Video: Engineering of the Grizz Bridge Ariel

**GrizzlyAdams** · 04-19-2016, 00:13

It was a long time in coming, and may feel like a long time to view it, but I've finally managed to pull together a description of the details behind the Grizz Bridge Ariel, introduced last June in "A Sneak Preview of the Grizz Bridge Ariel". The chief things of interest, I think, are the techniques for splicing suspension cord so that the little gaps for spreader bar tips are (a) the right distance apart on the same side, and (b) directly across from each other at the corners. Then I go through rather a lot to get to the answer "43" (sure would have been nice to get to "42"!) which describes how to cut the hammock body past the recessed spreader bar so that the hammock stays flat just past the spreader bar.

Not much in the way of viewing a finished hammock...I'm getting there, I know this one has the flatness I designed it for, but it needs a bunch more stuff. So there's be another video in the offing---I hope in the next couple of months---I'll call "Tricking out the Ariel".

In the mean time, if you like engineering stuff, stick with this one to the very end and win a prize!

**dblhmmck** · 04-19-2016, 00:54

Very refined work! Especially the amsteel splicing to ensure equal sides. Also, I really like the use of the channels made from the excess fabric. It looks efficient and strong, as long as there is no sliding of the fabric along the amsteel chords. But I am sure that you have that worked out. Thanks for sharing this well made video. I look forward to the launching of the Ariel!

WV · 04-19-2016, 08:10

Wonderful! This is precisely the explanation that we were waiting for. (It matters not that I won't follow it exactly in my current bridge experiments. They are already laden with clever and useful details borrowed from other Professor Hammock videos, and I fully expect to incorporate bits of this one as well. What I appreciate most is the clear statement (and illustration) of the problem or design element being addressed at each stage of construction. To come up with the best answers you need to be absolutely sure what questions you're asking. Thanks, Grizz!)

**12trysomething** · 04-19-2016, 08:20

Great video!

**G-Rat** · 04-19-2016, 08:26

Thanks for sharing!

Where did you get the hot knife? If it works as well as it looks like it should, then I wish I'd had one a few decades ago.

BTW, at about 5:20, your arrows on the right side are not centered on the gap (not being picky, but I figured you would want to know).

Do I need to send a self addressed stamped envelope to get the certificate?

**miyanc** · 04-19-2016, 08:55

Originally Posted by G-Rat

Thanks for sharing!

Where did you get the hot knife? If it works as well as it looks like it should, then I wish I'd had one a few decades ago.

BTW, at about 5:20, your arrows on the right side are not centered on the gap (not being picky, but I figured you would want to know).

Do I need to send a self addressed stamped envelope to get the certificate?

it may be in other locations but this is on amazon.

**G-Rat** · 04-19-2016, 23:04

Originally Posted by miyanc

it may be in other locations but this is on amazon.

Yikes! Pricey little bugger, isn't it.

**miyanc** · 04-20-2016, 07:56

Originally Posted by miyanc

it may be in other locations but this is on amazon.

I wonder if you couldn't make the extension to add to a hot knife. They have one at the habitat for humanities store. The 2 screws that hold the various types of bits, I bet you could secure it there.

**miyanc** · 04-19-2016, 08:58

Great job griz. I have not begun to make a bridge hammock, but like a down quilt it will happen some day. My prep skills need to be better, the hot knife would help too. Thanks for sharing.