in this video, we will learn to make an raised tent, or tent-cot
to do this, you will need:
several people
time
protective gloves
and closed footwear
to complete this tent, you will need:
an auger
a small axe
a chisel
a hammer
and measuring tape
you will also need:
5 x 4.4m long wooden poles
3 x 2.4m long wooden poles
4 x 1.2m long wooden poles
2 large logs
string
This project can be done in 3 steps which we will outline for you
Step 1: Making the frame
Position the two 4.4m long poles parallel to one another on the groun
Then position the two 2.4m poles perpendicular to them at either end
Adjust so that you have a rectangle
Make a halving joint at each corner
to learn more, see our video on making halving joints
Make a mortise through each halving joint
wedge a log beneath to drill more easily
See our video on making a mortise
Place the third 2.4m poles lengthwise down the middle of the frame
Make another halving joint
Then position the final 3 poles across the width of the frame, dividing it into thirds. Adjust as necessary
Make a halving joint wherever two wooden poles cross one another
Step 2: The legs
Move the frame to the point where you wish to erect the tent
Mark out the points beneath each corner where you will dig the foundations
Put the frame to one side
Dig to around 25cm in depth
Learn more about this in our video on digging foundations
Cut down the tenons at one of the ends of the 1.20m poles
Work in the shade if it's too hot
Put the tenons into the foundation holes. Check that th they all sit at same height and fill the hole back up
Learn more about this in our video making tenons
Make small wedges by splitting the logs several times
See our video on splitting logs
Cut the wedges down to a point at one end
Drive them in around the one of the 4 foundational posts
Step 3: Assembly
Place the wooden frame over the four tenons
You can work with just the rectangular outer frame for this part and then replace the transversal poles later
Adjust the the legs making sure the structure lies flat before driving in the rest of the wedges made earlier around the other legs
Fasten the interior transversal poles at each halving joint by tying a square lashing
Make a quarter mortise - in other words - a hole to a quarter the depth of the pole at other end of the middle pole
Watch our video on how to make a mortise for more details
Erect the tent onto the structure
Plant the tent pegs
Don't forget the ladder
Now you know how to make a raised tent!
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