Sparx88 Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 (edited) Been exploring can shells and multi break cans. And I'm not quite sure what size, lb test 20 or 48 lb should be used on 2 and 3" cans? Do any of you source from ollies, walmart or micheals for this? Ebay has all sorts but would like to get this local. Edited July 13, 2015 by Sparx88
marks265 Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 I've used the 20 pound stuff from Wally world. I've since bought a case online so haven't checked it out lately.
Sparx88 Posted July 13, 2015 Author Posted July 13, 2015 Cool, thats sounds good. So then if I needed more strength on the spiking I could use 2 strands like I've seen. TY.
Mumbles Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 I've been fine thus far with 1 strand for both 2" and 3". 4" you may need to make some with single and double strands and see what you like best. You could probably double up the spiking on smaller shells for harder breaks. Only experimentation will tell. I've used the stuff from Wal-mart with good success so far. There are occasional thin spots, so if it breaks while spiking, you'll have to splice it back together.
Wiley Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 I get the 20# hemp from Hobby Lobby. It's very consistent, unlike the Walmart stuff, and I use 2 strands on everything that I make.
marks265 Posted July 14, 2015 Posted July 14, 2015 When I'm spiking a shell there are 3 things that I watch for while spiking a shell in regard to the twine quality. Are the splices any good, Is the twine as strong as they say it is, and is it consistent in diameter? This is one of those pyro things where if you find what you like buy a lot of it if you can. It merely saves headaches later in life. I won't talk about the smell of some twine!
Sparx88 Posted July 16, 2015 Author Posted July 16, 2015 The smell, ugh, don't remind me. The stuff I got smells like horse feed. I found something at walmart, it's natural "polished" hemp, and no not sausage either. Does'nt say what diameter or test strength but I can't break it by hand without it trying to cut in. I probably could with gloves. Is this what I should have?
pyrokid Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 I have a question for those more experienced with hemp twine. Years ago I bought a small roll of hemp string at a crafts store. It closely resembles cotton string in its consistency. I've been using the hemp twine from Walmart recently though, and it seems to have a consistency more similar to paper. Are there words that better describe the differences in these two materials? I very much prefer the older material because it has a cylindrical profile as opposed to the more rectangular new material. I'm just afraid of the cost.
Maserface Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 The "old" stuff sounds like it might be multiple strands braided, and the new stuff sounds like one strand. The stuff you can get at Walmart now works well and is cheap; it's not super consistent though and might land you on your ass if you are not careful 1
Mumbles Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 It may be a difference in processing. The stuff from walmart has always been polished in my experience. It's still 3 strands if I recall, but after being polished it appears to be more or less 1 solid strand. It may also be a hemp twine vs. hemp cord difference. According to the website hempbasics.com "While twine consists of several single strands of yarn that are twisted together, cord consists of several pieces of multi-plied yarns that are then twisted together to make the cord. The result of this 'double-twisting' effect is almost a mini-rope that is makes a much smoother and more uniform finished yarn then the twine, and which is also stronger then twine by virtue of the double-twisting." 1
marks265 Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 Hey Sparx, Going by the part number, it looks to be the 20 pound stuff. Maybe lift some known weight with it to see where it breaks. It should be about .050" in diameter or about 1mm to 1.5mm. This is all subjective of course but gives you a rough idea. I would buy that and give it a go if I needed some. Try a roll and see how it works for you. Maserface has a good point so beware of your backside!
Sparx88 Posted July 16, 2015 Author Posted July 16, 2015 I went ahead and bought that when I took the pic I was already home The landing on arse thing was nearly experienced though using some of that ragged frizzy hemp twine, snap, then I remembered I was already sitting
nater Posted July 17, 2015 Posted July 17, 2015 If you are building multibreaks, try to find the thinnest, strongest twine you can buy. Multiple strands side by side will lay down nice. Too thick of twine and you won't get your breaks together or the shell down the mortar.
Recommended Posts