I have not really had an opportunity to toss these around, I just started making them about a 10 days ago, though, a the friend who works in the television industry told me he would never suspect they were home made and things they look great. I used one of his as a model.
I do not imagine there will be any issues, though, as:
- all joints are fully sewn at at least 15 stitches per inch.
- the sand is inside a thick freezer bag inside the cordura.
- the cordura is water proof
- I suppose I could improve the design by folding over all joints creating a u-shaped barrier for the sand along the long seam.
The weakest point on these bags is the final sewing step after inserting the sand, that is basically a single stitch holding the mouth of the bag closed - all the weight is hanging on that stitch.
If durability in this area does become a concern it can easily be remedied by folding it over hand hand stitching it - that is how the store bought bags I have seen are done. I say hand stitch because my state of the art machine cannot get in tight enough for another line of stitching.
Littlebike, I will preface this with the fact that I am not a sewing person but I wonder if you could put the pouch on the opposite end of the bag on the back side near the handle and use velco or a zipper to hold it closed so that someone could just carry a bag around empty and use rocks or whatever they have handy. Would that be structurely secure?
Actually, I do plan on trying to make something that could easily be transported empty and filled with rocks, sand, or whatever you have around at the time.
It will have Velcro closure (top side) but will in Absolutely no way be nearly as strong as these and all the weight will be hanging off a single layer of Cordura.
Where I could see something like this being REALLY useful is with a tripod and hiking. If you decide to make a long exposure while out on a walk put some rocks in a single chamber bag and hang from the tripod.
the only thing that would make them stronger is maybe using a surger for the inside seams first. Velcro might be a better option instead of trying to sew them shut at the end. Plus, you could carry them to remote areas empty and pick up some rocks (or your assistants wallet chain and piercings) and fill them on the spot.
A couple of refinements on your guys' ideas. To help seal the seams, in addition to using a serger, I'd think running bias tape over the seams should help as well. For the open one, why not use heavy-duty snaps or zippers? Still gives support from the top side of the bag.
I was thinking about something like this the other day. Except I had two handles, one off each end by the fold. This allows you to hook a handle over a light-stand post to keep the stand upright.
I also envisioned open-pockets that velcroed shut so that you can add whatever needed to make the weight.
My mother loves to make stuff like that, and I was going to draw it up for her to make me a couple.
Great effort. Given the time, materials, and planning that go into making them why not just also incorporate a zipper? That would eliminate the tedious last step of feeding a 20lb bag through the machine..
Fold the fabric accordion-style to form the two sections then attach each side of zipper to one flap (at the top) for access. Strap would be stitched to the bottom piece, directly under the zipper. You'd sew the zipper into the two ends first (after doing the apporiate hemming) next add the strap, then fold it flat and stitch up the edges to close.
My experience with zip-lock bags is that they will, eventually, pop open, so a secondary seal with duct tape might be a good idea.
Did you consider lead/steel shot vs sand. Less volume for the same amount of weight.
Great tutorial. Once I learn to sew I will definitely be making me some sandbags. Or maybe I should just find someone who knows how to sew and ask them to do me a favor... hmmm
Littlebike - thanks for taking the time to provide the detailed instructions! Very nice end product. I filled mine with dry beans from Costco (can you say "giant beanbag") just to avoid the sand issue - but I probably lost a bit of weight as a tradeoff. Again, than you!
The zippers or velcro would make it very handy for travelling on flights, as you could travel empty. I've done this, then bought large bags of rice in supermarkets whereever I go, an dump it when I go home, or give it to someone if Isee anyone who would use it.
I have so many sandbags I can't carry them without a Sherpa