 Hey all, I've not been an OMer long but have been watching the forums in particular with a keen eye to soak up any scraps of knowledge i can and then today i thought I'd kick off my first thread. With the reccession and what not, saving money seems to be the aim of the game so I was wondering what small pieces of kit can be made DIY style (after reading the very interesting thread on the squeezbox stove). So, pool your knowledge of any pieces of kit no matter how small and how to DIY them.
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 Jeez don't start off another meths stove thread !!! nice bit of kit but been done to death already. I've just about finished making a lightweight (?? 460g inc pegs and guy lines) tarp if thats any use??? I'll post some pics when I manage to be home when its light enough. Never used a sewing machine before I started but easy enough after a bit of practice.
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yeah it was just general kit not speciffically burners as i know that's been done to the extreme on here already =-) thanks for the interest and input though
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 I think Andy has mentioned the main point. Get a sewing machine and teach yourself to drive it. Then make tents, clothing, packs, sleeping bags, whatever.
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if you want to try that sort of thing try the two below websites for different materials Point North - great for lots of different technical fabics and accessories fabric n stuff - good bargain fabrics
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 Sadly, you might find that the economics of buying technical fabrics to make stuff simply don't work; the supply chain is so long that markups at each stage lose any labour savings (and, since it's all made in China...). There are a few eBay sellers dealing in remnant technical fabrics, though, so it's not all doom and gloom. Here are a few pointers: Make your own backpacking gear Henry Shires' TarpTent Thru-Hiker Workshop Fabric suppliers Pennine Outdoor Point North (aka ProFabrics) Fabrics'n'Stuff Shelby (Finland) Seattle Fabrics Textile Outfitters Or there's one of Trevor's threads
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ah just looking at trev's thread it seems he has already covered it but great minds and the like...
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  Hey there Andy, a good first thread on here, good stuff!  David has some threads on this issue going too somewhere on the forum as well you know; if I find them I will link into those for you too here, or my other ones on DIY kit! 
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It does have to said though that we are not all as blessed in the sewing dept, skills wise, as are OM 'ers David, Frum, cp and a few others on here, sadly. 
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I am surprised that no-one has mentioned Ray Jardine! Get a copy of his book and you can make alsorts of stuff (the ray way!) His books are packed full of ideas. Not all of them work in the UK though. try rayjardine.com for more info. Tarps, bags, hats, stoves etc all made for a pittance! Regards Carl
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 I'd really like one of these bat wing tarps here, but made from silnylon. However, I'm far too lazy to make one. I'm waiting for someone to manufacture them.
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Bloody hell, I actually managed to do a hyper text link .
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 I'd really like one of these bat wing tarps here, but made from silnylon. However, I'm far too lazy to make one. I'm waiting for someone to manufacture them.
Morph (an OM member) would probably make you one at his on-line shop. Team-io.
I would ask the original designer if you could use his design as a courtesy though.
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Thanks Mike, but I would imagine a bespoke tarp to be a bit on the pricy side for me, although I have seen a close up photo of Morph's work and it looks superb. BTW sorry Andy, I didn't mean to hijack the thread.
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| Edited: 25/02/09 15:35 |
I'd really like one of these bat wing tarps here, but made from silnylon. However, I'm far too lazy to make one. I'm waiting for someone to manufacture them. Steve, the only sewing involved is to put a hem round the outside and sew the attachment points for guys. Trade in your girl friend/wife for one with a sewing machine.
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Frum, you've convinced me, I'll get my lovely wife to make me one. Probably means buying her a sewing machine though.
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 Another way to save money is if you get a few like minded mates and club together to buy DIY materials in bulk. Alternatively buy in bulk, use what you need and sell the rest off. Even selling the surplus at what you paid it could work out cheaper than shop prices.
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Thru Hiker section.The DIY bit here is my favourite very useful diy kit bit indeed really. As cp too suggested!
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| Edited: 28/02/09 07:49 |
3m x1.5m of Waterproof ripstop nylon and 20m x 2mm dyneema guylines (only used 15m), 100m polyester thread @ £20 for 460g (inc pegs) of tarp. I'm quite pleased for a first effort
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Nice job Andy, good to be able to say when asked where you got it, "I made it" 
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