View Full Version : Making a rope from string.
Emdiesse
04-02-2006, 16:33
What different methods are there of making rope from string?
How do you do them?
What are the pro's and con's of each method (asuming same string used for each type)
Thanks
running bare
04-02-2006, 20:20
well the 2 i can think of is making the rope in the same way as the string ie twisted strands and the other is to braid the string as many strands as you like depending on the thickness you want. dont know pro's and con's but should imagine it'll be very theraputic wiling away afew hours braiding :D :D :D
tom
Slightly different, but, I was shown a rope made from toilet paper it was strong enough for tug of war!
Slightly different, but, I was shown a rope made from toilet paper it was strong enough for tug of war!
Talk about yer multipurpose kit! :beerchug:
one way is to use a Boy Scout Pioneering Merit Badge rope twister.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/asemery/album?.dir=42c5&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/asemery/my_photos
one way is to use a Boy Scout Pioneering Merit Badge rope twister.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/asemery/album?.dir=42c5&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/asemery/my_photos
Have you got any instructions for that? I think I see how it works butnot quite sure.
The toilet paper rope was made using an electric drill, but your gizmo looks more bushcrafti!
browndrake
07-02-2006, 02:19
The 'boy scout' rope twister works pretty well.
there is also a jig that you can make with three hooks, attached to a handle, which you turn to twist the rope. The scout jigs are easier to build but the other is turns a tighter rope more easily.
I will get some pics put up in the next day or two, to see how it is built.
You can also twist rope starting with sigle strand, twisting and doubling back on self. You can keep twisting and doubling until desired thickness.
Which method I use depends on what size and kind of rope I want and where I am at.
For the best quality, tightest and longest ropes, I use my rope jig... For a quick job or teaching scouts, I will often use a jig like the above posted pics. If I just need something small or if I am in the hills, I usually just twist the strands.
My brother's and I were up in the mountains some time ago and decided to go fishing. We twisted yucca into line, whittled some stick hooks, cought some bugs, then were off fishing. We had brown trout for dinner.
I have also twisted fibers into long double stranded strands and then used either of the above jigs to twist them into three standed rope.
I modified the plans found in the Boy Scout Pioneering Merit Badge book. Tony
browndrake
12-02-2006, 01:04
here are pictures of a rope maker that we built to make larger ropes. We made one about 4 cm diameter and 8 meters long.
http://www.cfwoodwork.com/test/firepiston/rope1.jpg
http://www.cfwoodwork.com/test/firepiston/rope2.jpg
http://www.cfwoodwork.com/test/firepiston/rope3.jpg
pierre girard
12-02-2006, 02:08
The 'boy scout' rope twister works pretty well.
there is also a jig that you can make with three hooks, attached to a handle, which you turn to twist the rope. The scout jigs are easier to build but the other is turns a tighter rope more easily.
.
I've got one of those three hook rope makers - belonged to my g-father. I've made rope from inner bark of basswood using the three hook and also by rolling the strands on my thigh. The three hook method worked better, but probably because I haven't done it the other way too often.
To prepare basswood bark for cordage, peel bark when tree is new cut and place bark under water for ten days. Outer bark will then easily slough from inner bark.
Basswood bark makes a very strong rope.
PG
You can find directions for the Boy Scout type twister here:
http://usscouts.org/boyscouts/ropmakr1.gif and here:
http://usscouts.org/boyscouts/ropmakr2.gif
My version uses a dowell and wooden block as a handle. You can see photos of it at one of my previous posts in this string. Tony