finchy001

As my Father is the welding engineer, the technical side is down to him, after 40 years welding I am confident he knows the correct methods for manufacture. Just had a scout about the forums and saw this interesting design: http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/rigging-roping/9481-woody-lowering-device.html Like I say, its really a design exercise to put my own spin on something. I like the idea of using straps like the woody device does, and the dual anchor system to hold it to the stem minimizing movement, and the new RC device uses a fantastic looking method of what I would imagine is a rope grab style device on the arm to allow greater leverage to take up slack. I know i maybe re-inventing the wheel as it were, but its often quite enjoyable to challenge yourself with these things. When we get something together I will post pics and you can all see what you think

Hi Andy, No its not to save a couple of quid, its more an exercise to see what I would find useful in a portawrap device through trial and error. I have looked at the new rc range and they seem to be spot on so I'm picking one up in January. But in the mean time, I'm keen to tinker and see what I can come up with. I see what you saying about things being borne from neccessity, but really this is an exercise for my own amusement that I was hoping to use in various jobs, but it would seem more fitting to use it in a controlled enviroment. If I do feel something is worthwhile then I may look at marketing it, but the manufacture and sale of a stress loading device will be a perilous endevour I would imagine, and probably best left to those such as Buckingham, ISC and RC

how do homemade devices stand in LOLER terms, obviously welds wlil be xrayed to ensure quality, but do they com eunder the basic loler inspections along with other kit, or do they find themselves subject to more stringent assessments?

Thanks alot WeeDee, I'm just tinkering with designs for now, and I think I'll over engineer the first few to makesure they hold and do the job thats needed of them. Aiming to make a device in the style of the new RC range that has the drum mounted onto a plate aswell, will keep you informed of how they shape up

Hi Pete, Really just looking at something along the lines of the ISC small portawrap to begin with.

hi all, i wondered if anyone could help with telling me the dimensions of a portawrap. mainly the pegs used to tie off the rope, i'm assuming its 10mm steel rod, but i havent got access to one to measure it up. if anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated cheers