First tarp underway...

**Vincebus** · 07-21-2013, 05:50

Well, an attempt at putting together my first tarp has begun.

The 1/2's were cut to length, ridgeline is done (although I think I went a little over-board on the seam). All the edges are hemmed and started working on the reinforced tie-downs last night. After the reinforcements and webbing have been added, i'm thinking this is gonna be a pretty rock-solid tarp! It's just a simple rectangular design from coated silnylon @ roughly 10x7 (final), that I found at Wallyworld for $2/yd. Next step will be to seal the ridgeline and other necessary areas.

I will say this, the required effort to put this thing together is something I hadn't expected. The hammock I put together a couple months ago seemed a good deal easier. I certianly now have a healthy respect for anyone that does this for a living... Not easy by any stretch of the imagination! Gonna work on it some more this evening. The reinforced areas and poly webbing are taking a while to do (so much thread injecting for each one)...

**Vincebus** · 07-29-2013, 09:38

so, managed to get some more work done this weekend on the tarp. got the last remaining three reinforced corners done. made 2 more reinforced areas at the mid point of either side with loops. in the picture it shows the tarp just draped over top of the ridgeline. I have since install the necessary loops at either end of the ridgeline. started the process of waterproofing the ridgeline last night. Got the entire Ridgeline completed. Also waterproof the end seems about halfway down the tarp. not sure if I should seal the rest of the seams or call it's good.any suggestions? Sorry about the sideways picture...

**belro** · 07-29-2013, 09:41

Originally Posted by Vincebus

so, managed to get some more work done this weekend on the tarp. got the last remaining three reinforced corners done. made 2 more reinforced areas at the mid point of either side with loops. in the picture it shows the tarp just draped over top of the ridgeline. I have since install the necessary loops at either end of the ridgeline. started the process of waterproofing the ridgeline last night. Got the entire Ridgeline completed. Also waterproof the end seems about halfway down the tarp. not sure if I should seal the rest of the seams or call it's good.any suggestions? Sorry about the sideways picture...

Looks good! The only seam you really need to seal is the ridge line. It's purely to keep water from dripping through, not really for protecting the stitches or anything. Polyester thread is okay to get wet. You probably wouldn't want to waterproof anything else as it'll just add weight and add to the drying time.

**Vincebus** · 07-29-2013, 09:56

I didn't think I really needed to go any further...

Thanks

**FLScouthanger** · 07-29-2013, 10:38

Looks good vince! When is the test drive scheduled for?

**Vincebus** · 07-29-2013, 10:59

Well, if all goes good with the waterproofing, i'm gonna try to hang this weekend or next week one night and see what happens.

**Vincebus** · 08-01-2013, 07:49

Another update, seems as though I have a little more sealing to do but, with that said, it's almost done!! I hung the tarp this morning since it was lightly raining and it's got a few spots that need touched up but, all in all, water is beading and rolling-off like it should be...

Stoked to get out on my first hang!!!

Woot!

**belro** · 08-01-2013, 20:05

That looks great!

**Grapenut** · 08-02-2013, 20:06

Looking Good! Just made one recently for my Brother-in-law and another for my neighbor and I totally agree with you...the tarp takes a lot longer than the hammock does, and the cottage industry folks have my respect!

G-Nut