Any pointers on Cat Cuts?

[hk2001]

I've always had a problem working with sil, and tarps.. but I'm determined to overcome it, and crank out a hex tarp.

So my first question is: what is the easiest way to do Cat cuts? I've heard of using a string.. but how do you do it? table? wall? floor?

How spot on do the curves need to be to work?

[chickenwing]

Make sure you hold the cat firmly by the scruff of the neck. I would also suggest wearing gloves because those jokers will try to bite and scratch you when they realize what you are about to do to them.

j/k

Just take it slow. Here is a video I did for cutting cats on silnylon.

[gmcttr]

... I've heard of using a string.. but how do you do it?...

I've made cardboard templates in the past using string. Draw a straight line the length of the cat cut and place pins at the end points, measure down in the center and place a mark for the depth of the cat cut, hang string from the pins and lower it to the depth mark and mark the curve with a series of points.

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Several members have used a piece of plastic pipe and a string to create a bow to form the curve. This would have the advantage of being used to directly mark the fabric without having to make a template.

[BrianWillan]

I've always had a problem working with sil, and tarps.. but I'm determined to overcome it, and crank out a hex tarp.

So my first question is: what is the easiest way to do Cat cuts? I've heard of using a string.. but how do you do it? table? wall? floor?

How spot on do the curves need to be to work?

Fronkey did a video on how to make a sil hex tarp with cat cuts. He covers how to do the cat curve using the string on a wall method.

[OutandBack]

Catcuts save weight and help keep the syl tight when pitched but don't go overboard or
you will really lose coverage at the ends in a windy rain.
Good luck.

[Mouseskowitz]

I've done the string and cardboard method and the bow method. They both work well although the bow method seemed easier to me if you don't have a helper. I used a Nanolite pole instead of PVC.
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