How Is Hemp Rope Made?
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History of Hemp Rope
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The ancient Chinese are said to be the first to use hemp ropes. For 6,000 years, those who dared to brave the seven seas couldn't find a better friend than a reliable rope made from hemp.
Why Hemp Rope
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Hemp rope is made from of stalks of fiber harvested from a variety of the Cannabis group of plants. Three times stronger than the stalks of other plans, this sativa variety is perfect for making ropes for heavy jobs as they are more durable and resilient. Plus seafarers generally prefer them because they have this natural resistance to molds.
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Historical making Methods
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In ancient times, long but durable hemp fibers were pulled and twisted by hand. Then a system of rope-walking was invented wherein one end of the hemp fibers is attached by hook to a rotating board turned by one worker. Another worker wraps the hemp fibers around his waist and would "walk" the rope by allowing the rotating board to twist the hemp strands while he unravels the hemp from his waist. The process is repeated until the desired number of strands (depending on the required durability) and the desired diameter of the rope is achieved.
Making hemp rope in Modern types
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Although modern rope making machines vary, the principle of hemp rope making stays the same. All in all, hemp rope making consists of five steps: The first is hackling the fiber, which is combing and smoothening the strands of the fiber using a wooden board with metal teeth called "the hackle." This arranges the streaks of hemp so that that hemp rope making machine can spin them without difficulty. Second is spinning the yarn. This is the most important part of the process. This is where the strength of rope depends. The streaks of hemp are spun into yarn with equal tension so as to produce the perfect rope. Next step is to tar the yarn The strands of hemp are passed through heated air in order to make them hard enough to produce strands. After which they are passed between squeezing rollers which removes excess tar. Fourth is forming the strands. Here is where the hardened yarn are arranged in order to make them ready to form strands. Last is laying the strands into ropes. The strands are then further twisted to form the finished rope.
Kinds of Hemp Rope
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There are several kinds of hemp rope: hawser laid rope -- a three-stranded hemp rope; braided hemp rope -- a rope wherein the hemp strands are woven together in a braid; cable laid rope -- three hawser laid ropes further twisted and fused into one rope to further increase durability or weight capacity; shroud laid rope -- a four stranded hemp rope with a core rope running in the middle.
Role in History and Now
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Throughout the years, hemp rope has proven its place in history. It is one of the most widely used and indispensable tools ever invented. And now that we are in the direction of looking for all-natural and biodegradable materials to curtail our use of plastics and other non biodegradable compounds, hemp rope has once again proven its importance by offering an environment-friendly alternative for a more environment-friendly industry.
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