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Knotting Material

  • March 26, 2013 6:43 AM
    Quote
    Message # 1252031
    Anonymous member
    My old tiller started to delaminate, so I ordered a new one from Bud.  It arrived today; truly a thing of beauty and utility.

    My next problem is that I am very attached to the decorative knotting hand-hold we have on the old tiller. I intend to make a new one for the new tiller.  See the picture below.  (Neglect the lines I have lashing the tiller in the center position.)

    We love that old knotting, but keeping it clean has been a problem.  It absorbs skin oil.  We have been whitewashing it to keep it white.   For the new knotting I want some kind or cordage that has low stretch, no rot, and which we can keep clean and maybe treat with Scotch Guard.   Cotton no.  Nylon no. Poly no.  Dacron maybe.   I'm fishing for a good suggestion of the best kind of cordage for this purpose.

  • March 26, 2013 7:06 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 1252039 on 1252031
    Anonymous member
    Dick,

    Truly a thing of beauty... nice job!

    I know of no cordage that will not soil, when used in this way. But, I do have an idea for you to try that might suit your needs. After you've completed your knot work, try coating it with West System Epoxy, using a #207 hardener, which gives a non-yellowing, clear coating. Do as many coats as necessary to fully waterproof (and dirt-proof) the cordage. You will probably be happier with a synthetic cordage, as the epoxy is likely to make cotton strands stand up, like the first coat of varnish raises the grain of wood. 

    I would first try it on a sample piece to see if you like the results. You will no longer have nice feel of the original knot work, but it should be a cinch to keep it clean. Hope it works out for you.

    Jack


  • March 26, 2013 12:06 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1252266 on 1252031
    Anonymous member
    Jack suggested epoxy resin.  Another boater suggested varnish.  Either would seal the rope, making it immune to soiling.  I was reluctant to do either because we also like the feel of the soft rope on our hands and I don't want to make the surface harder.   Needless to say, we spend many hours holding on to that spot.

    A trip to the local West Marine gave me a different kind of suggestion that I'm going to try. I bought 100' of 1/8 dacron line.  Then I also bought the sealer shown below.   I was able to put a few ounces of that sealer in  a bowl, and to completely immerse the dacron line in the liquid. After it dries, I'll begin the decorative knotting.   I hope it will last 2-3 years without serious soiling by occasional washing with soap and water.  Time will tell.



  • March 26, 2013 12:28 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1252296 on 1252031
    Deleted user
    That seems like a good thing to try.
  • March 27, 2013 7:06 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1253419 on 1252031
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Few years ago, I added a simple wrap on my tiller and used as I recall - Interlux white deck paint.  It's usually under a tiller cover but has help up fine.  Really like the feel of the tiller  - much nicer then just wood.

     

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    Last modified: March 27, 2013 7:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)