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  1. #1
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    Post Canvas Drop Cloth Hammock??

    Hi,

    I was thinking of a cheap DIY project where I can make a comfortable hammock capable of holding 400lbs or more.

    Do you think a 8 oz canvas tarp/ drop cloth will work as a good fabric for this project?

    I know that this hammock will end up weighing close to 4 pounds. Weight is not a concern since I will be car camping. I don't want spreader bars or anything of that sort. I am trying to find out whether we can make a hammock out of canvas just like you would make one with rip stop nylon fabric or tablecloth (i.e. gathered ends, whipped and suspended from trees by webbing)

    I am new to DIY hammocks so some of my questions may be 'Noob-ish'

  2. #2
    Senior Member Pipsissewa's Avatar
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    Probably not. I think you'll find the fabric--although strong enough--will be just too bulky. The gathered ends will be surprisingly big and not gathered very tightly or neatly. The graceful gather at the ends gives the hammock its strength and comfort.

    Also, there really is value in being able to "slide" around a little on something slipperier (?) like nylon or polyester. Trying to move around on canvas will cause you and your clothes to get all bound up in the fabric.

    I don't want to rain on your parade; this is just a prediction. Try it if you want, but don't spend a lot of money on it (unless you're going to be doing some painting soon!) Good luck!
    "Pips"
    Mountains have a dreamy way
    Of folding up a noisy day
    In quiet covers, cool and gray.

    ---Leigh Buckner Hanes

    Surely, God could have made a better way to sleep.

    Surely, God never did.

  3. #3
    Senior Member kayak karl's Avatar
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    most old hammocks were made of canvas. might not look pretty, might be heavy, but who care when your asleep
    "Tenting is equivalent to a bum crawling into a cardboard box, hammocking is an art" KK

  4. #4
    SilvrSurfr's Avatar
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    I'm with Pips - I don't think canvas is the right material. You'd be better off with a bed sheet.

  5. #5
    Senior Member nuttysquirrel's Avatar
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    i made one for my little brother,while it works for car camping it's way to bulky and heavy for backpacking,plus it's only four and a half feet wide(he's only 3' tall).hope this helps.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Captain Smiley's Avatar
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    I'm going to have to be the odd man out in this discussion. I have used the canvas painter's dropcloths from Wal Mart and they make excellent hammocks. Both of my sons have slept in theirs for over a year each. I may not be right on the weight of the canvas though. If it's too thick it can get uncomfortable I'm sure. As far as how much they'll hold. I'm 420+ pounds and I've slept in the DIY canvas hammock very well. Strung it up with 550 cord and reclaimed seatbelts.
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  7. #7
    Senior Member Pipsissewa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Captain Smiley View Post
    I'm going to have to be the odd man out in this discussion. I have used the canvas painter's dropcloths from Wal Mart and they make excellent hammocks. Both of my sons have slept in theirs for over a year each. I may not be right on the weight of the canvas though. If it's too thick it can get uncomfortable I'm sure. As far as how much they'll hold. I'm 420+ pounds and I've slept in the DIY canvas hammock very well. Strung it up with 550 cord and reclaimed seatbelts.
    Well, there you go. I'd go with what the Captain says!
    "Pips"
    Mountains have a dreamy way
    Of folding up a noisy day
    In quiet covers, cool and gray.

    ---Leigh Buckner Hanes

    Surely, God could have made a better way to sleep.

    Surely, God never did.

  8. #8
    Senior Member fallkniven's Avatar
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    Sure, they should certainly be strong enough. I'd say go for it

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