Drying my tail

[Mermaidmechanic]

So, I apologize if this has been posted before, but I know a lot of different mers use a variety of ways to dry their tails. Well, after my first swim in mine just an hour or so ago, I realized I had no good way of drying my tail. I tried towel drying the inside but that seemed unpractical. I ran about the house looking for some better way when suddenly I saw... a pull up bar. You know, the kind you hang in your doorway? I looked at my tail, then at the bar, then at my tail again. It was perfect! The fluke sat right where your hands go and although it was padded, I put a thick cloth under it just in case. Now my tail is hanging, happily dripping the water from it's first swim. I did put a piece of pool noodle in there too though, just to keep ventilation. Seems to work pretty well!!! I'll post a pic, if anyone is curious.

[Theobromine]

I'd like to see a pic! I wish I had a pull-up bar, but maybe the shower curtain rod would work...? Don't know if it would hold that much weight, though.

[Mermaidmechanic]

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/tail171.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/tail171.jpg.html)

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/tail172.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/tail172.jpg.html)

[halesloveswhales]

GENIUS! I've been looking for a better way to dry my latex tail, and this may just be it. Thanks for being brilliant!

[WavyMermaidy]

Cool idea :)

[Cordelia]

I am laughing over this! What a great idea! I have wondered about getting a pull up bar before, then thought, 'Am I really going to use it that often?' Now that I have a bowl filled with foam circles (you mers know what that means!) I will maybe have to invest in one. Looks a lot easier than building a rack out of pvc! ^^

[Theobromine]

Ok, yeah, I need one of those.

[Mermaid Allie]

That's a brilliant idea! Hey mermaidmechanic, are you going to do a mertailor review? And could you maybe do a few seam pictures? Thanks! I'm just dying to know how they are in his full silicone tails. It looks wicked!

[MerMarla]

@ Mermaidmechanic! What a wonderfully creative idea! My old pull up bar didn't have handles, but that's ok it was really old, and I chucked it long ago. I absolutely love this idea! If you live where it's really humid, you could put a box fan under it an blow air inside! Fantastically brilliant idea! And I could use the exercise, too! Guess I need to get a new pullup bar!

BTW, your tail is GORGEOUS!

(((Hugz))) & Bubble https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/B0C'z
Mermaid Marla

[Spindrift]

Haha that is awesome!

[Mermaidmechanic]

I'm glad it was useful! I've found that shoving a pool noodle in there REALLY helps with ventilation. It stays in the tail pretty well even when it's hanging upside down. I highly suggest keeping one around! When I lay my tail flat, I keep one in it just in case it didn't dry out all the way. Thanks for the kind words everyone :).

@Allie: I posted a review and I'll update pics as soon as I can! The seam looks great. I took it out to the bay today and it attracted quite a crowd. The campsite I was at even asked if they could use my picture for their homepage. @_@

[Mermaidmechanic]

So, I'm just going to throw this out there... I literally just invented an even better way of drying tails on the go. Literally, anywhere, and the method is small enough to pack away in your purse. I'll update with pictures when I'm finished with my invention if anyone is curious. :D

[Mermaid Kalliope]

*is curious, so very, very curious*

[Aziara]

must know....*brain explodes*

[MerMarla]

Oh please, DO tell! Inexpensive I hope? Will it work for neoprene, too? (I just took delivery on my neoprene... now have to buckle down and get the design done!)

(((HUGz))) and Bubble https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/B0C'z
Mermaid Marla

[Mermaidmechanic]

I assume it will work for neoprene as well (although i cant be certain). I'll be posting a picture either later today or tomorrow. Sorry if anyone is in suspense, it really is quite simple AND inexpensive to make on your own. :D

[Mermaid Harmony]

I use a peet boot wader dryer, and I love this idea of using the pull up bar!

[Mermaidmechanic]

New discovery concerning pool noodles: I can feed my hose through the noodle (Just far enough so the metal part isnt exposed) and then shove that inside my tail for a super- effective flush while its hanging to dry or while its lying flat!

Update on my little "invention": $30 later and an hour of work. Almost ready to post pictures. Keep in mind this is mostly for on-the-go tail drying! It would work best while camping, ren fair, or anywhere where you cant lay your tail out or isnt practical to bring a rack. It works in the house with a few modifications, but its better for places where there are places to hang.

[Mermaidmechanic]

Alright, so here it is (the simple version, I'll make a more complex one eventually).

Here are a few different ways to use it:
*In tandem with (strong) hangers on a door for in the house use!
*Around anything that runs horizontal that you can clip onto and is high enough!
*Use a small section of rope with loops on the ends. Clip the carbines to the loops with one strap on either side of the fluke and hang over a tree branch! (I couldn't find a strap adjuster big enough so this is my method for now :P)

The straps move anywhere along the tail support belt and can be either on the same side, or opposing sides of the fluke. The velcro that secures the tail support belt is industrial strength. It supports all the weight no problem! As you can see, the full weight of my tail is supported. I suggest wrapping a towel (or any cloth really... even a shirt!) around the tail first to protect from any possibility of chafing and to keep the tail support from potentially slipping higher up the tail.

