2012年3月29日星期四

How to Build a Arc Hammock Stand


1,Cut one end of the 6-foot long boards at a 30-degree angle.
2,Measure one foot in from each end of the 8-foot boards. Mark each measurement with a pencil.
3,Lay one 8-foot board flat. Place the angled end of the 6-foot boards at the two 1-foot marks. Angle the boards outward. Place the other 8-foot board on top. Line it up with the measurement marks. The 6-foot boards must be sandwiched between the 8-foot boards.
4,Drill 4 holes through all three of the boards in the two areas where they connect.
5,Secure the boards with the five 1/2-inch bolts, washers and nuts.
6,Measure to find the middle of the 4-foot boards. Place the ends of the 8-foot boards at the center line. When the arc hammock stand is upright, the 4-foot boards make the stand’s base.
7,Drill one hole through the 4-foot boards and through each of the 8-foot boards on both sides. This equals 2 holes for each end.
8,Attach the pieces together with the 6-inch bolts, washers and nuts.

Install Sun Shade Sail in the Backyard

1,Locate the attachment points you want to use for your sail cloth. In general, many sun shade sail cloths are attached to the back of the house at two or more points and to a distant post or tree. The square sun shade sail will be 12 inches smaller in all directions from the attachment points.
2,Install the attachment points to the house. Most sails are sold separate from hardware and the hardware is custom-selected for your application. Hardware is available to attach to the corner of the house using a corner bracket and lag bolts; attach to the rafter tail with a rafter bolt; attach to a wall stud with a long bracket and lag bolts; attach to a header above a door or window with a 4-hole pad eye and lag bolts; and attach with a 6-inch eyebolt to a galvanized post.
3,Follow the specific hardware directions for correctly mounting your attachment points to your house, posts, trees or distant points. If you are installing a post to act as a third attachment point away from the house, dig your post hole to 1/3 the length of the finished post and use gravel and concrete to anchor the post to the ground.
4,Attach the triangle sun shade sail to the attachment points by loosening the turnbuckles to the most open position. A turnbuckle is loosened by unscrewing it. Attach one shackle end of the turnbuckle to the attachment point and the other to the sail. Connect all three points. Extend the distance from the turnbuckle to the sail with chain if necessary. Turnbuckles will allow you to tighten the sun shade sail by simply turning the turnbuckle as needed.
5,Use D-shackles at the house side attachment points and a low stretch polyester rope on the third (post) side. A D-shackle is a U-shaped loop with two threaded holes at the ends of the U. There is a pin that is threaded to connect into the two holes. This configuration allows you to use the rope to tighten the sail or extend the attachment point across the yard to a distant tree or building. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific hardware and installation tips for your specific sail.

Install Sun Shade Sail in the Backyard

1,Locate the attachment points you want to use for your sail cloth. In general, many sun shade sail cloths are attached to the back of the house at two or more points and to a distant post or tree. The square sun shade sail will be 12 inches smaller in all directions from the attachment points.
2,Install the attachment points to the house. Most sails are sold separate from hardware and the hardware is custom-selected for your application. Hardware is available to attach to the corner of the house using a corner bracket and lag bolts; attach to the rafter tail with a rafter bolt; attach to a wall stud with a long bracket and lag bolts; attach to a header above a door or window with a 4-hole pad eye and lag bolts; and attach with a 6-inch eyebolt to a galvanized post.
3,Follow the specific hardware directions for correctly mounting your attachment points to your house, posts, trees or distant points. If you are installing a post to act as a third attachment point away from the house, dig your post hole to 1/3 the length of the finished post and use gravel and concrete to anchor the post to the ground.
4,Attach the triangle sun shade sail to the attachment points by loosening the turnbuckles to the most open position. A turnbuckle is loosened by unscrewing it. Attach one shackle end of the turnbuckle to the attachment point and the other to the sail. Connect all three points. Extend the distance from the turnbuckle to the sail with chain if necessary. Turnbuckles will allow you to tighten the sun shade sail by simply turning the turnbuckle as needed.
5,Use D-shackles at the house side attachment points and a low stretch polyester rope on the third (post) side. A D-shackle is a U-shaped loop with two threaded holes at the ends of the U. There is a pin that is threaded to connect into the two holes. This configuration allows you to use the rope to tighten the sail or extend the attachment point across the yard to a distant tree or building. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific hardware and installation tips for your specific sail.

