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  1. #1
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    The Cloud. DIY bridge #2

    After nearly 9 months of procrastination, I finally got around to making bridge #2. Code name:

    The Cloud.

    Double layer, uncoated, 1.6oz/sqyd PacificTech polyester tafetta in white. 3/8" grey webbing from Strapworks. 7/64" grey Amsteel. Tree straps with Elephant Trunks from Bloomgorge. Spreader bars from Quest. About 5 hours of cutting/sewing, and another 3 for the suspension and cutting the spreaders to length. I had some issues with figuring out how to put a fixed eye on both ends of the cordage for my suspension triangles...but finally got it to work. Who knew you pass a completed fixed eye through your tail of 7/64" Amsteel to make your second locked brummel on the other end?!?

    After some discussion with Grizz on a previous thread, I settled on dimensions that were about half way between the GrizzBridge Rhino and the Eureka Chrysalis:

    Length: 80"
    Arc depth: 6"
    Width at head: 45"
    Head spreader: 39"
    Width at waist: 30"
    Width at foot: 40"
    Foot spreader: 30"

    Weights:

    Tree straps with Elephant Trunks: 3.4oz
    Spreader bars: 9.9oz
    Hammock with suspension: 12.3oz
    Total: 25.6oz

    This seems like a nice happy medium to me. Flat/wide across the shoulders, not terribly tippy, and good views. I initially bought some 1/4" closed cell foam that I cut in an hourlglass shape to match the Cloud, but I ended up not liking the way it wrinkled or bunched up under the shoulders under tension. Decided to try out the extreme other end of pads, the Exped DAM9, which turned out to be pillowy goodness. I have yet to embrace the world of underquilts, but have several different pads. With the waist being 30", just about any of my pads should work, giving it some versatility.

    The Cloud from the foot end with Exped DAM9 in between layers.


    Fixed eye larks headed to hammock.


    Suspension apex: Fixed eyes of triangle sides larks headed by fixed eye of whoopie.


    Bloomgorge's Elephant Trunk. Love these things!


    It's really hard to get to the hammock, shuck off shoes, get in and situated AND remember to smile before the camera's timer goes off!


    iPhone self portrait: Comfy!


    View from the Cloud.


    Laying in the hammock I have gotten some ideas on how to fit a weather shield or bug sock to this bridge... In 9 months or so I's probably get around to trying them out.
    Last edited by BER; 10-06-2011 at 18:25. Reason: weights added

  2. #2
    Senior Member packeagle's Avatar
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    Looks good. I'm looking at a take 2 on my bridge. Seems to be one just ain't enough.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Amelander's Avatar
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    Very nice looking. I love bridges

  4. #4
    Senior Member vinnya42's Avatar
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    that is beautiful! I like how flat it lays, I am wide shouldered too and am about to make me a Bridge. I think I want it a little longer but other than that I really like final fit.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Hang it high and God Bless!!

    Vince

  5. #5
    Senior Member Labrador's Avatar
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    Looks great. I'm curious to try a bridge myself at some point.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Redoleary's Avatar
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    Well done! Thats a pretty sweet rig. +1 on love'n those elephant trunks.
    Good luck,
    RED

    My Youtube Channel

    Deep peace of the running wave to you.
    Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
    Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
    Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
    Deep peace without end to you.
    adapted from - ancient gaelic runes

  7. #7
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    One minor modification already: sewed the two layers together to form a 24" wide pad pocket to prevent the pad from slipping sideways when changing position. Keeps the pad centered nicely. Wide enough that I can pump the Exped DAM9 all the way hard (if I were to want to) and still fit it in the pocket.




    Oh yeah, and trimmed off those pesky loose threads that showed up in some of the pics above.
    Full album in gallery.
    Last edited by BER; 10-06-2011 at 16:28.

  8. #8
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    Thanks for the comments guys. I am pretty happy with the way that it turned out.

    Quote Originally Posted by vinnya42 View Post
    that is beautiful! I like how flat it lays, I am wide shouldered too and am about to make me a Bridge. I think I want it a little longer but other than that I really like final fit.
    Not perfectly flat, but pretty darn close!


    I agree that if I were going to do it over, I would go a few inches longer. I am 6'1" and my heels are right at the end with maybe 3" above my head. Not a deal killer, but in a perfect world...

  9. #9
    Senior Member GrizzlyAdams's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BER View Post
    After nearly 9 months of procrastination, I finally got around to making bridge #2. Code name:

    The Cloud.
    yep, that's a pretty hammock!
    ... I had some issues with figuring out how to put a fixed eye on both ends of the cordage for my suspension triangles...but finally got it to work. Who knew you pass a completed fixed eye through your tail of 7/64" Amsteel to make your second locked brummel on the other end?!?
    I did

    ...

    Spreader bars: 9.9oz
    ...
    dang those spreader bars, 1/3 the weight of the hammock. One of these days I'm going to play with carbon tubes...

    Quote Originally Posted by packeagle View Post
    Looks good. I'm looking at a take 2 on my bridge. Seems to be one just ain't enough.
    ah, two isn't enough. Nor three, ...

    Quote Originally Posted by BER View Post
    One minor modification already: sewed the two layers together to form a 24" wide pad pocket to prevent the pad from slipping sideways when changing position. Keeps the pad centered nicely. Wide enough that I can pump the Exped DAM9 all the way hard (if I were to want to) and still fit it in the pocket.
    I've done that too. Out of concern for the forces on those stitches, I run three stitches in close parallel formation on each side. Challenges the straight stitch making capabilities.


    Oh yeah, and trimmed off those pesky loose threads that showed up in some of the pics above.
    I wasn't going to say anything. Them what live in glass houses....
    Grizz
    (alias ProfessorHammock on youtube)

  10. #10
    Senior Member Fronkey's Avatar
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    Looks really awesome Ber!

    It sure is making me even more excited to make my own in a month.

    Fronkey

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