Starting my own DIY Mantis/Kite

[MedicineMan15]

Finally taking the leap.

Spent the past few weeks gathering materials and now im getting started. I'll try to post updates. Help and criticism welcome.

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[Hunter260]

Shave your toes

 

[MedicineMan15]

Can't, Wisconsin winters are a bitch

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[DaWiz9578]

Shave your toes

Haha

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[ImThere]

Good deal. Let’s see some updates!


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[DaWiz9578]

What is the saddle material you selected? I have a sewing machine coming this month or next.

What makes it mantis/kite? just the lighter materials or you specifically taking features of each for a more powerful offspring?

 

[MedicineMan15]

This is the material:

Pewter Gray Military Mesh Tactical Nylon 46"W Mil-Spec Raschel Fabric Durable | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Pewter Gray Military Mesh Tactical Nylon 46"W Mil-Spec Raschel Fabric Durable at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

rover.ebay.com

Not necessarily improving on either design, just don't want to spend the $ on either and thought I could make one myself, at least as a way to try it out. I know I could modify a sit drag and use a RCH, but this is already more cost effective and I have access to several sewing machines.

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[Derag2]

How much do you think the materials are costing you? I want to try this but don't want to spend 200 bucks or more on a saddle. My mother in law is good at sewing and has a commercial sewing machine.

 

[MedicineMan15]

I'm under $40, and I have enough for 2-3 saddles (minus g hooks and belt buckle I only bought enough for 1). Although, I had 2 sections of 2 inch seat belt material from a "tether" strap from a safety harness package (brand new)..

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[MedicineMan15]

Not much progress being made as I've had quite a few honey-do projects to complete, but tonight I practiced splicing amsteel while watching the newest THP video and Catman, and then made what will be my bridge. First I made a 27" bridge which seemed short, so then I made a 32" which looks better in my mind.

So on a related note, I might have a 27" amsteel bridge for sale cheap to whomever needs it.

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[Raytattoos]

Nice project I want to build one myself but don’t have a template to work off of

 

[MedicineMan15]

Nice project I want to build one myself but don’t have a template to work off of

I didn't have a template either, I found another thread on here and someone provided the template they used.

I cut out the material for that template and it's looking like it's going to be too big for me, so I'm trimming it down. When im done, I'll post my final template.

I've taken direction from a few SH members that have made a few of these DIY's. There's a lot of trial and error.

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[MedicineMan15]

For the record, here's one of the threads im getting most of my inspiration from, but not directly copying anymore:

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...share_fid=104184&share_type=t&link_source=app

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Saddle Build-along

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[MedicineMan15]

After seeking some help from a senior diy saddle stitcher, I adjusted my pattern slightly. Tonight I pinned it together. I have a couple more things to do before I start stitching.

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[MedicineMan15]

Got some straps and buckles set to go.

Waist belt, leg straps with g hooks, and side adjusters.

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[themonarch]

Make sure you are sewing with proper thread and using proper nylon. If it holds your weight it's still not safe you need to know how to shock test it.

 

[MedicineMan15]

Make sure you are sewing with proper thread and using proper nylon. If it holds your weight it's still not safe you need to know how to shock test it.

Using gutermann tera 40 as has been recommended several times in here. All the nylon has been load rated.

How would I go about shock testing?

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[east_of_90]

Really cool! Solid work!

 

[themonarch]

Using gutermann tera 40 as has been recommended several times in here. All the nylon has been load rated.

How would I go about shock testing?

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Ok thats a good thread to be using, but you also need to know how to stitch it (make sure each stitch is tight with no gapping). For testing if you can load it with about double your weight and drop it from a tree then check through all the stitching is a good way. that might not be the best way to test it, but unless you have access to some equipment its gonna have to do. Just trying to make sure everyones safe with their DIY. The biggest thing thats going to fail is the stitching.

 

[MedicineMan15]

Ok thats a good thread to be using, but you also need to know how to stitch it (make sure each stitch is tight with no gapping). For testing if you can load it with about double your weight and drop it from a tree then check through all the stitching is a good way. that might not be the best way to test it, but unless you have access to some equipment its gonna have to do. Just trying to make sure everyones safe with their DIY. The biggest thing thats going to fail is the stitching.

I agree 100%. I've been testing my stitching on some projects using the same materials that won't be bearing my weight, nor my life, to get everything set up correctly before putting a single stitch into my saddle.

I've been studying techniques used in the sailing industry, and in the articles they've referenced these things you're speaking of, as well as applications for safety harnesses, etc.



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