Repair a Hole in Your Party Tent

1,Set up your party tent a day or so before you are to use it. Get inside the tent and look for sunlight leaking through the tent. You’ll see holes clearly when you’re inside the blue party tent.
2,Cut two equal patches of tent tape or sail tape that will completely cover the tear or hole by at least a half-inch on all sides. If the patch is not round, round the corners. Sail tape is essentially a polymeric material with an adhesive back. You can buy different colors.
3,Clean the marked area with an alcohol wipe or cotton dipped in alcohol. Clean both sides of the tent.
4,Peel off the adhesive backing and carefully place the patch on the tent. Do the same on the other side of the tent directly opposite the first patch.
5,Dab the edges of the patch on both sides with some of the clear repair adhesive that came with your white party tent. This will keep the patch from peeling. If you don’t have any repair adhesive, seam sealer also works.
6,Let the patch dry thoroughly — about 30 minutes in the sun. Pack up your tent and plan your next outdoor adventure.

2012年3月28日星期三

How To Tie a Hammock


1,Look for two trees that are close enough together to set up thehammock. You want to select hardwood trees that have trunks at least 12 inches in diameter. If you are setting up a hammock at home or at a cabin and can’t tie the hammock between two trees, set one post the appropriate distance from a tree or set up two posts.
2,Allow a distance of 7 to 10 feet between the two trees or posts. The distance should be a couple of feet more than the length of the hammock. If you hang a hammock between a tree and a post, make sure that the post can support the weight.
3,Set a post by digging deep enough so that the end of the post will be below the frost line, usually about 3 feet down. If you are setting up a permanent place for a hammock in your own backyard, you need to cement wooden posts in the ground. Posts should be treated hardwood, 6 inches by 6 inches. Inspect each post for cracks or other damage that could weaken it.
4,Fill the hole you dig with a few inches of pea gravel so that the post will not be sitting in water at the bottom of the hole. Mix concrete to set each post. Let the posts sit for a few days to allow the concrete to dry before attaching the wooden arc hammock.
5,Stretch out the hammock. Tie on heavy, durable rope or cord at each end. String your hammock between the two trees or posts, stretching it tightly. Hang the hammock 4 to 6 feet off the ground.
6,Knot a bowline loop in one end of the rope. Do this by making a small loop and then pulling the short end of the rope up through the loop. Next, bring that same end behind the piece of rope facing up from the loop. Take it back down through the loop, and pull the knot to tighten it.
7,Wrap the other end of the rope twice around the tree or post before threading it back through the bowline loop. This makes a strong knot that will not slip and is easy to untie. Repeat these same steps to secure the hammock at the opposite end.
8,Tie each rope tightly enough so that it will not slip down the tree or post. The ropes need to be strong enough to withstand any weight put on them. Generally, the tighter you tie the rope around the support, the less likely it is to slip.

How to Fix Sun Shade Sails?


Pulled into tautly curved geometrical shapes and suspended as shelter over an outdoor area,sun shade sail can sometimes take the notion of a tarp to the level of art. Their graceful horizontal sail-like designs offer shelter for backyard entertaining in the absence of large shade trees, while enhancing the overall look of your landscaping. Because sun shade sails are stretched between posts to take on their starkly rigid shapes, they can begin to sag over time. When that happens, you can quickly and easily restore one to its original tension and shape.
1,Position a ladder under the first post if necessary. Many sun shade sails have two short posts and two large posts to create a low-high shape, or hypar. You will not need a ladder for the shorter posts, as they usually are under 5 feet high.
2,Rotate the turnbuckle link, which connects the shade sail to the post, in a clockwise direction to tighten. Turn the link with pliers if you can’t do it by hand.
3,Increase tension on the turnbuckles at each of the four posts. Tighten each just enough to pull the shade sail taut and remove any sagging or wrinkles. Avoid over-tightening, which could damage the sail and its connective corners. Tighten the shade sail as needed throughout the year to retain its original shape.

Assemble a Party Tent


1,Remove the pieces from their packaging and sort the poles in order of their letter or number markings.
2,Lay out the joint pieces spaced roughly where they should be when the tent is complete.
3,Lay out the poles according to the assembly instructions, paying close attention to top, center and sidepieces.
4,Affix the roof pieces to the joints by sliding them into the joint holders.
5,Cover the roof with its corresponding fabric securing it into position with its ties.
6,Insert the side poles into the joints and erect the tent.
7,Tie down the bottom pieces of the white party tent‘s fabric to the side poles.
8,Place the tent’s feet over the bottom of the side poles and lock them into place with their pegs.
9,Stake the feet into the ground with the tent stakes. In most ground types, you should be able to simply step on the stake for insertion. If the ground is hard, use a mallet.
10,Attach the party tent‘s side fabric and tie it into position; this is typically done with the same ties used for the roof. Be sure and secure both the top and sides of the walls.

