Making Rope with a Hand Drill - Part 3

[asemery]

This is the quickest and easiest of the 3 methods.
1. For shorter lengths measure out strands from outstretched hand to chin. These can be tied parallel (A), tied in a single loop (B), or interlocked loops (C).
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples2003.jpg
2. Put the knotted end of one loop over a "S" hook at a fixed point and the other over a "S" hook on your drill.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples2005.jpg
3. Turn handle CLOCKWISE until kink develops in strands when tension is released. Put weight of some sort (just a few ounces) at midppoint of the twisting.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples3006.jpg
4. Bring the drill "S" hook over to the fixed point.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples3009.jpg
5. Bring the weight down below the "S" hooks and release the weight. . It will twist around in a dramatic fashion. Very impressive for the kids.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples4001.jpg
6. Tie off the "S" hook ends. Here are the finished cords in reverse order from above.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples3012.jpg
These short cords make nice freindship bracelets. A stopper knot slips through the loop in the unknotted end. Put a lanyard clip or split metal ring before twisting and you have an attractive zipper pull.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples3013.jpg
You can use this method for longer lengths. Place the hand drill 2 1/4 times the length of the finished rope, string the threads you are using and twist CLOCKWISE. When initial twisting is over place a fixed hook midway between the 2 "S" hooks. This can be a cup hook screwed into a 2 x 4 and taped or weighted in place. Place the twisted strands under the mid-point hook so they do not come out when you bring the drill "S" hook back to the starting point. You can also have a friend hold the hand drill at this mid-point.
Put the drill hook at the mid-point and twist COUNTER-CLOCKWISE. Tie off at the "S" hook end.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingA.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples2002.jpg

[crashdive123]

Another great tutorial. Thanks.

[asemery]

thanks crashdive 123.
It is easy to add a 3rd color with this method.
Begin as in steps 1 - 3 in main tutorial.
1. Secure both ends.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/3colorset-up.jpg
2. Add 3rd loop at centerpoint and twist.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples6003.jpg
3. Add weight and bring 3rd cord over to left.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples6004.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples6005.jpg
4. Holding onto the weight bring the 2 "S" hooks from the left and secure them with the "S" hook on the rignt. Lower the weight and release it.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/asemery/ropemakingsamples8.jpg

[asemery]

A friend wanted a binocular strap in red, white and blue. I made one for him using the hand drill. Here is a smaller version which my niece has claimed for a bracelet. I first made the red and white 2 strand twist (exactly as I did the green and white in the tutorial). I then put the untwisted blue strands through the loop at the untied end and did another twisting.

http://i.imgur.com/3t3VNKf.jpg

[Rick]

Very nice. Great job as usual.

[crashdive123]

Another cool project.

[welderguy]

Cool tutorial, thanks!!!

[hunter63]

Very cool, thanks for posting.