Mark Meckes
8th September 2001, 03:29 AM
When (imported) hemp rope became more commercially available in the US market in the late 80's/90's, I bought a bunch of it (w'sale)- price per roll was outrageous, hoping to use it for my bamboo windchimes.
It just did not hold up to years of weathering.
*** At that time it was not available -waxed -which may increase it's durability.
*** Also you can see in photo(2), that the fibers are twisted rather then braided, of which braiding would greatly increase it's durability -
this is why braided polyester lasts much much longer then random strands of polyester.
However, I do love it for general garden trellis' fences / structures which are dismantled each year, as it holds it strength for about this length of time.(photo(3)
I use it to tie up bundles of bamboo, and for craft items not subjected to years of outdoor weather conditions.
and ESPECIALLY... I like it for the string on my bamboo jaw harps, because it withstands constant use and becomes more soft and pliable over time, yet keeps it's strength, with minimal fraying.
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/505/thumbs/1Mvc-233f.jpg
(1)Cordage: Hemp (Cannabis sativus) (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=710) assorted sizes
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/505/thumbs/1Mvc-234f.jpg
(2)Cordage: Hemp (Cannabis sativus) (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=711) - Close up
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/505/thumbs/1Mvc-235f.jpg
(3)Cordage: Hemp (Cannabis sativus) Garden use - aged 1 season. (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=712)
It just did not hold up to years of weathering.
*** At that time it was not available -waxed -which may increase it's durability.
*** Also you can see in photo(2), that the fibers are twisted rather then braided, of which braiding would greatly increase it's durability -
this is why braided polyester lasts much much longer then random strands of polyester.
However, I do love it for general garden trellis' fences / structures which are dismantled each year, as it holds it strength for about this length of time.(photo(3)
I use it to tie up bundles of bamboo, and for craft items not subjected to years of outdoor weather conditions.
and ESPECIALLY... I like it for the string on my bamboo jaw harps, because it withstands constant use and becomes more soft and pliable over time, yet keeps it's strength, with minimal fraying.
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/505/thumbs/1Mvc-233f.jpg
(1)Cordage: Hemp (Cannabis sativus) (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=710) assorted sizes
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/505/thumbs/1Mvc-234f.jpg
(2)Cordage: Hemp (Cannabis sativus) (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=711) - Close up
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/505/thumbs/1Mvc-235f.jpg
(3)Cordage: Hemp (Cannabis sativus) Garden use - aged 1 season. (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=712)