How to Set up a Hammock

1,Choose the right location for setting up your hammock. Having two anchor points (trees or walls) at a reasonable distance from each other is the ideal way to hang a hammock. If you cannot find anchor points, you can make your own by planting posts in the ground or buying your own freestanding stand.
2,Decide how high you want to set your hammock and then move the marking up about 10 inches. This is to account for the sag that your body weight will produce once you get in the hammock.
3,Measure the distance between the anchor points, making sure you have at least 12 feet (for a standard-size hammock) to allow for a comfortable sag.
4,Keep in mind that hammocks may stretch and sag more with time so it is always better to hang them up a little higher to allow for gradual sagging.
5,Drill holes on the anchor points using an electric drill. Make sure the holes are not larger than the size of the anchors or there is a risk that they will unscrew or fail to support your weight properly.
6,Secure the hammock to the anchor points using hook screws and a welded-steel chain or a strong rope (thick braided nylon is best). Some hammocks come with kits that allow you to set them up without the need to buy any additional items. Otherwise you will find the right type of chains and rope at an outdoor-supply store.

2012年3月27日星期二

Make a Triangle Sun Shade Sail


1,Measure the area you want to cover with your triangle sun shade sail. Calculate the square footage of the area and plan your covering. Cut a canvas tarp to cover that square footage. Hem the sides you’ve cut so it doesn’t fray.
2,Dig holes at each of the three corners of your shaded area. Install one metal pole in each hole, mix the cement and fill the holes with it. Let the cement set and dry according to its instructions.
3,Install coupling hardware on the poles.
4,Run rope from the corners of the sail to the coupling hardware on the poles. Hoist the sail. Pull on the ropes to make the fabric taut and fasten them securely to the poles.

Rent a Party Tent


1,Calculate the number of people you will need for the tent to accommodate. Figure out how many tables or chairs or both that you will have in the party tent canopy. Make sure you allot for everything you will need space for including dance floors, stages, banquet tables and so forth.
2,Measure the space you have available to place your tent. All tents will require extra room beyond the size of the tent for staking the tent.
3,Decide if you would like sidewalls on your pop up party tent. Sidewalls are necessary if you are unsure about the weather conditions for the day of your event. They do come with an additional charge, however.
4,Search online or in the phone book under “party rentals” to find a company that will rent party tents. If you are already renting tables, chairs and other party items, ask the company you are renting from to see if they provide tents as well.
5,Get a price quote on the tent, poles and sidewalls that you need for your 10×15 party tent. Give the company all the information you have gathered; how many people will be attending, what items you will have inside the tent and how much outside space you have available.
6,Contact your local gas and electric company and have them mark off any underground lines. You must give your utility company several days notice before they will have this done depending upon the company’s regulations. When the tent company stakes the tent, they will have to anchor the tent to the ground and may have to place the stakes pretty deep, so this information is very important and vital.
7,Place your order and set the date for delivery. Make sure you will have the tent delivered and set up in time for your event. Schedule for more time than you need in case the rental company runs late in delivery and setup.

2012年3月26日星期一

Make a Wooden Hammock Stand


Wouldn’t it be nice to have a hammock right in your backyard? This could serve as a sanctuary or a place where you could hang out during the late afternoons. Of course, your hammock will not be complete without a stable stand. Most people busy themselves with getting the right fabric or material to hang on their Wooden Hammock Stands. While this also important, getting a wooden hammock stand should be the first thing you need to worry about when building your own hammock.
1,Cut one end of your 6-foot long wood pieces at a 30-degree angle using your miter saw.
2,Measure 1 foot from each end of your 8-foot wood pieces using your measuring tape. Use your pencil to mark each measurement that you make.
3,Place your 8-foot wood pieces on a flat surface. Find the angled end of your 6-foot wood pieces near the two 1-foot marks. Angle the piece outwards as you place your other 8-foot piece on top. Line up the board according to the measurement marks that you made. This would put the 6-foot pieces in between the 8-foot ones.
4,Use your electric drill to drill 4 holes in all three pieces for every two connecting areas. Get your 1/2 by 2-inch bolts, nuts and washers and secure the wood pieces with them. See to it that they are tightly screwed by turning the knobs clockwise until they come to a complete stop.
5,Measure the pieces to find their 4-foot section. Put the 8-foot wood pieces’ ends near the center. The 4-foot wood pieces will serve as the stand’s base when the hammock stands are held upright.
6,Drill one hole using the electric driller through the 4-foot pieces. Repeat the same step for each side of your 8-foot wood pieces. You should end up with 2 holes on each end.
7,Use your 3/8 by 2-inch bolts, nuts and washers to attach the pieces together. See to it that each nut is tightly screwed so as to prevent easy damage.

