How much amsteel will I need?

[mikewithe]

I am new to hammocking (haven't even had my first hang yet) but when I do something, I go all the way... I'm weird like that.

Anyway, I am headed over to my local west marine today to pick up some 1/8th amsteel blue. I need to make two sets of woopie slings and two ridge lines (one for a skeeter beeter, and one for a skeeter beeter pro). Can someone tell me how much I will need? Also, is there anything else that is useful for hammocking that can be found in a marine supply store that I should grab while I'm there?

Thanks!

PS
Wow, after proofreading that I realize I am asking you guys to make me a shopping list. Oh well... Sorry 'bout that.

[angrysparrow]

Most whoopie slings are 13-15ft per sling before splicing.

For the ridgeline figure 83% of the hammock fabric length, plus some extra for the buries....around 9 feet depending on the hammock.

[fred1diver]

just buy a 100ft of 7/64th and you'll be good
it all depends on the length of the woopies you want to make and the range you actually want them to be adjustable
same for the RL how long do you want them to be, add an extra foot or so on either ends and you can fine tune them!
but be aware amsteel is very addictive, so buy the 100ft if you can!

IMO 1/8 is WAY overkill for hammocking!
FRED

[packeagle]

Need More Information.

How long do you want the WS to be? (distance from tree to hammock)


When I do mine I figure on a locked brummel to take up ~7inches. 1 inch for the loop and a 6 in bury.

Plus 2x the length i want the sling to be.

So If i wanted a 6 foot whoopie sling i would use 12' 7" of amsteel per whoopie.

[hiker_DC]

That all depends on how long you think you need the whoopie slings to be. These PDF instructions on sling construction also talk about cut lengths of rope for a given finished product length. Buy lots!!! Any extra left over could be used to make some soft shackles and/or nacrabiners. I've made both using 1/8" amsteel.

[olzeke]

How much Amsteel? That is like asking us how many hammocks, or TQs, or... I figure the 350 ft I bought recently will last me a while, but not forever. I would advise you to buy as much as you can, in many colors. That way, you will always have some on hand for that project that pops up. 100 ft increments seems about right.

[IRONFISH45]

Thanks folks, I was having a big debate on how much to buy, I think I will start with the100 ft. work from there.

[chickenwing]

Once you start messing with amsteel and splicing, you will never have enough.

[Caveman]

I agree with what the others have said. You really can't have too much.

[Acer]

Learn to splice the 7/64,,with very small wire,,or even a big sewing needle to run thru center of it,,dull the tip of the needle. You will be weight savings ahead,,and less money spent than using the 1/8th,,