Lessons learned from using Technora for my first Whoopie Sling

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12-03-2012, 16:43
GeezerScouter

Lessons learned from using Technora for my first Whoopie Sling

1. You guys are amazing. The 'stuff' you have figured out in order to produce the suspension systems and replacements for metal fixtures is great...

2. Technora will remove your finger prints. As I've been using a home made fid to open up the rope and then milking buries, I found that I've rubbed the skin off my finger tips.

3. Technora doesn't fuse. Not even with a blow torch. You whip it, tape it, or shrink wrap it. Dyneema fuses really nice with a blow torch....

4. Related to #3, Scotch tape works a lot better than masking tape. Masking tape has a much higher coefficient of friction. I was not able to pull masking tape through a bury. If I had a real fid, maybe I could....

5. This is addictive - after making a 6' whoopie, I realized I might also need a 3' whoopie. I've still got to go back and make a second 6' whoopie. I'll have to wait a few days for my fingers to heal. I could even modify a whoopie to use as continous ridge line (I might need intervention).

6. I also realized I have a tendency to buy in larger quantities than I actually need. Perhaps the 1000' foot of Technora was a bit much. I'm sure I'll eventually use the 300' of 3/16" Dyneema somewhere (he didn't have any 7/64th - but that is another story).

7. My #2 son isn't impressed. Since I'm a Geezer as well as his father, he doesn't pay any attention to my ranting. I'll get the other scouts and leaders into replacing their hardware with slings and nacrabiners. I'll let them get him hooked on counting the ounces in order to save pounds on a hike. The #1 son gets back from college next week. I'll start working on him to replace the hardware on his ENO. Between the three of us, I might make a dent in the 1000' of Technora.

Now I just need to get a hammock so I can actually use some of this stuff on it.

GeezerScouter
12-03-2012, 16:48
fluffythecat87

All that work, and no hammock, tisk tisk.
12-03-2012, 20:59
Borday

Magna fabrics will sell you a 1000 yard roll of ripstop............ I didn't say that:rolleyes:
12-03-2012, 21:21
MDSH

LOL So funny!
12-03-2012, 21:47
gmcttr

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeezerScouter

...2. Technora will remove your finger prints. As I've been using a home made fid to open up the rope and then milking buries, I found that I've rubbed the skin off my finger tips...

I suggest you start using a wire folded in half to pull the buries through instead of the method you are using. It's faster and will end your skin lose.

Here's a couple of links demonstrating the method. I used a loop turner in these, but a wire folded in half works exactly the same. Just insert the rope in the "eye" of the folded wire instead of the hook on the loop turner.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...77&postcount=9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMj9dvdJNEc
12-03-2012, 22:24
Jtupnsmoke

Gmcttr, what thickness amsteel is that? I've found it nearly impossible to use that method with 7/64". Ive found the easiest method is to use a quilting needle and tape the rope to the tapered end of the needle, then pull through.
12-03-2012, 22:38
dragon360

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jtupnsmoke

Gmcttr, what thickness amsteel is that? I've found it nearly impossible to use that method with 7/64". Ive found the easiest method is to use a quilting needle and tape the rope to the tapered end of the needle, then pull through.

I've used a folded wire for as small as 1.75 zing-it with little difficulty.
12-03-2012, 23:09
gmcttr

2 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jtupnsmoke

Gmcttr, what thickness amsteel is that? I've found it nearly impossible to use that method with 7/64". Ive found the easiest method is to use a quilting needle and tape the rope to the tapered end of the needle, then pull through.

It's 7/64".:D I started out using your method and found it to be a pain.

Using a proper length taper and hooking on at the middle of the taper is key to making it easier to start the bury.

Like Dragon360, I use the loop turner or folded wire down to 1.75 Zing It.

Here's a photo of folded wires (the twist isn't necessary) and 7/64" amsteel with folded wire ready to pull the bury (the "hard way", no taper)...

Attachment 43017 Attachment 43016
12-03-2012, 23:18
ibgary

Loop turner has become my tool of choice. Small wire works just as well, but my wife picks it up and throws it away. I bought a roll of braided mason line. LOL. I cant braid that. Id rather try flossing my teeth with it.
12-04-2012, 02:56
Jtupnsmoke

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmcttr

It's 7/64".:D I started out using your method and found it to be a pain.

Using a proper length taper and hooking on at the middle of the taper is key to making it easier to start the bury.

Like Dragon360, I use the loop turner or folded wire down to 1.75 Zing It.

Here's a photo of folded wires (the twist isn't necessary) and 7/64" amsteel with folded wire ready to pull the bury (the "hard way", no taper)...

Attachment 43017 Attachment 43016

I haven't tried with tapering that far back. I'll have to try that. I think that might just do the trick.

Ibgary, I use a large needle to do the masons line. It is the easiest I've done.
12-04-2012, 09:50
gmcttr

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jtupnsmoke

I haven't tried with tapering that far back...

That much taper is also recommended by Sampson (amsteel's manufacturer) to preserve the strength rating at the transition.