Clean a sun shade sail


Well-placed sun shade sail can make time outdoors around your home comfortable by providing shade on sunny days or blocking rain on wet days. To keep your sun shade in working order, you’ll want to clean it once or twice a year to avoid dry rot and mildew from damaging your fabric. If possible, spread your shade out flat to clean it, or use a ladder carefully to wash your sun shade where it is installed.
1,Fill a spray bottle with a qt. of warm or hot water. Add in a tsp. of liquid dish detergent followed by a tsp. of borax. Close the spray bottle and swirl it around to mix the borax and dish liquid well without creating suds.
2,Spray over the entire sun shade sail to saturate the material fully. Let the solution soak into the fabric for 20 minutes.
3,Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the sun shade sail canopy and remove the soap solution. If your shade sail is still mounted to an exterior wall, then spray it down from the top to the bottom to let the soap run off completely.
4,Repeat Steps 2 and 3 if you see stubborn stains, mildew or bird droppings that weren’t lifted the first time. Allow the shade to dry fully in the sun for two to three hours or longer before retracting or closing.

How to Buy a Pop Up Party Tent?


Pop up party tent are used for a wide variety of purposes, from military uses to shelter, from recreational camping to parties.Party Tent Canopyor “marquees” are common for public speeches, birthday parties, fairs and large weddings and gatherings. They are mostly manufactured from polyethylene and the ones with better quality from PVC. They are usually from a width of 20 to 150 feet and from 10 to 400 feet in length. Party tents are mostly colorful, impressive and very sturdy. They usually are of a variety of colors but white is the most popular choice. Knowledge about how to purchase the perfect party tent is essential and can save time and money.
1,Decide how big your party tent should be. This decision should be based on the number of people attending the party and the space available for the party. The general rule of thumb is that each party guest needs about 8 square feet of tent space to move around comfortably. For a sit-down party banquet, the optimum amount of space per person should be about 12 square feet.
2,Decide how much you are willing to spend for the party tent.
3,Use the phone directory or the web to look up shops that sell party tents. Go to the business so that you can see what the party tent looks like.
4,Buy Frame Marquees if you want something cheap and practical and if you want to conserve space. These are ideal for speeches and simple parties. Because there are no posts inside the 10×30 party tent, the audience can have a full view of the speaker, the host or the event. Join these party tents together in U or L shapes if you want to increase space. You can choose aluminum frame marquees if you prefer something more stable and durable.
5,Buy Pole Tents if you want to accommodate a large number of people, especially for weddings. Choose from the dramatic tension tents or the cheaper and less impressive simple pole tents.
6,Buy Ethnic Tents for unconventional gatherings and events and if you want a variety of design and color. Choose from the sturdy and comfortable Mongolian yurts, the elaborate Indian tents or the brightly colored Moroccan tents.
7,Ask the seller for more advice about the party tent, especially how many people it can accommodate, how long it will last and if it is ideal for the season or the event.
8,Check for a fire certificate sewn on the tent. If you cannot find any fire certificate, then it is not safe and you should not purchase it.

2012年3月25日星期日

Sleep in a wooden arc hammock


1,Dress in loose, comfortable clothing so you can move about freely in your wooden arc hammock.
2,Set a cool drink and any other materials you might need next to the hammock before getting in.
3,Back up to the hammock like you would to a chair.
4,Pull the far side of the hammock up and above your head so that the bottom of it is at chest level.
5,Lie back into the arc hammock.
6,Draw in your feet and stretch into a comfortable position.
7,Position your body so you lie diagonal in the hammock. This will support your back and provide the most comfort. If you’re sleeping in an extra-wide or double hammock, lie across the center for extra support.
8,Close your eyes and let yourself gently sway by pushing off from the ground.
9,Move about as you normally would in a bed. The hammock’s extra material on both sides will hold you in.
10,Swing your legs over the side of the hammock and sit up when you wish to get out. Support yourself by holding on to the edges of the hammock.