Whip Basics. The Forum

Hey guys!
I have started a six foot cowwhip. So far I have twisted and bound the core and plaited and twisted the belly. I did a single pass of tight open loop binding on the core and will do the same on the belly next.
Here is what I have so far:

I still need to roll it and bind it.

A good start, Ethan!

Thanks Mr. Robert!

*Note*
I was actually able to use mostly scraps from other whips/projects for both the core and belly.

It's looking good Ethan.

Ron

Looks nice. Ethan

Looking like a great build, Ethan!!!!

Looking good Ethan!
Nice even taper

Thanks everyone!
I finished the binding last night. I hope to start the overlay tonight after I get of from work. I have a question, what is the best way to plait over the end of the TT without getting a kink? On the bullwhip I just finished I have a slight kink where the TT ends, how do I avoid this? Also, how would I avoid it when plaiting from the tip?

Sorry that I can't help you, I don't try to plait from tip.

Ethan, I end the TT of a belly that I'm not going to use to twist the next layer into (like the last belly before the overlay) by threading one of the cords (the shorter one) into the other so that I have a core all the way to the end of the whip. Ditto with the EE. Seems to work well for me.

I see the two cords together, wait and cut one at the last second wherever I need to, but basically be ready to go from 7 plait to 6 plait at the end of the TT. The 7th strand you just dropped abd the two from the TT not twisted will fit inside the 6. You have to plait very tightly there but it will work. That leaves you the flexibility to cut one of the TT cords when you need to drop again, along with the 7th you've plaited over for 6" or more.

From the tip, I only plait 4 plait over one of those 2 TT cords. The other gets cut off where I sewed them together. I go to 6 plait while still on 1 cord in core. Just before the twisted TT, about 2 inches, I add to 8plait then plait until I get to 5 TT. There I usually go to 10 plait.

Ethan, the picture doesn't seem to be visible anymore.

Ya, sorry. I had to change it because some jerk was asking crappy questions about it, setting off the accountability software on my phone. I'll repost it.

And here it is bound:

Ethan, I always post whips as hidden on imgur for that very reason. Amazing how many jerks there are on the internet.

Thanks Mark, that is what I usually do, but on the bullwhip I did the TT so tight that there was a significant tension dropoff.
Thanks Rachel! That is very helpful. I was asking about plaiting from the tip as well because I plan on doing that on my next build.

That's better, thanks!

And here is the overlay:


This is the straightest, smoothest flowing thong I have made. The overlay rotated 180 and carefully lined up with the belly all the way down. The belly had some twist in it only because of the single pass of binding. So I had to twist it the opposite direction to get rid of that. Also I spent a whole lot more time with my double drops. They are now nearly invisible, especially after rolling.


Rachel, you technique for plaiting over the end of the TT works great!
Now it just needs a fall, waxing, and a handle...

It's looking very good Ethan.

Ron

The double drop is great, looks very smooth