Will a whipmaker help with a question?

[hit80s]

So I am a amature whipmaker and i finished a snake i was making. it turned out decent and it cracks like a beast. However i am having troubles with wondering seams. i know this is from uneven tension on the right of left sides and i am pulling the plaits. anyone have any ideas how i can over come this.
Thanks Doran

[bernie47]

Hold your work in a vice when plaiting and that will help you keep the seams straight.

[hit80s]

Thanks Bernie I will try that on my next whip. I have been using a hook in the ceiling and working down.

[Bernardodc]

Hi Doran,

You will get straight seams when your hands do the same motions on each side. When you plait, one hand holds the braid and the other pulls the working strand. Then you change hands and reverse roles. That's the problem, as normally one hand will do things slightly different from the other. Also, you have to pay attention not only to the angle of the pull, but also to holding the braid at the same level with each hand.

If you develop a correct technique, plaiting from a hook is no problem. In other words, plaiting from a hook is less forgiving if your technique is not perfect. Plaiting from a vice might help at first, as Bernie said, but my advise would be to keep plaiting from your hook, and just work on your technique. That would be a long-term solution to your problem.

Good luck!

Bernardo

[hit80s]

Thanks for the tips Bernado