First DIY Tarp - Courtesy of Ripstopbytheroll

**MAD777** · 07-15-2014, 14:57

I think that's a great looking Tarp. Plus, you're not going good to lose it out in the woods!

I started with scissors but got smart and bought a rotary cutter. It changed my DIY life! I bought a sheet of 1/8" thick plastic from US Plastics to cut on (lots cheaper than those cutting mats).

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-15-2014, 15:02

Originally Posted by MAD777

I started with scissors but got smart and bought a rotary cutter. It changed my DIY life! I bought a sheet of 1/8" thick plastic from US Plastics to cut on (lots cheaper than those cutting mats).

I was eyeballing those rotary cutters. They look sharp!

**MAD777** · 07-15-2014, 15:07

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

I was eyeballing those rotary cutters. They look sharp!

Ha! They are!
Professionals wear a metal chainmail glove on their other hand when cutting.
On the other hand, I choose to live dangerously. Wait! What other hand!

**overthinker** · 07-15-2014, 15:09

That's a slick looking tarp, and the grey thread looks better than red would have IMO.

I've got an Oware tarp that color - wait for your first sunrise in that thing, the light coming through really makes for a colorful morning!

**FJRpilot** · 07-15-2014, 15:10

Did you cat cut the ridge line?

**yooz85** · 07-15-2014, 15:10

Originally Posted by MAD777

I think that's a great looking Tarp. Plus, you're not going good to lose it out in the woods!

I started with scissors but got smart and bought a rotary cutter. It changed my DIY life! I bought a sheet of 1/8" thick plastic from US Plastics to cut on (lots cheaper than those cutting mats).

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

I was eyeballing those rotary cutters. They look sharp!

The rotary cutters are the way to go, it makes cutting so much easier and getting a straight line a breeze.

**Mouseskowitz** · 07-15-2014, 15:37

Rotary cutters do make life easier. This is the mat I got. They're not the cheapest things ever, but all the lines can make squaring things up a little quicker.

**RedStix** · 07-15-2014, 15:39

That tarp sure does look nice. Great work! This is definitely on my list of things to do.

RedStix

**ripstopbytheroll** · 07-16-2014, 00:54

Well is this is your first tarp, I sure can't tell it! Looks absolutely great man! This is my first time actually seeing a tarp in the crimson sil, so it's exciting. Congrats on a job well done!

**ripstopbytheroll** · 07-16-2014, 01:08

I did want to bring up one thing for discussion regarding the ridgeline. I know one method to avoid the "need" to seam seal is by using grosgrain, but is there anyone using just a bare seam with no seam sealant and good results? Reason I ask is that we use a modified seam on the App Hammock Big-Sil (no grosgrain either) and personally I've never had it leak even though I've never seam sealed one.