Feedback on new table cloth hammocks

**stryder** · 10-25-2015, 15:03

First Tablecloth hammock. Many thanks to this forum; and Dutch for the non-table cloth pieces.

These were test builds. Hoping to instruct some Venture Scouts on this so please any ideas on how to improve safety, reduce cost (around $25 as shown), improve hammock or easier to teach.

6'3" Kid in hammock:
hammock.jpg

This is the standard 60x126. May not have the 30 degree angle on it, seems tough to get a diagonal lay.

wrapping.jpg
So we did the W gathering and simply whipped it with scrap paracord. The paracord is used for the whipping only - not part of suspension. The 3 stitch hem and zip tie method would be nice but these went together super quick.

amsteel.jpg
I used a long continuous loop of amsteel. I larks headed it into the hammock below the whipping and ran it out to a Dutchware cinch buckle on the tree strap. We were just fooling around so I did not do proper research and found out the hardware yee-olde square knot is not appropriate. A simple overhand know tied with both ends, as shown, seemed to work. Better if I add stopped knots. Better if I use the triple fisherman which seems to be the most recommended. Best would be to learn to splice the amsteel for continuous loop or home made whoopie.

We may move to 2" tree straps. We are sponsored by a nature center and wish to be super kind to their trees. So the cinch buckles may be skipped.

Again - we'd appreciate any thoughts.

John

Parts:
Tablecloth hammock
Tree straps
Cinch buckle
Whipping rope
Amsteel long loop

**stryder** · 10-25-2015, 15:13

I found a photos of cinch buckle set up as well. One was a little slippery so we put a very sloppy stopped knot behind it.

cinch.jpg

**Bubba** · 10-25-2015, 16:45

Originally Posted by stryder

I found a photos of cinch buckle set up as well. One was a little slippery so we put a very sloppy stopped knot behind it.

cinch.jpg

Those buckles tend to not slip. It was probably slipping because it was not staying square. Wrap the continuous loop around the buckle a few more times like a prusik and it will stay square to the webbing.

Is splicing something you can teach? Splicing retains a much greater percentage of the amsteel's breaking strength over knots which would be safer.

Use your index finger and thumb to get a rough 30 degree angle. Point your index finger horizontal like you firing an imaginary gun and the angle from the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb is around 30 degrees.

**tiggere** · 10-25-2015, 16:54

A 3 hem end channel is not needed...I do a single 1/2" hem channel and use a zip tie...it's not the hem that is holding it up its the fact that the larkshead can't slip over the knotted end...also make whoopie slings out of the amsteel...it will teach them to splice as well...

For the strap you could use a marlin spike and not have to deal with buckles...or some rated biners...

**daneaustin3** · 10-25-2015, 17:05

Buy your tree straps as a roll and sew your loop into the end.
Use amsteel spliced as a UCR. You can get two 6' UCRs and a ridgeline out of one 25' piece.
A marlin spike hitch can replace the cinch
Not sure what the table clothes are costing but depending on how much fabric you need maybe reach out to one of our vendors and see if you qualify for a bulk discount.

**stryder** · 10-25-2015, 17:06

Use your index finger and thumb to get a rough 30 degree angle. Point your index finger horizontal like you firing an imaginary gun and the angle from the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb is around 30 degrees.

Priceless - great way to explain the 30 degrees without sounding like their Geometry teacher.

I will splice a few myself and see how that goes.

Great thoughts on the hem. Zip ties would get them hanging in no time.

**tiggere** · 10-25-2015, 17:50

Splicing is super easy...Google is your friend...also they probably all have IPhones....go to the compass app and swipe left...clinometer built right in...perfect hang every time...

**gmcttr** · 10-25-2015, 18:34

Originally Posted by stryder

I found a photos of cinch buckle set up as well. One was a little slippery so we put a very sloppy stopped knot behind it.

cinch.jpg

Please review this thread....https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-cinch-buckles

**Bubba** · 10-25-2015, 20:26

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Please review this thread....https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-cinch-buckles

Lol. I can always rely on gmcttr to post a picture or video of what I'm trying to say.

**stryder** · 10-26-2015, 06:44

Thanks for the link for Cinch Buckles.

Dutch made it clear that you wanted a few wraps on it and offers continuous loops wrapped and attached.

I will practice splicing a bit.