masterrig

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Everything posted by masterrig

  1. masterrig
    I guess, make damned sure you packed your main right!? Chuck
  2. masterrig
    Yes, as it should be! Paige, buys the beer! Chuck
  3. masterrig
    Ha, ha, ha! Nope, didn't have to sleep with anyone. In fact, I just recieved one today, I sent-off a couple days shy of six weeks ago. I don't know what to say. Maybe, the fact I visit with those folks at the Symposiums, might have had something to do with it. Chuck
  4. masterrig
    Doesn't take much weight at all to open a pilot-chute. I've taken new pilot-chutes right out of the package, no bridle, just the pilot-chute, dropped them to the floor from shoulder height and they opened. I don't think, you'll have any trouble. I take it, this is the Teddy's first jump? Case o' beer! Chuck
  5. masterrig
    You might call FXC-Corp. and talk with the good folks there and tell them the type container you plan to use the AAD with. they'll be more than glad to help you. I've been sending FXC - 12000's to FXC for the calibration for several years and turn-around is right at 6-week. Depending on whether they have to replace parts, the cost for the calibration, should be about $150.00 (+ -) They do a lot of work for the military as well as 'civilians'. Chuck
  6. masterrig
    WoW! That one is pretty rough looking. That machine was produced from about 1899 till the late 1950's. By the time you paid the freight, you could buy a new machine. Mine was made in 1946. You have to get-out and look. Check the want ads in your paper, check garage sales, check with a sewing machine repair place in your town, they may have a good industrial machine that will meet your needs. You need to really 'see' what you're buying. You need to be able to hand wheel it to see if it moves freely and etc. Your grand dad, is right! Good luck! Chuck
  7. masterrig
    For what it's worth, since you are just starting-out, I would suggest a Singer 31-15. It is a great straight stitch machine and easy to find. Usually, you should be able to pick one up, table included for under $200.00. You might have to do some cleaning and oiling on it, but, they are just about indestructible. I have one and use it for patching parachutes to (some) container repairs. When I got mine, I thought I had really screwed-up. I soaked it in kerosene and got it cleaned-up, oiled it real good, re-finished the table top and it has been a 'jewel'. Juki, is another great machine but, you'll probably pay a lot more for one. Chuck
  8. masterrig
    I agree with you, diablopilot. It 'should' be a moral issue with dealers to be really careful about who they sell one of those little things to. I see, so many 'newbies' watching the guys/gals with thousands of jumps on small elipticals and then come to me and want a 135-Stiletto. I have no problem telling them NO! I agree also, a small person 80 - 100lbs. with loads of experience sure, but, not someone with low jump numbers. The equipment does not a skydiver make! Chuck
  9. masterrig
    Hey, Rob! I have had the pleasure of meeting the folks from 'Flying High'. Really good folks. They produce a really fine product. Real 'sticklers' for detail and some excellent workmanship in their harness-containers. I enjoy visiting with them at the Symposiums. I guess you know, their 'shop', is a converted RR depot!? Just wanted to take the opportunity to put in a 'plug' for those folks and their product. Chuck
  10. masterrig
    You might try contacting CCM. they are hockey skate mfgr's. Chuck
  11. masterrig
    "I'll tell you about how a borrowed Jav tried to kill me..." _______________________________________________- Hey, Dave! You know what they say about 'borrowed gear!' Chuck
  12. masterrig
    I have seen this before. The first time, was on a Talon 'D'-bag. I replaced the grommet and repaired the bridle and tacked the Rapide Link to the webbing re-inforcement for the grommet. I have also seen a lot of wear to the area where the pilot-chute attaches to the bridle. Again, this was on a Talon. Great idea, using a SLINK, rather than a Rapide Link. I've seen a lot of innovative ideas come from Chuting Star Rigging. Chuck
  13. masterrig
    I've used Woolite to wash harness-containers, rinsing thoroughly. The Cordura has a 'new' appearance to it afterward. Any grass or dirt stains, I spot clean with 'Simple Green'. Grease spots, I'll use Naphtha to spot clean. I have only washed 2-parachutes and those were parachutes that tested 'positive' for acid in the mesh. For that, I used all temperature Cheer (NO BLEACH) and cold water. I have never heard it recommended to wash a parachute, but to only spot clean them or if, the parachute has been in a swimming pool or the ocean, to rinse it in cold clear water. I believe, I would give a call to the manufacturer of your parachute and get with them on what you would like to do. Chuck
