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  1. #1
    New Member sandyaker's Avatar
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    Cheap Tarp Failure & Cheap Bug Net Success

    I've been tackling a few DIY projects and thought I would share about it.

    My first project was trying to make a really cheap tarp. I made a 9X12 tarp out of a plastic drop cloth. I used clear packing tape on all of the edges and then put some plastic grommets I already had at each corner and down the side. At first I thought it was going to do pretty well. The tarp looked good if I do say so myself. I set it up in my backyard to see how it would hold up. I set it up early Friday afternoon and left it up all weekend. It did well until Sunday. I messing around with some different set ups and then it happened...RIP! It developed a tear on one of the edges and it just took off. It was pretty much useless in a hurry. Here are a couple of pictures...




    I also made myself a bug net using the description I got from a YouTube video. It pretty much led you step by step through the process. You basically started with two sheer window panels and sewed them together. There were only three kinda long stitches. It was very simple...and I'm saying that as someone who has never sewed anything.
    Here's a link to the YouTube video I used:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQRoE...5F-Y-Mztwa9d7Q
    Thanks to CrypticCRICKET for posting the video.
    Here's a picture of my bug net:

  2. #2
    Senior Member Hiknhanger's Avatar
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    Sorry the tarp failed, but the bugnet looks good! Good job!

  3. #3
    Senior Member Timberrr's Avatar
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    Looks good. Thanks for the bug net link!
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    So many trees, so little time...


  4. #4
    Member Itsamescott's Avatar
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    The bug net looks really good. Great job.

    I've been wanting to try polycryo (window shrink film) for a cheap tarp. Guys over at BackPackingLight.com have used it with Gorilla tape and sail tape tie outs some success. The polycryo seem pretty strong according to them and the failures generally occurs at the tie out point.

    One guy set it up low to the ground and left it in his yard from September to March before it failed at the taped tie out. Lasted 26 weeks of winter weather is not bad for an $8 piece of plastic.

  5. #5
    New Member sandyaker's Avatar
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    Thanks folks for the compliments on the bug net.
    It was a REALLY easy project. To be honest, it only took a short amount of time to do.
    As easy as this was, I don't see why anyone would spend a lot of money buying a commercial version.

  6. #6
    New Member sandyaker's Avatar
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    I just posted a picture of the bug net in a stuff sack to give an idea of how small it packs down:

    The Nalgene is just for comparision. It's not in the sack too tightly and can be compressed to about half that length if need be.

  7. #7
    Senior Member Beast 71's Avatar
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    Did the tarp fail at a grommet? If so you may want to tie your ropes to a pebble wrapped up in the edge of your tarp instead.
    "In your face space coyote"-HJS

  8. #8
    New Member sandyaker's Avatar
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    Beast 71, the tarp actually failed in a couple of places. One of the grommets just being one.

    I remembered I had an old swing frame behind the my storage bldg. & now I have a place to hang in the backyard.

  9. #9
    New Member cartova's Avatar
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    Nice bug net !!!

  10. #10
    SnrMoment's Avatar
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    I like the Cricket's bug net- nice work. I've made several of them for myself & family. The panels are available in different colors, including a cranberry. I prefer the tans or browns as they tend to be a lot cooler in the sun. Grand daughter's is white to go with her pink & white hammock.
    Love is blind. Marriage is an eye opener.

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