A few notes while making this:
Strap adjusters would be handy, I just couldnt find them large enough on such short notice. Hot glue the crap out of the ends of the straps to keep them from fraying. Use outdoor high strength thread. Sew on the velcro even though its adhesive. This may sound gross, but if you lick the needle every time you pierce through the velcro, it will glide through the adhesive. If you dont, it will get all gunky and take way longer to sew (I hand stitch). Sew as close to the "D" rings as possible to keep them from sliding around and going upside down.

Now! Picture time.

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/tailpro001.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/tailpro001.jpg.html)

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/tailpro002.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/tailpro002.jpg.html)

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/tailpro003.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/tailpro003.jpg.html)

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/tailpro004.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/tailpro004.jpg.html)

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/tailpro005.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/tailpro005.jpg.html)

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Dayum... Totally gonna make that now. Haha! It's perfect! ^_^ Even if I don't use it ALL the time, I would rather have it with me than be freaking out about not having a way to dry my tail.

IloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIl oveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIlov eyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIlovey ouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyou IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou

<3<3<3 :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaidmechanic]

Haha, glad my random creations can benefit others. I'm thinking of making a "Mermaid mechanics inventing corner" to post anything I think might be useful for others that I haven't seen/read anywhere else in the forum.

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Or we can just totally buy the "travel tail dryer" from you. >> 8D I'd buy it. When I get monies and a tail to dry. (Hopefully in September)

[spottedcatfish]

this post needs to be stickied!! NOW!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

^ Second that

[Mermaidmechanic]

A picture of it in action. Went to go visit my aunt at the bay again. They're out camping with their RV and it worked like a charm. Note my pool noodle. I loooove pool noodles! :D

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/tailhang001.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/tailhang001.jpg.html)

[MerMarla]

Alright, so here it is (the simple version, I'll make a more complex one eventually).

Here are a few different ways to use it:
*In tandem with (strong) hangers on a door for in the house use!
*Around anything that runs horizontal that you can clip onto and is high enough!
*Use a small section of rope with loops on the ends. Clip the carbines to the loops with one strap on either side of the fluke and hang over a tree branch! (I couldn't find a strap adjuster big enough so this is my method for now :P)

The straps move anywhere along the tail support belt and can be either on the same side, or opposing sides of the fluke. The velcro that secures the tail support belt is industrial strength. It supports all the weight no problem! As you can see, the full weight of my tail is supported. I suggest wrapping a towel (or any cloth really... even a shirt!) around the tail first to protect from any possibility of chafing and to keep the tail support from potentially slipping higher up the tail.

A few notes while making this:
Strap adjusters would be handy, I just couldnt find them large enough on such short notice. Hot glue the crap out of the ends of the straps to keep them from fraying. Use outdoor high strength thread. Sew on the velcro even though its adhesive. This may sound gross, but if you lick the needle every time you pierce through the velcro, it will glide through the adhesive. If you dont, it will get all gunky and take way longer to sew (I hand stitch). Sew as close to the "D" rings as possible to keep them from sliding around and going upside down.


Hi ya Mermaidmechanic!

I have a couple ideas that may help... (Sorry it got a bit wordy, LOL!)

* 1) you can still get rubber coated metal "over-the-door" hangers, two should be sufficient. For branches, I would use truck-type nylon tie down straps, they are flat and have quick release tension buckles. Making a loop over branches is then adjustable to your height and your tails length. Also don't forget foam or toweling to protect the branches, you don't want to damage them.
* 2) two inch wide SCUBA belt or nylon webbing from supply houses for hikers or back packers, campers... (Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics is one great place I like, very inexpensive... www.owfinc.com Select from tab, Hardware/notions/webbing. Lots of 2 inch webbing to choose from, even colors. If you are unsure which to chose, call them, they are great to talk to!)

Personally, I wouldn't be licking the needle to remove adhesive. Food for thought... Ouch and Yuck! (infection from puncture, and possibly unsafe chemicals in the adhesive... not a good idea!)

You can buy plain (adhesive-free) Hook and Loop (from same place above for $1.80 per yard, which includes both hook AND loop.) That way you don't have to worry about gumming up your sewing machine needle or your hand stitching needle. I use the Hook and Loop for my horse blankets, no problem sewing it with my 30 year old sewing machine into webbing for their belly straps! Also, my 1000 lb horses can't get the "velcro" unhooked, it's that strong. Just use at least 6-8 inches. You can buy heavy duty Velcro at Joann Fabrics if you prefer.

Standard SCUBA belt releases are 2 inch wide. They have teeth to grip the weight belt. I've come across them for about $6-$8 bucks. Possibly a local SCUBA shop has them, also. A Google search will bring up places to order them. Use Metal, not plastic buckles, they will last longer.

Having worked with lots of webbing, I find melting the raw edges using a candle an easy way to seal them from fraying. Make sure you cut the webbing on a weave line, it really helps to make it straight for melting purposes.

