1 Rope Making As done by BSA Troop 306 of Avon, Indiana Please download the .gif file "Rope" to view some sketches on this equipment. Laying up a good three-braid rope is well within the skills of a Tenderfoot Scout. They learn a skill not taught in school that amazes their friends when they see a piece of the finished product. The real secret to laying quality rope is the rope maker you use. Our troop built one out of 1/2" steel rods with a hook threaded into one end, 1" thick seasoned white oak, and some non-moving retainers for spacers. This unit was then mounted on a stand to support it at a comfortable working level (about waist height). The anchor has a crank on it as well which is necessary if you are making big rope. Measure off a starting distance 50% farther that your finished length of rope. For a 100 foot rope measure off a distance of 150 feet. Load the twine starting at the anchor. Lay up a continuious piece in the desired number of strands to the first hook at the maker end before going on to the next hook. While loading, try to keep the same amount of tension on all strands. ( this is made easier because you are working with a continious piece of twine) After each hook has the same number of strands ( 1/4" rope = 6 strands on each hook, 3/8" rope = 12 strands on each hook, 1/2" rope = 18 strands on each hook, etc.) Put the wrench between the three groups of twine at the anchor end. Start cranking the rope maker to the right (clockwise), the twine should look like it is being untwisted. Do not crank the anchor at this time. Continue cranking the maker until the three groups of twine are as tight enough not to twist easily. Now start cranking the anchor in the same direction the maker is going which will force the wrench to start advancing towards the maker. Let the wrench advance at its own pace, (do not force it forward or try to hold it back) When the wrench gets to the maker, tie off the rope and cut free. If you have any questions on this, please contact me by e-mail. Ryan Holly Prepared for the AOL Scouting Forum by: ASM Ryan 11/14/93 cut free. If you have any questions on this, plea w BxxxxxvxxxFxHxTxVxx x x < xxxvxxxFxHxTxVxx x x < Ariale maker you use. Our troop built one out of 1/2" steel rods with a hook threaded into one end, 1" thick seasoned