Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bearclaw Manufacturing - Tedward on December 23, 2011 at 3:52pm

Some times, you can lay it on a flat surface in direct sunlight (or other mild heat source) to round out a hoop.  Give that a try.

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ModPermalink Reply by Martika* of MartikasMysticDesign on December 23, 2011 at 3:59pm

I've made a lot of different collapsible hoops but I've never made a bungy cord hoop. The reason is that the cord will loose it's tightness overtime making the cord loose. So as you hoop at a high speed the sections can come apart making it loose it's shape, like what your experiencing. I know you can replace the bungy cord, but i'm not sure how to do it. Try contacting the maker of the hoop and ask if they do cord repairs/replacing. Or if they can tell you how to.

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Permalink Reply by HoopStatic ~ Chloe on December 28, 2011 at 4:51pm

I know this probably won't help much with your bungee cord problem, but I've had lots of luck with infinity style collapsible hoops. I've made tons of them and have one that I take everywhere with me as my everyday and travel hoop and never have any issues with it coming apart or getting out of shape. it's really easy to make and collapses and expands very quickly and easily. you might want to try that style next time. i considered the bungee style but it just seemed like to much of a pain to mess with so i never tried.

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StudentPermalink Reply by Terri Wyllie on February 12, 2012 at 7:51am

I am very interested in the infinity style.  I have been taking a stab at collapsibles with bungee lately and having limited success.  I think that the bungee is going to become loose, and this is going to cause all kinds of repair work down the road, and I don't want to sell that.

I have good regular hoop making skills, and I wondered if you are pop-riviting in your join to do the infinity fold or not?  Is there a demo video or how-to instruction online?  I mainly use PE tubing will that work?

Terri

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Permalink Reply by Joan Warburton on February 12, 2012 at 3:49pm

I've never seen pop-riveting on an infinity hoop. They're made by putting in two connectors opposite each other. The tubing has to rotate on the connector so it can't be riveted in place, unless I'm misunderstanding what you're saying.

Cut your hoop to size, then cut the tubing exactly in half. Place a connector at each end and you'll fold it down by having one connector up top by your hands and one on the floor by your feet. Press both connectors together as you gently allow the hoop to swivel. As the connectors come together is should look like an "8". Now take the top and bottom of the 8 and fold them in half.

Can you see why the hoop has to swivel on the connectors? If this doesn't make sense I believe there's tutorials on YouTube and probably here on Hoop City, too.

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StudentPermalink Reply by Terri Wyllie on February 12, 2012 at 8:09pm

Yes, that was what I was wondering about.  So the connectors are not a special kind or anything?  And how does the hoop stay together then through vigorous hooping without any rivet or pop button?  I've been agonizing over making sure my one piece hoops are pop riveted (even though they are thoroughly taped) - allegedly to make sure they don't fly apart during the action.

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Permalink Reply by Joan Warburton on February 13, 2012 at 5:13am

I've made a couple with 1/2" tubing and they gap a little when I open them so I just push that 1/4 " back together. It's fine. Lots of people use 3/4" infinity folding hoops and they're fine. It doesn't seem to be a problem. Make sure you're using the connectors with the ridges and not ones that are smooth. Also, I would put a strip of tape tightly around each end of the swivel then tape the hoop as usual.
They're easy to make so try one out and see how you like it.

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