How to melt the webbing ends
If you've never done this, read it several times before attempting, be aware, and be careful! Melting the ends takes a little practice, I'd try it on several scraps before doing it to your straps. The process only takes about 15 seconds!

First the usual warnings, but take them seriously please....

a) Don't touch the ends until cooled, the nylon takes a bit to cool, it WILL burn your fingers if you test it too early. (Duh! the ends are hot, you just put them thru a flame!) Best to dunk sealed ends in water once your happy with the results, to cool them off and make sure no cinder is still melting away inside the webbing.
b) Never look straight over the top, down into the candle, because the smoke carries the burning nylon fumes. WEAR GOGGLES.
c) Work near the kitchen sink where you have water at hand.
d) Open a nearby window before beginning to melt the ends.
e) Do not breathe the fumes, either.

Take reasonable precautions and it's easy to do.

OK... Light your candle. While it settles down...

Take a moment and examine the cut-off end of the webbing, look at the frizzy ends. Those are what you are going to melt back to the webbing proper (and a wee bit more, about 1/16 inch or less, to make sure the ends don't fray again). If the frizzy ends are more than 1/8 th inch long trim them back with scissors to the webbing proper.

a) Using both hands, hold the webbing about 1-1/2 to 2 inches from the raw ends, pinched between thumb and forefinger, (thumbs up) on the webbing sides. You want the webbing edge straight out away from you.

b) Approach the lit candle and stop. Wait for the flame to settle to stillness. If it flickers while you are working it makes it harder to get an even edge, try not to breathe down on the candle!

You will be moving the webbing immediately as you put it ever so slightly into the flame.

c) Insert the barest edge of the webbing into the middle part of the flame, moving it steadily and evenly, slowly across the frizzy edge, but not so slow that the flame burns a curve or makes a lump. If that happens, cut a new practice piece and try again. This time, move the webbing a little quicker thru the flame. (You can run it thru a second time, but it makes a thicker melted edge.)

A couple of practice runs thru and you'll get the knack of it. If you are still timid to do this have a parent / spouse or other person help you.

d) Extinguish the candle before leaving your work area. Dip the ends into water to assure they are not hot anymore. Let them dry before attaching to the buckles.

A simpler way to seal webbing edges... is if you have a soldering iron that takes multiple tips. My Versa-tool from Michael's Crafts, purchased ages ago, has a conversion tip to hold an Exacto knife blade. Once hot, I use the blade to simply cut the webbing and it seals it as it cuts. Easy peasy!
---------
Another thought, maybe you could use pool noodles to run webbing thru to support the tail. I'm not sure what the inside diameter of a noodle is, but a narrower webbing might fit thru the noodle (or two noodles) for a support ring.

Hope this helps!

(((HUGz))) and Bubble https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/B0C'z
Mermaid Marla

[Mermaidmechanic]

1) you can still get rubber coated metal "over-the-door" hangers

2) two inch wide SCUBA belt or nylon webbing from supply houses for hikers or back packers, campers... (Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics is one great place I like, very inexpensive... www.owfinc.com (http://www.owfinc.com) Select from tab, Hardware/notions/webbing. Lots of 2 inch webbing to choose from, even colors. If you are unsure which to chose, call them, they are great to talk to!)

3)Personally, I wouldn't be licking the needle to remove adhesive. Food for thought... Ouch and Yuck! (infection from puncture, and possibly unsafe chemicals in the adhesive... not a good idea!)

4)Standard SCUBA belt releases are 2 inch wide. They have teeth to grip the weight belt. I've come across them for about $6-$8 bucks. Possibly a local SCUBA shop has them, also. A Google search will bring up places to order them. Use Metal, not plastic buckles, they will last longer.

5)Having worked with lots of webbing, I find melting the raw edges using a candle an easy way to seal them from fraying. Make sure you cut the webbing on a weave line, it really helps to make it straight for melting purposes.

Mermaid Marla

1) I was thinking about doing that but got lazy and just worked with what I had on hand. :P

2) Thanks for the tip! The nylon straps at the craft store I went to were pretty expensive. I figured I could find it cheaper but I got impatient. D:

3) Haha, I'm a mechanic so that's kind of the last thing I worry about. The chemicals in the adhesive can't be any worse then 2110 Hydraulic fluid! (which I'm drenched in often -_-) XD

4) Thanks for pointing me in a direction for the strap adjusters... i was wondering what kind of place would readily carry something that size. @_@

5) I melted the ends of the straps, but I hot glued as well just to be double sure. ^_^

[spottedcatfish]

Mermaid Mechanic you are AWESOME!!! :thumbs-up: :yay::thumbs up:

[Mermaid Kalliope]

*Note to self*

Make this before January!!!

[Mermaid Riia]

In series of drying your tail with low budjet. Let me present you: A- frame guitar stand :D removable, can be folded away, easy to carry with you, just need a door (or something) to function.
Here is my tail hanging out :P

16072

Just have to add some padding so that the tail wont slip..