily the Hennessy.

    I monitored Ebay for months, but the Hennessy's always sold for over $100 plus S&H. That seemed like a bit much for a whim. A month ago, I found Risk's site with the test hammock directions.

    I made one out of polyester fabric and tried to sleep in it. I couldn't do it. Between shoulder squeeze and the basic banana position I was done after three hours.

    Then I found the forums and started to ask. More sag, you said. That helped.

    Then someone found the Byer Mosquito Traveler on sale for $20. I bought one and after experimenting, I could finally sleep through the night. But---
    Like all deals, it wasn't quite perfect. The Byers stretch with every use. I kept waking up with my butt on the ground. The folks here suggested ridge lines. They worked to a point. But, after a while, it took up an unequal set..

    I refreshed my sewing machine skills.

    It was terrible at first, but Jeff and others helped me debug my materials and technique.

    Then I tried to modify my test hammock, but didn't hem it first. It ripped when I tested it.

    I finally found the WalMart $1 area. With #50 Machine Quilting thread, heavy duty SINGER needles and bargain bin nylon ,I made a second hammock

    Since sag and length seemed to contribute to comfort, I made it big. I used 4 yards of nylon and full width (58 inches) Hemmed it, tied it and hung it.

    Now I can finally lie flat. With the above average diagonal I lie at, I begin to understand why the Hennessy's need side tie outs. As you get in and move to the sides, it feels like you are going to roll over and out. Once you are in position, there is really no risk of falling. The tie outs would hold the edge out and eliminate this sensation.

    I may experiment with asymmetric cuts next.

    I need to get off the back porch and into the woods for a real world test too.

    That's coming soon.

    Just thought I'd share my experience. I Hope it helps someone.

    Tom

  2. #2
    Senior Member Arkwater's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Arkansas
    Hammock
    DIY Bridge
    Tarp
    DIY cat diamond
    Insulation
    DIY down UQ & OQ
    Posts
    234
    Images
    19
    Nice Article! Should be encouraging to new hangers.

  3. #3
    Senior Member titanium_hiker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    The Wimmera, Australia
    Hammock
    DIY speer type
    Tarp
    OES Maccat
    Insulation
    JRB Nest+ORM
    Suspension
    Webbing + Slings
    Posts
    726
    Images
    18
    congrats! Sounds a bit like my first hammocking attempts.

    TH
    my hammock gear weights total: 2430g (~86oz)
    Winter: total 2521 (~89oz)
    (see my profile for detailed weights)

    gram counter, not gram weenie!

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    New Orleans, LA
    Posts
    3,554
    Images
    57
    Keep with it. I am switching to a homemade from the HH. I spent 2 nights in it and multiple other hangs. I'm still tweeking it. That's half the fun.

    I started a thread on the asym cut here and Arkwater started one on folding it. I am going to make one once I either finish this hammock or decide it isn't cutting it. I made one out of cotton that felt pretty good. I started with 14 feet of fabric, then cut the angles shown. I figured the weight would only be an oz or 2 more than the standard speer.

    Let us know what you come up with.

  • + New Posts
  • Similar Threads

    1. Hanging with a 3 month old?
      By nomoore in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 18
      Last Post: 11-04-2014, 15:17
    2. 48 nights in 13 month
      By ba02 in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 08-29-2014, 19:07
    3. Made my MONTH!
      By Likeapuma in forum Warbonnet Hammocks
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 04-24-2013, 23:15
    4. Not even a month and DIY strikes!
      By AT4ever in forum Fabrics
      Replies: 15
      Last Post: 05-01-2012, 13:49
    5. Busy Month for DIY or My First Hammock Rig
      By lustreking in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 6
      Last Post: 05-09-2011, 16:08

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •