FIGJAM

[dr.placebo]

Here are a few tarp hints that I've used on the playa.

The weak point in a tarp system is usually the grommets. A lot of the damage to grommets is done by the tarps flapping in the breeze, attempting to become airborne. Reducing flapping reduces damage to the tarps and the support structure.

It's very important to NOT have long runs of unsupported tarp. One way to reduce flapping is to tie ropes across the tarps to reduce the amount they can move around. Use strong ropes in a pattern that uses diagonals.

Another trick is to roll the end of the tarp around a strong pole, using clamps to keep the roll stable. The grommets won't be damaged if they are not load bearing, and the pole reduces flapping. You waste some of the tarp for the roll, and you need poles, but the stability improves a lot. The hard core version of this is to use two poles at opposite ends of the tarp.

Don't rely on thin PVC out there. It gets soft in the heat.

If you are willing to use twice as much tarp to get a structure more than twice as strong, then use two poles, but tie or clamp the ends of the tarp together, making two layers of tarp. In this case using the grommets can be helpful, since the stress is low enough to not rip them up. It's better to thread a rope through the grommets, matching up the grommets from each end.

As pointed out before, air flow also reduces stress, especially for tarps that are vertical or nearly vertical. Holes in the tarps or gaps between them help, although you have to put up with more dust.

Staking the whole thing down is also crucial. Use strong ropes and bungies, and try to get some redundancy so the whole thing does not go ballistic if one thing fails.

For modest size shade structures (10'x20') I've found that rebar is quite adequate. One useful trick to increase strength is to pound in two stakes for a single tie point, putting them in a different angles to make an X. This helps to keep them from coming loose because they don't wiggle around. Make sure that stakes are marked and padded, or somebody's going to be hurt.

Hope this helps.

[FIGJAM]

I found some stuff called hh-66 tarp cement. Im going to glue that 2500 test strap from and over grommet to grommet in both directions like a checker board with 18in squares. Theres 7 or 8 grommet across the 12ft side. That 17500 to 19000 pounds of pull to breaking point that i can streach as ridged as a trampaline. I think all of brc could blow down and no break my shade. YES im on a mission. YES i could be wrong..............................but im not uncertain...lol

[FIGJAM]

Glueing directly to the tarp.

[FIGJAM]

$50 tarp ,$15 quart of tarp glue, 2500 pound pull strap free=INVINSABLE..................FIGJAM...............ill take a picture of it streached with me (200 pounds) laying on top of it. Couple of days to do.

[FIGJAM]

I think ill build a no mesh tent next.

[illy dilly]

Dr. Placebo might have a good idea, with adding another support half way from the truck bed, and the other end. And if it were a little taller than the end support, it would give a bit of gabble. I wouldn't want to hunk over all week under my shade structure.
Just a thought.

[FIGJAM]

just trying a new post site

[FIGJAM]

[Ugly Dougly]

Is that your saguaro or are you just glad to see me?

[FIGJAM]

Always glad to see you, but that ones for OED.........lol...

[FIGJAM]

[illy dilly]

Looks great!
Maybe think about adding some side walls. Cause as the sun moves you're shade is gonna move. You don't wanna have to get up and move with the shade every hour.

[FIGJAM]

I was just testing another picture site, but I plan on parking facing east or west and have shade clothe sides if I need them.

[illy dilly]

Sounds perfect! Have you decided about were you plan to camp?

[FIGJAM]

Around 5:30 and h or i. On the end of the block.

[ygmir]

hey, we'll probably be neighbors, then..........

[FIGJAM]

Ill paint the image of tt on the end of the shade so camp will be easy to find, for you and me both......lol....... glennfiedich ok?

[ygmir]

perfect........I'll bring absinthe.

if, I can find a photo of Mighty Manfred.......or, Crabby Appleton.........

[FIGJAM]

http://homepage.mac.com/xk9/.Pictures/woof0609/cartoon003.jpg

[FIGJAM]

http://www.skepticfriends.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11329

[FIGJAM]

Ok ygmir, strap yourself in. This one is just for you.

http://www.archive.org/details/TomTerrificGoWestYoungManfred

TT is a burner.

Hope you enjoy it.

[ygmir]

one of my earliest memories, the song and cartoon.......thanks.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PgniqcgdFo[/youtube]

[FIGJAM]

Testing

[ygmir]

Testingcle

lose something FJ?
I fixed it for ya.

[FIGJAM]

End test.

[FIGJAM]

Testingcle

lose something FJ?
I fixed it for ya.

Nope, their safe in the thimble, now leave me alone.

[Mojojita]

Thank God that the word "cactus" is painted on the side of that truck, otherwise we would never know.......

[FIGJAM]

Taking a stroll down memory lane bump.

[ygmir]

seems you'd have Mighty Manfred on the side of your truck, too.

[CitizenRandom]

YAY!! He reads the MANual.... Its typical Im on e-playa also reading up and Im probably too tired to make a lick of sence but let me extend my goofy ass to say..
I love love LOVE those who are prepared..and embrace their virginity... Virgins are so cool -you guys always remind us of our first burns..

after this burn..youll be a NOOB. NOT newby.(.ugh Im a stickler for the Burning Thesaurus cuz dinosaurs are cool). we like Super Noobs..especially Super Noobs with boobs or doobs? wait a minute..let me check..ah yes..VIRGINS who read...YAY!!!
then three burns down youll be a Fledge
But youll always be the New school
The old school is now closed but giving instruction..we are on new times...welcome ...
what do you look forward to most? You know virgins are the 40%......you all used to be like the 15%.
Its important that your down with the flow..of corse..It all moves so quickly- if you dont stay well read on what goes on- you miss alot in the blink of an eye..Ive been going for a while and Im even a little under schooled.
these are exciting times..or at least very very interesting.'
you are coming in at a pivital moment in our Burning History.. That in itself is kinda Virgin for all of us.
thanks for doing your homework.
I imagine there will be some tom foolery you will endure- take it with a grain of playa..
or grain alcohol...but thats advanced Playa 102..
for now remember to drink lots of water...start now.. no seriously... it takes practice and dehydration is the single most popular virgin health issue on the Playa ..You dont wanna be one of those burners do ya...? All dryed out and in the med tent- health workers all rolling their health worker eyes at you talking about you in code with baby voices..huh?
SO YOU KNOW.... .it NEVER happened to ANY of us and its very VERY embarrasing ..least of all horribley unsightly..prunish..mummified..eeesh.
Im drinking water right now and its raining outside and its freaking MARCH and thats how BURNINGMAN changed my life...it did! seriously....

Just know that people are gonna kinda lovingly fuck with you the whole time your there..and before..annnnd um like after..
Just hate it whe you kind get silly with a virgin and they get all pushed outta shape..When you get played with on the Playa its a sign of love and exceptance..THATS HOW WE ROLL..
Cuz SOME PEOPLE are just goofy like that probably from too much dehydration and find it nessesary to play like that ..you know to see if you know your shit..ARE YOU DRINKING YET? ummm
well there it is... glad your with us..
unless your dehydrated. lol..