Mini-spreader bar on End Channel Hammock

[Pipsissewa]

...I keep going back to the purpose of a spreader bar is to spread and hold the fabric. The closer the hammock rides against the spreader, the better it keeps the hammock open... .

I *think* a short arc is desirable... .

Yeah, I agree with OG on this. I think the arc in the fabric created by the dowel is the equivalent of pulling the corners out a little bit from a whipped end. I think the dowel spreading the fabric helps too, but eliminating the arc is not going to be an improvement---I predict. Will be interested in reading about Rockdawg's experiements... .

[Rockdawg69]

Okay, so here are the pics of both rigs, one on each end for test purposes. I am using 12-inch amsteel loops thru the bars as they were already available. The end with the holes in the dowel was equi-laterally balanced. The slotted end was not.

Definitely there must be a locking system to stabilize the bar. Tried the dowel inside the fabric channel - no arc; and outside the channel - with shallow arc. Also tried one dowel with holes and one with end slots. Slotted dowels need deep slots, at least 3/4s of an inch to leave some room on the ends for a locking line. First pic in each set is with no load. Second pic is loaded.

Test end with the dowel inside the channel was spread full width of the dowel before it slipped. No calf ridge. Test end with dowel outside was tighter on the inside but no noticeable calf ridge. Definitely better than the hammock without a spreader. This being a switchback, you can rotate end-to-end while inside and have about the same lay. So it was easy to get a look at both ends to see what was happening with the different setups.

Can't remember who had the idea with the slotted dowel but that design using two(2) separate lines with opposing connections to the dowel appears to be a more stable method since the dowel can't slip in either direction.

Back to the drawing board for me on mini-spreader bars.

[Rockdawg69]

In my one test using NewHanger's method, the fabric stayed about as close as it could get to the bar (touching it) and it stayed spread out over 90% of the loop. My holes were spaced 5" apart and the two lines forming the other two sides of the triangle were also 5", forming an equilateral triangle. The bar did not ride up at all into the triangle.

I think his method might be the ticket. Also this would allow for quick setup and disconnect. See my test discussion this date.

In deference to OG, this could be done with holes in the dowel rod so that the amount of wine partaken would have no impact once safely ensconced in the hammock.

[MAD777]

We all do realize that we need to petition Dutch, when he returns from Sweden, to fabricate titanium dowels for all of us!

[Knotty]

Been away from the forum for a while (new job) and was hoping something new was happening. Looks like this is it. Hope I can find the time to start experimenting with the rest of you.

[Redoleary]

Nice work Rockdawg! Thanks for sharing.

[Rockdawg69]

Nice work Rockdawg! Thanks for sharing.

Afraid there is more to do. Thanks for making us think!!!!!!!!!

[^shane^]

I have had a lot of wine...compensate accordingly.

Like Knotty, I've been away for a while too... and have fought through this whole thread this evening... and I find myself wondering "Can this really make a Switchback better?" Really? Guess there is something else to try.

Dave, I did enjoy the quote though...

[Loki]

We all do realize that we need to petition Dutch, when he returns from Sweden, to fabricate titanium dowels for all of us!

Yes Yes! Dutch-Dowels?

[oldgringo]

We all do realize that we need to petition Dutch, when he returns from Sweden, to fabricate titanium dowels for all of us!

I looked at this. Aluminum tubing may be a better choice, even if cost were no object. I'll be sniffing around to see what I can find.