Homemade Tent, Canvas Selection?

[willysjeep134]

I was doing the math, thinking about how I could get enough canvas for a low enough price to make my own canvas tent. Then it dawned on me; Painter's dropcloths! I found a source that sells 4 foot by 15 foot canvas dropcloths in 6-7oz 8-9oz, 10-11oz, and 12-13 oz. I can cut the dropcloth into 4 by 7.5 foot sections, rip them diagonally, and sew the 7.5 foot straight edges together to make two triangular walls for a pyramid tent out of one sheet. It would take two dropcloths to make the walls of one tent, with a base about 8 feet square.

My only question is what weight of canvas should I be looking for? I know most commercial tents are made of 10oz or heavier canvas, but I'm not looking for something extremely heavy weight. Could somebody give me some idea of what maybe a piece of 8 ounce canvas is like? It would be great to have something more common to compare it to. I suppose if all else fails I could buy one dropcloth, see if it looks heavy eough, then if I like it buy another and make the tent. If I didn't like the looks of it I could order two of the next heavier weight and use the lighter one for an awning or sod cloth.

[Woodbutcher]

Dear Willys:
 This is a really good post, and I hope you keep us informed on your progress with this project!
  I've used dropcloths for camping, mostly well used. ( I'm a painter ) Never was concerned with the specific weight of canvas material, heavier is better for painting, unless it's on sale! I just grabbed what was handy, and went. The lighter stuff worked fine as far as shelter, ( very simple shelter ) but then I always use a plastic truck tarp as a fly over everything for shade as well as rain protection.
 Now if your going to go thru the trouble of making a tent, yeah, I guess a few questions are in order. Since I've never sewn up a new tent, your question really has me thinking. May I ask, are the heavier weights of canvas really necessary, and if so why? The relatively lighter weights seemed to work well for us, they provided privacy and kept some of the nighttime chill out. The plastic fly did the hard work.
 Please understand, I'm asking questions in the hope that someone has the specific answer or, at least some thoughts. However, my own personal observations, as well as vast experiences are based on very sound scientific principles. The stuff was cheap because it was expendable, and it was there to use.
 A commercial awning maker is someone that comes to mind as a source of info and experience for such a project, maybe some helpful tips as well.
 Please do keep us posted. Thank you!               Woodbutcher

[willysjeep134]

I already sewed up one tent. Well, it was more of a tarp. It was a 9 by 9 foot square, made from 3 foot wide $1 per yard sale canvas like fabric. This stuff was a pretty coarse fabric so it is heavy but not really tight to the weather like I would like. I am going to give the 10 ounce standard grade stuff a try. I should be able to make two sides from one cloth. I shouldn't have to get more than three; two for the sides and one for sod cloths and storm flaps.

First I am going to lay out the shape and size I was planning on with string and see if it would work out. 10 ounce canvas drop cloths from http://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/mu01b.htm seem to be pretty inexpensive. Are most drop cloths one piece of fabric or are they cobbled together patchwork like some cheap ones I've seen? This project is a long ways off, so I have some time to think things over.

[Crusoe of Lonesome Lake]

I've been thinking of doing the same thing and have found some helpful sights.

Here's a sight that will give you a pattern to build an wigwam
http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/native/skills/teepee.htm


Stoves anyone?
http://www.kifaru.net/stovspex.htm  (I'll bet I can make one this good)


Sights for tarps & cloth :shock:
http://www.e-tarps.com/category.cfm?Category=1

http://www.ktamer.com/tarp.htm

http://www.easternmarine.com/em_store/polytarps/

The wigwam sight says use 6 oz. canvas minimum.
If you guys find a sight that has other tent patterns please post it.

 :wink:

[Rustyinfla]

If you want to use the same material the big boys do, contact Panther Primitives. They make the best primitive shelters I've ever seen AND they will sell you just the material if you want to make your own.

   When all the sewing is done you can also go a little cheaper than commerical waterproofing by using Thompson's Water seal that can be purchased at your neighborhood building supply store.

  Depending on how involved you want to get there is also an excellent book by Laubin on tipis. It covers history use and construction in very good detail.

        Rusty <><

[Woodbutcher]

Paint drops come as you find them, patched and one piece, different weights also. It's not a concern if you're just protecting something from getting schlopped. ( don't worry bout splatters, it's dropping the brush or worse , the can! ) Making a tent or something else is where selection of material might be important. For instance a canvas poncho might be better in a light weight, but a possibles bag for a blackpowder shooter or fisherman could use a heavier material.
 I've been diggin in my stash of mags, looking for an article about tent making. This fella is an archer and backpacker, and wanted something ultra-light weight. He used Poplin from the fabric store for his one man tent. Thing weighed a pound and a half, no floor. He did use a plastic fly if rain threatened. Kept the night time chill out.
 A few years ago, I used Thompsons to refinish two decks. It was in September. Them boots didn't get wet till after Christmas!  Woodbutcher