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  1. #1
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    First DIY bridge with dynaglide

    So my second foray into the DIY world (the first being a simple gathered end).
    Feel free to critique any aspect other than my thread injection (which blows, I know...perhaps my new screen name should be "Loose Threads" or "Wandering Stitch" )
    Thank you to Grizz and TeeDee for the many tutorials. Thanks to WV for the help with splicing tools. Thanks for everyone else who has previously posted their DIY bridges for the inspiration. Thanks to Shug, just for the entertainment.

    Materials:
    3yd 1.9oz/yd olive ripstop (Speer)
    50' dynaglide (AHE)
    4 sections 0.625 aluminum poles with endtips (Quest Outfitters)
    2 6' tree straps cannibalized from an all-in-one suspension (Whoopieslings)
    4 short lengths of 1/2" grosgrain (also from Quest)

    Dimensions:
    44"-32"-44" (7" sidecuts on catenary curve)
    85" length
    Poles 36"
    Suspension triagle 36" pole to apex

    Suspension:
    Dynaglide throughout. Entirely spliced. No additional hardware except a tear drop thingy on the tree straps from the Whoopieslings.com All-In-One (probably don't need this). See splice diagram. Each side of the suspension was spliced to the other at the suspension triangle apex. 7" lengths of dynaglide were spliced into suspension to form loops for the spreader bar ends. Whoopies were spliced in at both ends.

    No endcaps were put on the hammock body for two reasons: One, I didn't see the need. Two, I was being lazy, and despite Grizz's attempt at showing me his origami ends...well, lets just go with reason #1.

    Final weight:
    Body + suspension = 10.5oz
    Spreader bars = 10oz
    Me = 3120oz (+/-) and 6'1" tall.

    Pros:
    Fairly light, especially compared to my Chrysalis
    Comfortable, especially with pad
    No hardware to lose except dutch clips
    Wide open views
    Dynaglide makes a nice twang when strummed under tension.

    Cons:
    Light weight makes me nervous regarding strength--but it held me with no problems--yet.
    Stitching needs work (and how!)
    Splices not the prettiest (first time spicing!)
    I think I would not do an all-in-one suspension next time--will probably leave tree straps separate and use marlin spike hitches.
    A little tippy compared to the Chrysalis (my only other bridge comparison). Not sure what to change. Any suggestions?

    Pictures:
    1. Splice diagram (Yes I know I spelled triangle wrong on the diagram. Thanks)
    2. Hammock with old Camp Rest pad + sleeping bag
    3. End view
    4. Close up of spreader bar spliced loop + grosgrain (and loose threads, I KNOW!)
    5. Opposite end, much the same as #4.
    6. Splice at suspension triangle apex.
    7. Whoopie connection to tree strap.
    8. Splice where suspension triangle tail (left) meets whoopie tail (up)
    9. Anybody remember Snow Lion products out of Berkley? This down bag was my Dads. Still warm after nearly 40 years.

    She may not be pretty, but she's a pretty good...hang.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by BER; 04-01-2011 at 12:02.

  2. #2
    Member ishmael's Avatar
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    So lemme get this straight. You have dynaglide running the whole circumference of the hammock? The sides just have channels sewn in them to contain the dynaglide that continues to become the suspension on each end, correct?

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by ishmael View Post
    So lemme get this straight. You have dynaglide running the whole circumference of the hammock? The sides just have channels sewn in them to contain the dynaglide that continues to become the suspension on each end, correct?
    Yup. Two 25' lengths. Each makes a whoopie and runs one side of the hammock and is spliced into the other length of dynaglide at the apex of the opposite suspension triangle.

  4. #4
    Senior Member wildcrafter's Avatar
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    i love it that doesnt look to complicated except getting the splice loops in the same location on both sides.
    welcome to planet earth no one gets out alive

  5. #5
    Senior Member WV's Avatar
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    Nice job, Ber. I haven't been brave enough to try a bridge yet.
    Quote Originally Posted by BER View Post
    Dynaglide throughout. Entirely spliced. No additional hardware except a tear drop thingy on the tree straps from the Whoopieslings.com
    It's also called a thimble. Is it a 1/8" size? Does it shift at all when you adjust the whoopie? It looks like it will prevent abrasion of the tree strap loops - good idea.
    A little tippy compared to the Chrysalis (my only other bridge comparison).
    I'll send your Chrysalis back so you can do a side-by side comparison. It may just be a little difference in the sag angle. Not sure what to change. Any suggestions? Structural ridge line? The breezes coming in those open ends may make you tackle origami.
    Again, well done. How long are the buries for the loops at the pole ends?
    "Stitching? I see no stitching."

  6. #6
    Dutch's Avatar
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    Very nicely done Ber
    Peace Dutch
    GA>ME 2003

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  7. #7
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    Sweet man, very sweet! I don't see anything wrong with it!!!
    "yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift---thats why its called a present" - Master Oogway
    It's always best if your an early riser!

  8. #8
    Senior Member lmoseley7's Avatar
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    Why Dynaglide

    I think Grizz mentions using tubular webbing for suspension along the body of the bridge fabric and I saw recently in a post where he expressed surprise at someone using mule tape for a bridge and not having problems. I'm not sure what tubular webbing is or how it is different from regular webbing but I wonder why you chose to use dynaglide? Seems it would be easier than trying to sew through webbing of any type for that length and would have the added benefit of being replaceable which is nice. I just wonder what the bridge-gurus have to say about it.

  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    Good job!

    The splices for the pole end tips are a really cool idea.

    Using all dynaglide suspension is a great idea and makes for a really light bridge hammock. I was afraid the dynaglide would cut through the hammock fabric, but it does not seem to be a problem.

    The end caps are a pain, but I just made a pattern for each end by tracing the shape onto cardboard and adding seam/hem allowances. I find this method easier than trying to figure it out mathematically.

    Enjoy your "bridge to contentment".

    Happy Trails

  10. #10
    Senior Member Fronkey's Avatar
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    Great job man!

    Fronkey

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