How to make cheap drop net conversion

[gollum 1]

Hi Folks

 

Ive been trying to knock up a drop net system that will utilize my existing long nets, and finally after hours looking for suitable (cheap enough) materials there is an answer.

 

My local scrap dealer was the source for the Poles, and for £30 I got 20 9 foot lengths of aluminium window surround. Because it is essentially box section with bracing on its long edge I find this to be extremely rigid but still super light and robust enough to take being hammered in to the ground.

Around the poles I used 40mm solvent weld plastic overflow pipe as drop arms/sliders, £12 for two 3m lengths from the local builders supply shop. Make sure that if you try this, that the aluminium section is smaller than 40mm in outside diameter, otherwise a 40mm pipe wont slide up and down it! Alternatively, get larger pipe if required.Next was the means to attach my normal fibreglass net poles to the drop arms. 1 * bmx size bicycle inner tube does the job nicely.

 

Now the construction: (for a 50 yard net with 10 poles)

 

The 40mm tube was cut in to 60cm lengths.

The bmx type inner tube is cut in to 3cm lengths. (these will be used as oversized elastic bands)

Drill a hole through the aluminium pole approx 65cm from one end. This is to take the pin that will support the slider tubing so it must be exactly straight through both walls of the aluminium pole. Any deviation will make pulling the pin difficult so its worth getting this right. A bench drill is ideal.

On two of the poles add another hole at the top, ie above the drop pin hole within 5cm of the end of the pole. This is for guy lines.

Now, make up some pull pins, I used coat hanger thickness galvanised wire wrapped around a 1" pole leaving a 60mm shank.

 

Thats it!

 

To use...

 

1. Set your long net to its pegs as usual.

2. Sleeve the bmx inner tube bands around the 40mm pipes. (1 at top 1 at bottom of each pipe)

3. Sleeve the 40mm pipes around the aluminium poles.( 1 per pole)

3. Plant the aluminium poles directly behind the net pegs. (this ensure that the bagging you set is maintained on the drop) It is essential that you set the alumnium poles vertical, failure to achieve consistent vertical = failure to drop the net! I use a spirit level and step ladders to get to a comfortable working height when hammering them in.

4. Starting at one end, lift your net pegs from the ground and attach to the 40mm tubes using the bmx inner tube sections as bands to hold the pegs.

5. Loft the net and use the pull pins to support the now raised pipe and net assembly.

6. Secure your pull cord to all the pull pins.

7. Set the tension of the end poles using guy lines.

8. Test.

 

I was lucky and mine dropped first time and has dropped fine each time since. If yours doesnt, try relaxing the guy lines a little, too much tension = too much friction on the sliders so a balance is required.

If any tries building one, let me know how you get on, or pm if you need any more info.

 

I'm working on a remote activation system to add to this, it will be capable of dropping the net without a pull cord from approx 1/2 a mile and be capable of dropping several nets simultaneously or independantly.

 

I'll post when I have a tried and tested version.

Good luck folks, I hope this is informative and helps those that like me have a tight budget and got scared off by the thought of spending £10 and upwards per pole.

 

Happy hunting.

 

G

[gollum 1]

1. Set your long net to its pegs as usual.

 

I should have said that both top and bottom lines should be clove hitched to your pegs. This may not be how everybody does it normally.

 

Cheers.

 

G

[gav000 0]

do you have any photo of your set up. sound great well done

[Rabbithunter 456]

well done you for creating such a helpful post. MODS.... cant you "pin" this post?

Edited April 22, 2008 by Rabbithunter

[gollum 1]

Cheers folks, I'll put pics up in a day or 2.

 

Regards

 

G