CF3 Ordered for DIY Tarp

[MDSH]

Got set up in the garage -- much better!

This DIY project is on the cusp of being worth the trouble. This is very difficult material with which to work.

Kudos to our vendors that offer CF3 tarps for what must be small margins. If someone were to ask me I'd say buy one outright.

My situation allows me to do this now and I'll be happy with the tarp but a man can do better things with his time!

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[craige]

I've been following this thread with interest, can't wait to see the final result!

[MDSH]

Almost there, craige.

If anyone is a perfectionist of any kind then don't try this at home! Finished the long ridge line seam joining the two pieces and already know how to do it better next time, which I dearly hope never happens.

What I'd do differently: put a masking tape backing on the two pieces to be joined because the raw edges are very difficult to line up and handle.

The long board between sawhorses made the process quicker and I'm sure the tarp will work well but it's not pretty and I don't know where that extra 1/4" came from at the far end. ???

Lastly, I'll attach the tab loops and, Lord willing, pitch it before dark for pictures.

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[MDSH]

Asymmetrical mode, nice room under there, high and breezy:



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[FireInMyBones]

That looks great! Did you hem the edge or leave it raw?

[ciphoto]

Very nice...

[MDSH]

That looks great! Did you hem the edge or leave it raw?

Thanks!

I left it raw. This material would not cut with a brand new pair of Fiskars scissors so didn't see the need to hem. I'll find out, eh?

Very nice...

Thanks, ciphoto! It was a bear, I learned a lot doing it, and am happy with the results.

I've decided to change out the guy line adjusters and will need to work on the suspension system. Using minibiners now but dejoha's method along with some Dutchware looks like a great solution to integrate.

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[FLRider]

Looks great!

As far as the adjustment system goes, I'm a fan of having LineLocs at the tarp for the guylines; they allow you to adjust the tarp in the rain without getting anything more'n your hands wet. They make things heavier (need 1/8" cord instead of some of the lighter, smaller ones), but are worth it in my opinion.

For the tree attachment, I like a CRL--pretty much for convenience. YMMV here, though.

Hope it helps!

[MDSH]

Looks great!

As far as the adjustment system goes, I'm a fan of having LineLocs at the tarp for the guylines; they allow you to adjust the tarp in the rain without getting anything more'n your hands wet. They make things heavier (need 1/8" cord instead of some of the lighter, smaller ones), but are worth it in my opinion.

For the tree attachment, I like a CRL--pretty much for convenience. YMMV here, though.

Hope it helps!

Thanks, Rider!

Yes, adjusting from under the tarp makes a lot of sense. Didn't think of that. I suppose tensioners (already ordered) can be mounted at the tarp end so that I get less wet? Yes, a CRL makes a nice place to hang things. Is that what you meant?

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[FLRider]

Thanks, Rider!

Yes, adjusting from under the tarp makes a lot of sense. Didn't think of that. I suppose tensioners (already ordered) can be mounted at the tarp end so that I get less wet? Yes, a CRL makes a nice place to hang things. Is that what you meant?

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They should be able to be mounted at the tarp--it depends on what kind you bought. If they're like a Dutch Fly or a Nite-Ize Figure-9, it shouldn't be a problem. Another option is to put Prusik or Klemheist knots on the tie-outs, and then run the guyline from them down to the stake (less weight, but also slightly more trouble to initially set up and then adjust, particularly with the smaller diameter cords).

The CRL is so that the tarp is easy to put up; I just clip one end using a mini 'biner and then tie off the other end with a round turn and slippery half-hitch combo. The tarp is attached to the CRL with a pair of Klemheist knots and adjusts back and forth on the CRL without any real tying or untying required. Also, it lets me use Velcro cable ties to bundle the tarp up (similar to a snake skin, but they allow the tarp to breathe more in my opinion, speeding dry time), since the ties attach to the CRL and then go around the tarp. And, yes, it's a great place to hang wet stuff to dry, as well.

Hope it helps!