Post by Da Boss on Jul 2, 2014 9:21:22 GMT -5
It seemed that there was some interest in the Fun with Tents thread so I'll show you all how to make them. Some of you have also seen the Tents and bases available through HQ72 and they were all made using this same basic method. The best part is that you will also be able to create draped tarps over truck beds, canvas tops for a variety of vehicles and more.
Step 1 is gather your research and reference material. As with any scratch project, this is of utmost importance. Tents are tricky to research on the internet but with alot of trial and error with searches, it is possible to find quite a bit.
Next, on a section of thick plastic sheet, draw out the floor plan of the tent to be made, in this case the Small Wall Tent which is 10 feet long by 8 feet wide
After that, measure inside each wall line 1.5mm to compensate for the thickness of the putty to be used.
The ends are made out of .020 or .030 plastic sheet, again allow 1 to 1.5mm on each side to compensate for the putty thickness. The end sections of the small wall tent are 8 feet wide, wall side are 4 foot 9 inches high with a center peak of 9 foot.
A center wall is added for extra strength along with struts made from square plastic rod at the corners where the wall ends and the slope upward begins. This well help give it a harder, more square edge.
Now you're ready for the putty. I use Aves Epoxy Sculpting putty as it is easy to shape and detail plus it is safer for your skin. You will need alittle water for mixing, too.
You will also need a flat surface to work on. Take a square piece of wax paper (or parchment paper used in baking), sprinkle it generously with Baby Powder or any other powder that contains only Talc. Never use the Cornstarch base powder or you'll have a gooey mess.
Take two even amounts of Aves putty and knead them thoroughly until the putty is all one color. Wetting your fingers while doing this makes the putty more pliable but don't overdo the water. Just a few drops are needed.
What we want to do now is make a thin section of canvas that will drape from one side, over the top and down the other side. So make the putty into this shape.
Sprinkle the putty generously with powder as this will keep it from sticking to the wax paper. Cover this with another piece of paper then roll the putty out GENTLY and VERY slowly from side to side applying very slight pressure. After the putty spreads out to the width you need, roll it from top to bottom to make a thin sheet.
The putty should look about like this when rolled-out properly. Believe me, this is a real test of the "Trial and Error" method.
After carefully peeling the putty from the wax paper, drape it gently over your tent frame. Wet your fingers alittle and very slowly and gently press it against the frame. You can add a draped effect to the roof to duplicate the often sagged parts of a tent.
Next, wet the edges of a straight-edge or metal ruler and slowly press it gently against the sides. Then press it slowly downwards to create a groove
Wet the tip/edge of your hobby knife and slowly cut along the groove you have created. Do only one side at a time.
Again wet the edge of your knife and begin trimming the ends away. I normally will start at the top and slice inwards toward the center of the wall. This helps to keep the putty from tearing but it does happen as you can see. Don't try to fix it at this point.
So far, so good! At this point you will need to dry the putty before working further.
The putty should normally be allowed to dry thoroughly overnight. But, you can speed up the process setting it about 5-6 inches away from a light source for about 2 hours. rotatating it from side to side occaisionally. This will keep the putty from burning and the plastic framework inside from melting.
End of part 1, stay tuned for part 2!
Step 1 is gather your research and reference material. As with any scratch project, this is of utmost importance. Tents are tricky to research on the internet but with alot of trial and error with searches, it is possible to find quite a bit.
Next, on a section of thick plastic sheet, draw out the floor plan of the tent to be made, in this case the Small Wall Tent which is 10 feet long by 8 feet wide
After that, measure inside each wall line 1.5mm to compensate for the thickness of the putty to be used.
The ends are made out of .020 or .030 plastic sheet, again allow 1 to 1.5mm on each side to compensate for the putty thickness. The end sections of the small wall tent are 8 feet wide, wall side are 4 foot 9 inches high with a center peak of 9 foot.
A center wall is added for extra strength along with struts made from square plastic rod at the corners where the wall ends and the slope upward begins. This well help give it a harder, more square edge.
Now you're ready for the putty. I use Aves Epoxy Sculpting putty as it is easy to shape and detail plus it is safer for your skin. You will need alittle water for mixing, too.
You will also need a flat surface to work on. Take a square piece of wax paper (or parchment paper used in baking), sprinkle it generously with Baby Powder or any other powder that contains only Talc. Never use the Cornstarch base powder or you'll have a gooey mess.
Take two even amounts of Aves putty and knead them thoroughly until the putty is all one color. Wetting your fingers while doing this makes the putty more pliable but don't overdo the water. Just a few drops are needed.
What we want to do now is make a thin section of canvas that will drape from one side, over the top and down the other side. So make the putty into this shape.
Sprinkle the putty generously with powder as this will keep it from sticking to the wax paper. Cover this with another piece of paper then roll the putty out GENTLY and VERY slowly from side to side applying very slight pressure. After the putty spreads out to the width you need, roll it from top to bottom to make a thin sheet.
The putty should look about like this when rolled-out properly. Believe me, this is a real test of the "Trial and Error" method.
After carefully peeling the putty from the wax paper, drape it gently over your tent frame. Wet your fingers alittle and very slowly and gently press it against the frame. You can add a draped effect to the roof to duplicate the often sagged parts of a tent.
Next, wet the edges of a straight-edge or metal ruler and slowly press it gently against the sides. Then press it slowly downwards to create a groove
Wet the tip/edge of your hobby knife and slowly cut along the groove you have created. Do only one side at a time.
Again wet the edge of your knife and begin trimming the ends away. I normally will start at the top and slice inwards toward the center of the wall. This helps to keep the putty from tearing but it does happen as you can see. Don't try to fix it at this point.
So far, so good! At this point you will need to dry the putty before working further.
The putty should normally be allowed to dry thoroughly overnight. But, you can speed up the process setting it about 5-6 inches away from a light source for about 2 hours. rotatating it from side to side occaisionally. This will keep the putty from burning and the plastic framework inside from melting.
End of part 1, stay tuned for part 2!
