I've read all the posts about DIY target out of feed store bags but nothing was mentioned how to close the bag once stuffed. I got 2 bags today and want to try it out
Thanks
I stitched mine up with some cheap twine I got from Home Depot. Put holes in with my Jack Knife.......
After stuffing mine with plastic grocery bags I sew it shut with twine and a yarn needle.
As said above or zip ties work too. When the bag wears out just shove in another one. Won't stop a broad head but does field points.
If you can keep it dry the best stuffing is tee shirts or rags(take off any zippers or buttons) (buy at church sales or thift)if it's in the weather shrink wrap makeS a (or shopping bags) water proof stuffing. I use power pro fishing line to sew shut.
I stuff mine with Wallyworld bags. They even stop a compound arrow. I sew them with an Awl. Check this link.
https://picasaweb.google.com/101789943398415867999/ShootingRange
Thanks! Was thinking same or staples to make it really easy but not sure if would tear
Best thing to use is zip ties.Works better than anything I've tried.
I use those black paper clips. they are real strong, fast and easy.
I use scraps of fiberglass screen from the local hardware store. I usually just stitch it up with twine.
i put the ends together with 2 peices of 1x2 and 3-4 sheetrock screws and then drill holes an inch in from the ends and hang with rope
If you use zip ties, just place a piece of rope running with the opening on the bag with the tag ends hanging out both sides. Roll the rope and bag together (like rolling a sleeping bag) then run the wire ties around and fasten...now you can use the rope to hang the target... No tear out this way...
Happy hunting,
Jason
I use leather sewing needles with a big eye and braided fishing line in a loose whip stitch. Takes all of about one minute. Don't leave in the sun as it will deteriorate the bag in no time.
Years ago I had a hunting buddy who was a meat cutter. He saved plastic bags and shrink wrap all year. When he had enough we put it into a burlap sack and closed the top with a sewing awl. You can find these at most feed stores.
I use an awl made for stitching leather baseball/softball mitts and jute cord. I roll the ends over and then do a running stitch or a series of interupted stitches. The thick plastic bags used for water softener salt are good.
I used poly bags for grass seed for years. Now, I have switched to burlap bags from a coffee shop. I havent been shooting at these for too long, but they are holding uop great. I have one stuffed with old clothes, and one with plastic bags. They both stop arrows. I stiched both up with twine and used a paper clip for a needle.
JOn
My bag has foam that has to be at least 15 years old. I went by a mattress factory and got all the scraps I could load in my truck. All the material starts off as king size width and gets trimmed to the size they are running.
I have recovered this bag or stuffed the material into another bag several times.
I've had this target since the mid 1990's and I wish I had a dollar for every shot that has been fired into it. It's got that poly-fill stuffing in it and when the bag getts shot up, I turn it upside down, shove it in a new bag, spray paint a new target on the opposite side and have at it for a few thousand more shots. You can see in the pic below that I don't even bother stitching the top shut. Just wrap some parachord around the corners and hang it up on my conduit frame. I often think about buying a new target, but then think "why".
(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/BowBuild/CAM_1834.jpg)
I twisted the open end of mine up and wrapped it in duct tape. It now has a little handle for which I can easily grab it. Stuffing is filled with the fiberglass mesh that came in a previous commercial target. When that was beaten down by shots (but more so the weather) I sliced it open, discarded the burlap and cardboard and kept the good stuff. I don't leave it out anymore, and although it is a bit hefty, I now have the duct tape handle to move it in and out doors. When this one is shot through, I'll simply place it in a bigger bag (as shared in another post above). Keep it simple.
Ive always stitched mine with a large needle and braided line.
The great thing about burlap or nylon bags is there ability to hold up well, as well as being cost effective, not only that, if you dont mind just a bit more work you can get creative. (http://%20[url=http://images.imagelinky.com/1345905548.JPG%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://images.imagelinky.com/1345905548.JPG)[/url] [/IMG] (http://%20[url=http://images.imagelinky.com/1345906003.JPG%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://images.imagelinky.com/1345906003.JPG)[/url] [/IMG]
If you would like to entertain another idea for backyard targets here a pic of one on mine made from scrap carpet and painted to mimic the animal desired. A little time and effort and i had a 30 target range set up for IBO rules. Me and a few buds get together through the year and shoot for fun and have a cookout from time to time. Here a link to the full post with more pics and some instructions.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy235/jalmay5th/IMG_0008.jpg)
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=105031#000000
Some great ideas!
Have used bag targets for years but never bothered stitching the top, I just grab the ends and spin it shut (like closing a garbage bag), then wrap off the opening with a with a piece of cord (wrapped two or three times around, then tied off). Spinning the bag helps get/keep the stuffing nice and tight, which helps them work/last longer. Nylon feed bags also seem to last alot longer than burlap, though the latter does add a bit of 'realistic color' to the target.
I do it just like bamboo, sandwich between two 1x2's, screw together, and put a couple screw-eye's in top to hang from.