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  1. #1
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    Is this a disaster waiting?

    I had an idea last night in the midst of an insomnia attack.

    EDIT: DOES NOT WORK, DO NOT TRY!

    The end product is an almost-gathered-end, double layer, 7'x3' (I'm short). I suppose the dimensions can be scaled to whatever you like, and the material could be just about anything. The scale/plans are not the real important part. The bit I'm wondering about, are the ends of the hammock. Would it be possible to braid some paracord together into a large loop, with a smaller loop at the end to hang from some tree huggers? Its not the woopie-sling suspension most of us like, but would it hold everything up without causing ridges or tearing the nylon to shreds? The paracord would be pushed through the channel, and then just kinda left alone. The ends of the channel probably need to be a higher strength of fabric though. Otherwise the weight being put on the edges might be too much for it to hold. I could be wrong though, I've been known to do that from time to time.

    EDIT: The reason I chose 7x3 is because I have a hammock that size, and I thought making a smaller one would cut back on the weight. I did not know paracord would stretch out over time. I thought I could braid the rope the same way survival bracelets are made but into a lopsided figure eight. I tried this design with some spare fabric earlier today, and it did shred the edges once weight was applied. if your not sure how the channels are supposed to work, the idea came from a byer hammock. but with just one main cord coming out the sides, instead of several smaller cords.



    Last edited by linksgard2; 08-07-2012 at 17:59. Reason: does not work

  2. #2
    Senior Member Beast 71's Avatar
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    Sorry I'm not envisioning your idea, but the reason hangers stay away from para-cord is that it stretches under constant load. Most opt for a low/no stretch option like Amsteel or Dyneema. I hope that helps.

  3. #3
    Senior Member WetRivrRat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by linksgard2 View Post
    {...} I need some of you hammock engineers to call me an idiot.
    I'm no hammock engineer, but.... I could oblige you if you so demand

    Quote Originally Posted by linksgard2 View Post
    {...} braid some paracord together into a large loop {...}
    I'm gonna assume you're just referring to rope in general and that you're aware of the impact of your decision to use this subpar product

    Quote Originally Posted by linksgard2 View Post
    {...} Would it be possible to braid some paracord together into a large loop, with a smaller loop at the end to hang from some tree huggers? Its not the woopie-sling suspension most of us like, but would it hold everything up without causing ridges or tearing the nylon to shreds? The paracord would be pushed through the channel, and then just kinda left alone. The ends of the channel probably need to be a higher strength of fabric though. Otherwise the weight being put on the edges might be too much for it to hold. {...}
    Maybe I'm the idiot, and I'm missing the forest because of the trees here, but how are you intending on finishing the channels? Maybe, it would help if you had a sketch indicating your finished channel it would help understand your concern.

    Good luck on your journey
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  4. #4
    Senior Member avalonmorn's Avatar
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    Your post and diagram shows that you have been thinking about hammocks, that's good. Your concerns:
    #1 paracord - don't do it (from my experience)
    #2 end channels of hammock- you are almost there

    allow extra in lenth of fabric to turn ends down at least 5 inches for a 2 inch channel-after turning, run 3 rows of stitching from 1/4 to 1/2 inches apart, and that will strengthen the ends, I used 1" wide poly webbing to run thru my channels, gathered ends to my satisfaction, then overlapped about 4 inches, and stitched several rows of zigzags
    Use leftover webbing for tree straps, and do yourself a favor, order whoopies from one of our members. If you have a garage full of paracord, make survival bracelets, sell on Ebay, and buy whoopies.....easier by far, and much safer. Keep on dreaming, who knows, someday you will become a hammock engineer.


    Crazy Hammock Lady

  5. #5
    Senior Member Pipsissewa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WetRivrRat View Post
    ...I'm gonna assume you're just referring to rope in general and that you're aware of the impact of your decision to use this subpar product
    I wouldn't call paracord "subpar". It's designed to stretch so that it absorbs the force of a paratrooper's weight yanking on the end when his parachute deploys. It simply isn't suited to hammock hanging for this reason.

    Linksgard2: It sounds like you're describing a continuous loop suspension where a loop of cordage (amsteel or dyneema if weight is an issue) is run through the end channel. Most folks form a lark's head with the two ends of the loop, then use a carabiner or other fastener to continue on with the suspension. Maybe I'm not understanding your "ah HAH!" moment...

    Doubling up the fabric to form your channels is always a good idea. Best of luck to you!!
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  6. #6
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    At 7' long you had best be very short. Otherwise you will find it too short to be comfortable. What I am having trouble with is the concept of an "almost gathered end" hammock. It sounds as though you are wanting/expecting the channels to remain somewhat open and wider at the ends. In my experience such a result would not happen unless you made a portion of the channels a solid tube so the fabric did not mash up from the load. Alternately, use spreader bars to hold the ends apart. In that case you would be better off using a bridge design. That would allow you to use a much short fabric length. 3' is also very narrow for a gathered end. You would have a very difficult time getting a comfortable flat diagonal lie at that width. Another reason to consider the bridge.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

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  7. #7
    Senior Member avalonmorn's Avatar
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    http://www.theshipinabottle.com/products/Hammocks.htm

    Well I'll be danged, I stand corrected......uses for the paracord.


    Crazy Hammock Lady

  8. #8
    SilvrSurfr's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by avalonmorn View Post
    http://www.theshipinabottle.com/products/Hammocks.htm

    Well I'll be danged, I stand corrected......uses for the paracord.
    Match up those paracord toggle ropes with ENO slap straps for a supremely stretchy suspension, almost guaranteed to find yourself on the ground. I do wonder, however, if paracord stretch in minimized by braiding.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Knotty's Avatar
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    7'x3' isn't likely to work for anything other than a small child. If you want a cheap, quick, easy, no-sew hammock, look into ordering from tableclothsfactory.com.

    For more info, see this thread.
    Knotty
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  10. #10
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    if you have a garage full of paracord, make survival bracelets, sell on Ebay
    Its funner to make these with my garage full of paracord.
    http://www.instructables.com/id/Mult...-in-a-Nalgene/

    Linksgard2: It sounds like you're describing a continuous loop suspension where a loop of cordage (amsteel or dyneema if weight is an issue) is run through the end channel.
    That was my idea exactly.

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