tuning with skin wrap cuff

[mickelow]

On my next head I'd like to try making the cuff with the skin wrapped back over the rings. I've never done it before, but got some great tips from all the advice going around. I'm wondering how i can tighten the head on the dry pull. I do not have a table rope puller or cleats. i'm simply pulling by hand, with the aid of a stick, and keeping my tension with a pair of pliers placed near the rings to prevent tension from slipping back. my question is: how can i get a good dry pull and keep the tension from slipping back when there is a skin cuff covering the top of every vertical - where i would be attaching my pliers?

[michi]

This video shows how you can do it. I used a pulling stand for this, but it works exactly the same if you use a bar or stick to apply tension.



Cheers,

Michi.

[Rhythm House Drums]

You can also clamp on from the bottom ring... Michi's drum has the skin cut close to the knots so it's easier to get to... if you want to try and fold it down so it looks more like DSD, with an inch or so below the knots, his method wont work..

If you're going by hand, it should be no problem to use the pliers on the bottom loops, just be careful about scratching the drum, and maybe wrap the very tips with duct tape or something to keep them from marking the shell. I grind over the pliers I use on my drums.

[shortypalmer]

Another way to hold the rope is to use a cleat (cl 258 or cl 259 ) attached to a piece of rope and tied off below the cleat someplace. I use that exclusively on my table. I find the design on my table with an adjustable fulcrum point to be a big advantage.

[michi]

You can also clamp on from the bottom ring... Michi's drum has the skin cut close to the knots so it's easier to get to... if you want to try and fold it down so it looks more like DSD, with an inch or so below the knots, his method wont work..

Yes, good point. With a wider skin flap, the pliers will tear the skin as they tilt up when you let go of the tension on the vertical. Clamping below the bottom ring works better in that case. (Personally, I don't like the look of the wide flaps, so I never make drums that have it If you do make a wide flap, you also have to cut notches into it where the handles is attached, otherwise the handle will tear the flap.)

Another way to hold the rope is to use a cleat (cl 258 or cl 259 ) attached to a piece of rope and tied off below the cleat someplace.

I keep meaning to order one of these cleats and try it. The video you posted was very compelling. If this works as well for me as it does for you, my locking pliers will go out the window…

Michi.

[mickelow]

thanks everyone. very helpful.