  14. masterrig
    You're thinkin'... that's the best part! You're asking questions... keep it up. Chuck
  15. masterrig
    To me, not 'owning-up' to something I or someone else has done, is pretty sorry. It might be hard to take, but, when we screw-up for one reason or another, we should be ready to accept responsibility for our actions. I happen to know the master rigger/DPRE I mentioned in an earlier post and he'll stand flat-footed and deny he did something. Us riggers ARE responsible for our work. If, we can't accept that, then we shouldn't be doing it. In your situation, I'm sure, that's the last time that rigger saw your rig!? Chuck
  16. masterrig
    Over the years, I've found some of the following; On a pilot rig, the canopy was connected to the risers with Korean made links. Holes in pilot-chutes. Bent rip-cord pins. A leg-strap repair, where the leg-strap had been damaged, so, the (master) rigger cut the leg-strap all the way through, over-lapped the webbing and sewed it with some odd-ball stitch pattern, using 'FF' thread. I found this same repair on 2-different harness-containers, done by the same rigger. The repair was hidden by the leg-strap pad. BTW, he also cut the 'good' leg-strap on both rigs, doing the same stitch pattern with 'FF'-thread, so the leg-straps would be the same length! On a Racer, the rigger who had packed before me, replaced the two grommets in the back-pad. Rather than using #0-Stainless Steel spur grommets, he used some 'cheap' brass looking grommets like you find at some fabric stores. (Same rigger... again) I could go on and on, but these are just some things I've found. Chuck
  17. masterrig
    Hey, Rob! Seems as though, we are in agreement on keeping track of our tools. I'll admit, I've had some close calls but, so far, have been lucky and my count comes-out right. The point you make about 'regional' tools, is interesting. I know of a lot of riggers who use the 'mechanical' 'T'-bars for closing Racers. I use the old 'standard. Some folks use locking cords for Vector free-bags. I use a 'T'-bar and a key ring. Like you, I never got the hang of the old positive leverage devices. Besides, some real damage can result if used wrong. I've seen some real ingenious 'tools' that riggers come-up with to make the job smoother and get great results. Thanks for your in-put. I haven't seen the latest tool from Jump-Shack. You say it is a lot like the one you made? Hmmmmm Keep up the good work! Chuck
  18. masterrig
    You might try American Skydiving Systems. EM me and I can give you his 800-number. Chuck
  19. masterrig
    Exactamundo! It's all in the way we are taught. We are all creatures of habit and we form them... good or bad. I feel, as riggers, we all strive to develop good habits. There's nothing wrong with using a molar strap or not using one. Keeping track of it is the habit we need to establish. Chuck
  20. masterrig
    For me, packing without a molar strap, was learned very early on. To be honest, I never 'really' learned to use one. When I was working on my Senior cert., molar straps were just coming into use. My instructor and I each made one but, just couldn't quite get the hang of it. It's just a matter of controlling the material with your hands and knees and knowing how much pressure to apply with your knees. However you do it, as long as it is within the guidelines of manufacturer's instructions. As for leaving one on a packed reserve, is beyond me. Any way, a rigger has of keeping an account of their tools is good. Whatever works. personally, I use a check list. All the best to you. Chuck
  21. masterrig
    I taught myself, a method of packing without using a molar strap or clamps. It was kinda 'accidental'. My molar strap was out of reach, so, being between a rock and a hard place, I got it done without it and have done it that way ever since. I definately agree with you about using a tool all the time and not losing track of it. Chuck
  22. masterrig
    That's one reason, I don't use a molar-strap. One less thing to have to use. Chuck
  23. masterrig
    Check-out this months (May, 2004) issue of Skydiving Magazine! A couple ofgood articles on the Vigil. Chuck
  24. masterrig
    You might try checking the FAA page on the net, under parachutes. Or, search for the bulletin under it's title. Chuck
  25. masterrig
    You'll get it! Just have patience and make 'minor' adjustments till it sews the way you need it to. You'll probably go through a lot of scraps. Also, use the 'ugliest' (like OD green) color thread you have... save the 'good stuff for your real work. All the best to you. Chuck