madPete

I was thinking about replacing my old wedge tent. After checking various tent suppliers, there must be a large demand or they are all taking their sweet time in the off-season. Lead times for canvas was 2 to 6 months. Then I heard that the canvas in these tents is much heavier, so I pulled out the old tents I've used extensively over the years. Both were made from Home Depot canvas. The wedge tent was made in 2005-06. The Oar tent maybe 2012. I think 6-8 ounce canvas versus 10-12 ounce heavily coated commercial tents. After inspection, they are still in good shape. I'm glad, cause I spent a lot of time making reinforced handsewn grommets on both for stake tiedowns. They've been recently used (Sept 2022) but were pretty drippy with some rain. So... resprayed both with Scotchgard water repellent (It took 3 cans for both and only got halfway down on the wedge doors). Did I mention that I take the wedge tent when I fly to events? Its much lighter than the commerical canvas tents, and along with a folding cot, wool blanket, collapsible uprights, and stakes, the duffle comes in under 50 pounds for flying. To date, no ripped canvas or major issues either. Contained in a heavy canvas duffle. If you make your own, be sure to wash and dry the canvas before building it. It shrinks the fabric so the space between threads is smaller and tighter. Reinforce your stake grommets with layers of fabric. I made handsewn grommet holes and run rope thru the grommets to the stakes. Then waterproof with something... I wrap the ridgepole with twine where the uprights connect, see pics. Never split any poles this way. Poles are cut small enough to fit in the duffle (37 inches max) and connect with commercial canopy connectors that I wrapped with twine or leather. Also made a new lighter ridge pole. Previously I supported the uprights with rope and stakes only, if I flew in. If I drove to an event, I brought a heavier ridgepole. The uprights fit into the ridgepole with a large lag screw with the head ground of. It stands on its own with stakes on the corners only. 1-3/8 closet poles and 1-3/8 connectors work pretty well! Anyway, now ready for this Pyrate season!

There goes the neighborhood 🤣

linen is expensive. makes the finds at goodwill that much more attractive and the clothing cheaper!

I found these last week at the local Goodwill. Turkish towels! 2 are pictured, but I actual got 3. the third was a much paler light blue with the same stripes at each end. The colors are more subdued than the images show. And I'm sure the girlfriend will snag one! These are approximately 36 by 76 inches. I suppose they could double for a swimsuit wrap. All 3 were less than $10. Its one of those things you just happen across. You never find something when you are looking for it, but it pays to go often and browse because things pop up that werent on your radar. I went actually looking for an ice cream bucket that could be repurposed for a wooden bucket like one I found before. Turkish towels are historically accurate. This complements the one William sent me. That one is easier to travel with due to its smaller size 13 x 36 inches and basic off-white. Maybe I will trade the extras...

Here is the pierced brass lantern I purchased a few years back from Js Townsend. The only gripe I have is the door is a bit tight to close with a candle inside. but better that than too loose and flops open. It came with a clear coating of some sort, I'm assuming to reduce corrosion? Overall I'm very happy with it...

These folks have a couple also... https://turkeyfootllc.com/catalog/p/mhfo4moydrih3h9dcs7rtv8mjx23wp