Tensahedron Stand

**sunsetkayaker** · 11-10-2017, 21:02

I saw a post here in which they were making a geodesic dome out of conduit. They flattened the ends of the conduit with a vice before connecting them. Do you think that would work here to make a more flat foot for the stand to rest on? Or do you think it would weaken the connections?

**Latherdome** · 11-10-2017, 21:08

Originally Posted by sunsetkayaker

I saw a post here in which they were making a geodesic dome out of conduit. They flattened the ends of the conduit with a vice before connecting them. Do you think that would work here to make a more flat foot for the stand to rest on? Or do you think it would weaken the connections?

You don't want rigid connections like that. A free moving hinge is one model, which would be some trouble to implement smoothly with smashed conduit ends. A better model is a nunchuck. Strong but floppy.

**sunsetkayaker** · 11-10-2017, 22:41

I was thinking flat conduit with a cable through it. Sort of like this: \_0_/ I was just thinking I didn't want the sharp edge of the conduit on the floor or in the dirt. And maybe I could get a rubber pad for a foot for the conduit to sit on.

WV · 11-11-2017, 08:34

Sell connectors like nunchucks that fit into (or over) the ends of conduit or other tubing and are padded to protect floors and walls.

**Latherdome** · 11-11-2017, 12:20

Re a kit so people can provide their own poles, I'd thought of that. The brutal cost-effectiveness of daneaustin3's solution sort of took the wind out of those sails: all it needs is rubber tips from the next aisle over.

I'd been sketching sewn universal connectors that would receive the ends of any pole up to 2" OD (like bamboo) down to under 1" without drilling or tools.

Take a few layers of very strong material, strong enough that a line through a grommeted hole won't rip out with a full hammock load. Have at least one outer layer be rubberized for grip on hard surfaces and suitable for contact with mud etc. Cut to octagon, with sides a little bigger than half the circumference of the biggest pole you want to accommodate. Sew the layers together with an hourglass-shaped stitch joining opposite sides, forming sleeves into which you can insert the pole ends. The hourglass taper is so you can insert smaller OD poles deeper. Arrange it such that the inserted poles, when folded together, are held just far enough apart by the taper that their ends don’t smash together.

Then add 2-3 grommeted holes for cordage in each of the remaining flaps. Tensioned cordage folds the flaps over the sleeved poles like a taco, grippy side out, also holding the poles captive. Optionally join the pole ends through the hourglass channel with cord to prevent accidental pullout. Finish edges.

**daneaustin3** · 11-11-2017, 19:09

Originally Posted by Latherdome

Re a kit so people can provide their own poles, I'd thought of that. The brutal cost-effectiveness of daneaustin3's solution sort of took the wind out of those sails: all it needs is rubber tips from the next aisle over.

Sorry...

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**Latherdome** · 11-11-2017, 19:25

Originally Posted by daneaustin3

Sorry...

No, it's good! As far as the commercial side goes, we deserve to fail if we can't offer compelling value over what's easily DIY-accessible, even allowing for the fact that a lot of people can't or won't make even simple things. You've shown that the price floor is very low as long as weight and packed size aren't of major importance.

**Theguywitheyebrows** · 11-11-2017, 20:50

Originally Posted by Latherdome

There's no need to let the poles cross as with holes drilled inches down. Loops short as allows for non-binding movement should do. You want to be able to adjust the geometry freely to adapt to whatever hammock length, preferred seat height, shoulder/foot clearance, etc. 8' poles are long enough in most cases tested, but maybe you have an extra long hammock and are 6'6" etc? You could start long and chop down until you find the sweet spot for your use cases. Strap, cord... up to you. Easy to adjust versus clean-looking versus cheap versus available: it's a project.

i go with functional and cheap, i never care much for aesthetics. and im like 5'7" and my preferred hammock length is 10' (and i only have one usable kit :P), i feel like the 8' poles would do...glorious, thanks a million! now to wait til payday.

**TxAggie** · 11-11-2017, 21:52

Originally Posted by Latherdome

No, it's good! As far as the commercial side goes, we deserve to fail if we can't offer compelling value over what's easily DIY-accessible, even allowing for the fact that a lot of people can't or won't make even simple things. You've shown that the price floor is very low as long as weight and packed size aren't of major importance.

Wow, I feel like you’re channeling Ayn Rand with that response!

It sounds like a good balance is already underway: a retail version just a little more expensive than a DIY. Those that enjoy and have the time for DIY have all the info to make it work, and those who simply want a ready to go option should be able to get a good value and have most of the understanding behind the stand.