Spinning Rope...on purpose!

[nykohchyn]

I have been given a challenge: spin 100 feet of 1/2 inch rope (for a reenactor's rope bed) in two weeks!!

I only have lace weight spindles, and my spinning wheel does not have an orifice large enough to accommodate this. Does anyone have any ideas for a quick way to throw together a spindle heavy enough to do this? I imagine it'd have to weigh about half a pound to handle what I'm trying to do here...I heard about someone using a broom handle, but I don't understand how that would work. What do I use for the whorl? I have access to a blacksmith and a wood shop, and I imagine I would need a heavier duty niddy and some bobbins as well...I feel as lost as I did when I started spinning!

 

HELP

[mullerslanefarm]

I doubt 100 feet will be enough for a rope bed, at least not for the one I had.  Rope has been 'spun' for centuries using a rope making machine, not a standard spindle or wheel.

Here is my husband's rope making machine:

FRONT:


BACK:


DEVICE USED TO HOLD SEPARATE STRANDS OF HEMP OR JUTE:


I'm sure there are videos that shows how this works

[nykohchyn]

Its a small bed apparently. He measured it, he says he will need a little less than 100ft.

Here's the issue with that doodad...I don't have the money, or the source, to acquire one of those. I don't have the slightest idea where to find one in this short of a chunk of time...nor do I have the space to use one if I did! I understand how they work and have even seen one in action, but I can't get my hands on one.

[flower]

What a beautiful ropemaker!  I come from a family of ropemakers.  They do all kinds of demos at county fairs, etc.  If you live in Oklahoma or Indiana I could set you up with one of my ropemaking kin. 

My husband did a ropemaking activity with his students using an electric hand drill.  Here is a tutorial:

http://pineapple.myfunforum.org/sutra2652.php

The problem is the drill doesn't allow for thicker ropes.  The old fashioned ropemakers can make something thicker and stronger.

[mullerslanefarm]

flower, is that the nose of a Jersey??  I can never get a close photo of my Jersey because their nose are such camera hogs!!

Perhaps the device in the 2nd post of your link would be the ticket for nykohchyn??

I saw one of these at the last fiber festival I was at but didn't have a clue how to operate it...  Can he make a video real quick??

[flower]

Yes, it's a Jersey, but it isn't my cow.  I just found it online and fell in love with the picture.  I grew up in dairy country and miss my twice daily visits with "the ladies". 

I found this demo on Youtube that demonstrates the technique:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOpomKQe5Oc

flower, is that the nose of a Jersey??  I can never get a close photo of my Jersey because their nose are such camera hogs!!

Perhaps the device in the 2nd post of your link would be the ticket for nykohchyn??

I saw one of these at the last fiber festival I was at but didn't have a clue how to operate it...  Can he make a video real quick??

[nikschaf]

Wow, Cyndi, I just have to say that is one amazingly beautiful machine!!!

[mullerslanefarm]

It's my DH's "spinning wheel" !!  LOL!

[Blacksmith]

I assume that you're going for the standard 3 or 4 ply rope.

Considering the materials you're working with I'd suggest a power drill, tree, jute twine, and some time. I've made rope before using just those things. I worked in 20-30 foot segments, twisting one segment at a time and staking it in the ground. Rather than a fancy tool to keep the strands separated I used sticks hammered in the ground. Took awhile and some time to get the knack for it, but it can be done.

Oh, and if you're after the low tech/traditional method you can make yourself a club.
Take a look here.

[mullerslanefarm]

The Blacksmith does it again!!!!