Hourglass Tower
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Two methods of raising this tower are discussed here.
Equipment
| Quantity | Resource | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4m Poles | For two tripods |
| 6 | 2.5m Poles | For base of the two tripods |
| 2 | 2m Pole | For the floor of the tower |
| 4 | 10m Ropes | |
| 26 | 6m Ropes | For lashings |
| 1 | Rope ladder | |
| 1 | Table top |
Method 1
- Using 3 x 3.6m spars and a figure of 8 lashing, build a tripod.
- Using square lashings, fix 3 x 2.5m spars across the butt ends. (a) This is the base unit - lay it on its side.
- Prepare a second tripod with 3 more 3.5m long spars.
- Feed one leg of the tripod through the apex of the base unit. Complete the top unit by lashing 3 x 2.5m spars close to the butt ends - this will form the handrail. (b)
- Once the frames have been positioned correctly, lash the main spars together using square lashings. Note: although the spars cross at an acute angle, you must use a square lashing.
- Add additional strength by lashing the apex of each tripod to the opposite main spars using a round turn and two half hitches. (c)
- Build a tripod using the remaining long spars and hang the pulley to its apex. Position this about 10m from the tower. Fix the long ropes to the apex of the base unit and feed the upper one through the pulley - the other two ropes are used to keep the tower steady as it is raised.
- Once the tower is upright, check that the top is level. Lower it again and make any necessary adjustments.
- While the tower is horizontal, fit the platform by lashing the 3 x 2m spars about 1m below the handrail and lashing the light spars across them.
- Attach the rope ladder to the platform and the lower horizontal spar.
- Attach guy ropes to the main spars above the hand rail.
- Raise the tower.