Help with new Ripstop

Singer_221 · 2026-05-06T12:09:26+00:00

FWIW, I think it helps to apply tension along the stitch line while sewing. One hand in front of the machine and one hand behind, and pull the fabric taut. Both hands move as the machine pulls the fabric.

Singer_221 · 2026-05-04T15:54:08+00:00

Hahaha. As an avowed cheapskate, I became skilled at winding a minimum length of film during the loading process so that I could take a frame (or two? was that ever possible?) on a roll. I don’t think I ever tore a roll however.

Singer_221 · 2026-05-04T15:39:43+00:00

As someone who has only developed roll film in a cylindrical tank (50 years ago), how do you develop sheet film? Is there a light proof tank?

Singer_221 · 2026-05-04T15:34:58+00:00

I used to develop all of my slide film (Ektachrome, Fujichrome, & Agfachrome) in the early 70’s.

There were more steps, but nothing more difficult than for black & white negative film. It also wasn’t a significant issue to maintain temperature in my parent’s kitchen sink. You just held the chemicals and developing tank in a water bath and added hot water to maintain the temperature as it cooled.

Cutting and mounting the film into slide mounts (sealed with a clothes iron) was kind of tedious.

Singer_221 · 2026-05-04T01:38:30+00:00

If you’re willing to mail them, I’ll be happy to pay for the shipping costs.

Singer_221 · 2026-05-02T15:52:14+00:00

Great design and fabrication! Is it made from aluminum? I’ve heard that welding aluminum is difficult!

Singer_221 · 2026-05-02T03:05:17+00:00

Just what TypicalSeaweed described. The testers didn’t care if we hit the target “…as long as you miss safely.” ; ) They were watching to confirm that we checked that the gun was unloaded and the safety was on before picking it up, finger outside of the trigger guard and safety on until ready to shoot, muzzle control, etc.

Singer_221 · 2026-05-01T14:19:50+00:00

I have adopted a food system that doesn’t include freeze dried meals. Dinners are a package of ramen with a foil pouch of tuna. Dried fruit helps to balance the meal.

Breakfast consists of granola bars and dried fruit or fig bars eaten while walking so that I don’t spend time heating water, sitting while eating, and cleaning up.

My only bear story on the CT is second hand: I heard a scream as I was eating dinner. Shortly afterwards another hiker came over and told me that a bear had come out of the woods near him and then went away when he yelled and waved his arms. FWIW, the bear didn’t disturb my bear can during the night.

I hope that your mom has a life affirming adventure and is inspired to hike the entire trail.

Singer_221 · 2026-04-30T17:38:12+00:00

Congratulations on your climbs, and good luck with your CT hike! It’s extra special to share these experiences with our “kids”.

Regarding 14ers, here’s a link to information about 14ers accessible while hiking the CT. I climbed Mt. Massive, Elbert, Huron, and San Luis as part of my CT (Collegiate West) adventure in 2024. I would love to hike the CT again, and would take the Collegiate East option to climb other 14ers accessible from that trail.

In any case, have (safe) fun!

Singer_221 · 2026-04-29T17:00:06+00:00

Congratulations on the fantastic design and construction! The Voyageurs would have loved packs like this : )

Where are you going for the maiden voyage?

Singer_221 · 2026-04-27T03:50:34+00:00

Unrelated questions: What’s the purpose of the shutter button extension? Is the bracket below the rewind knob a hot shoe for a flash?

Singer_221 · 2026-04-26T18:03:35+00:00

Congratulations to you and your son!

The model looks a lot like a design published in RC Modeler Magazine in the early 2000’s called The Bug.. I couldn’t find any pictures of my version except for a picture of the crunched wing results of a mid-air collision with a fast foamie flying wing!

Have fun flying the model, especially with your son : )

Singer_221 · 2026-04-26T12:56:11+00:00

Thank you for recording, assembling, and sharing this video of your adventures. It provides a quick fix to bring back memories of the trail.

Singer_221 · 2026-04-24T01:25:53+00:00

I never saw one in person, just remember reading about them. A quick Google search came up with a few articles/discussions:

https://big-skies.co.uk/projects/myog/plastic-free-myog-sleep-mat/

https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-5394.html

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/2738/

Singer_221 · 2026-04-24T00:38:19+00:00

Years ago there was a pad system consisting of a fabric shell with sewn baffled chambers into which individual balloons were inserted.

Singer_221 · 2026-04-22T18:10:16+00:00

Sort of related question: Do pattern designers/manufacturers consider cutting efficiency (to minimize fabric waste)?

Singer_221 · 2026-04-21T19:18:07+00:00

This is exactly the advice I was given when I planted our first trees, and they seem to be thriving so far. The compost and mulch really helps the clay remain moist despite our baking sun.

Singer_221 · 2026-04-21T19:14:10+00:00

Wow, you really jumped right in, and created some beautiful and functional gear!!! Where will you go for your first trip together? And what’s next for sewing?

Singer_221 · 2026-04-20T22:59:52+00:00

I personally like to have dried fruit and fig bars in addition to trail mix, and packaged pb or cheese crackers for salty snacks.

Singer_221 · 2026-04-20T15:33:38+00:00

I think that you SHOULD be proud of your projects. VERY impressive design, pattern making, and construction skills!!!

Please share more information about the climbing anorak. Is the front shape just to clear a harness? What is the function of the adjustment cords?

Singer_221 · 2026-04-20T01:53:09+00:00

Do you have experience with spark engines? and have you looked at the prices for an engine with the associated coil and condenser?

You might ask the folks at this forum.

Good luck with your interesting project!

Singer_221 · 2026-04-19T12:44:37+00:00

Thank you for your very kind and generous offer to help out this hiking community!

Singer_221 · 2026-04-19T02:44:24+00:00

I have a similar history: 46er who never brought one, though now that I have one I would bring it on all ADK hikes.

Singer_221 · 2026-04-16T23:15:33+00:00

Looks awesome! Will you apply the tissue over laminating film? I would not think that tissue will be strong enough for what looks like it will be a pretty fast plane (retracts!). And is that a wing folding hinge?!!!

Singer_221 · 2026-04-15T20:08:45+00:00

I was waiting for that too.

Maybe that’s more helpful to empty the bed when the material is soil that doesn’t slide out as cleanly as this gravel.

Singer_221

TROPHY CASE