Tarp build thread - Membrane silpoly (from RBTR)

**ripstopbytheroll** · 08-16-2015, 23:49

I've never done a build thread, and even though I don't really have the time (we're in the process of moving into a new warehouse), I've decided to make time and do it anyways

.

You could've probably guessed this, but I like DIY. My brother got me into it about 4 years ago and now I've made all kinds of stuff. I'm by no means the best in the world, but I really enjoy it. For me it's satisfying to sit down for a couple hours and come out on the other side with a piece of gear I've made with my own hands. That feeling keeps me coming back I guess.

In a couple weeks, we'll be coming out with the 2nd generation of Membrane Sil. To my knowledge, when made available it will be the lightest, lowest-stretch, most waterproof tarp material that exists outside of CF. I have about 20 yds on hand now, so I figured no better time than the present for my first tarp build thread...

THE PLAN

Shape: Hex
Ridgeline: 11 ft, French seam
Cat-cuts: 4.5" bottom, 2" sides
Material: Membrane Silpoly dark olive
Components: HD300 black (reinforcement), 1/2" mil-spec grosgrain (tie-outs), 1/2" Beastee Ds

Target weight: < 8 oz

I'm away at a trade show until Wednesday, but did manage to get the tarp panels cut before leaving. Here are some pics:

#1 - Membrane Silpoly rolled out

image3.jpg

#2 - Straight cuts made, prepping for cat-cuts

image2.jpg

#3 - Cat-cuts made

image1.jpg

I hope to get back on the build once I return from the show and will be updating this thread with a bunch more pics as I go. Hope to have everything done within a week or so. Stay tuned for the next installment.

**latriper** · 08-17-2015, 01:06

Well this will be good!! Sounds like awesome material!

**Dead Man** · 08-17-2015, 05:15

Could you give us a comparison between the original Membrane sil and the new? I had a tarp made from the original and love it tremendously. Can't imagine it getting any better.

**Caminante** · 08-17-2015, 07:21

Do spontaneous games of ping pong ever break out at RSBTR?

**BrianWillan** · 08-17-2015, 08:24

Originally Posted by Caminante

Do spontaneous games of ping pong ever break out at RSBTR?

I was going to comment that a ping pong table makes a good cutting table for fabric due to its size.

Cheers

Brian

**b.battles** · 08-17-2015, 11:16

excited to see this thing finished!!! maybe ill be using the membrane as well!!

bobby k. <3

**ripstopbytheroll** · 08-17-2015, 11:41

Originally Posted by Caminante

Do spontaneous games of ping pong ever break out at RSBTR?

Ummm I love ping pong. Stop by and we'll play.

**ripstopbytheroll** · 08-17-2015, 11:43

Originally Posted by BrianWillan

I was going to comment that a ping pong table makes a good cutting table for fabric due to its size.

Cheers

Brian

They certainly do. My first purchase for the new shop was a ping pong table. Cruising craigslist for another one too.

**Caminante** · 08-17-2015, 11:51

Originally Posted by ripstopbytheroll

Ummm I love ping pong. Stop by and we'll play.

As soon as I get this UQ project wrapped up. My daughter asked if I was making a trashbag when she saw the black Membrane 10...

**Hugh Morris** · 08-18-2015, 13:51

Right as I'm finishing up a 2nd gen silpoly (woodland camo, from you of course) tarp I get hip to a better fabric? MEMBRANE silpoly? More reading to do. That's how this forum works isn't it...

Well, at least my 2nd tarp will be cleaner!

Looking forward to seeing your finished product.

If you can entertain this maybe rudimentary question: Just how different are the 2nd gen silpoly, 2nd gen PU4000, membrane sil, and membrane 2.0 in the field?