DISCLAIMER: I have no idea if what I'm pondering is even possible, or if it is possible to do without the end result looking kinda slipshod. This is why I'm asking you people.

I wonder if it's possible to take one of my parasols and modify it so that the handle unscrews. Take a look at the "Signature Bella" parasols here at Bella Umbrella (clicky link, of course!) to see what I'm thinking of. While I think the Signature Bella parasol is a great shape (and oooh, I could get a black canopy and a pink handle!), I don't really need one.

But the idea of making one of my parasols even more portable when it's closed or not in use is an attractive one. You see, I have a handbag that has fastenings on the back of it to hold a parasol, but all of my parasols are at least 36" tall. If I could unscrew the handle of one of the parasols and then slip the canopy and handle through the loops on the handbag, that would be amazingly useful. (After, of course, securing the two parts of the parasol together with securely-tied stretch velvet ribbon.)

So! Anyone know if what I'm talking about would be possible? Would it would be possible to do elegantly? And most importantly, if it is possible to modify a parasol in this manner, who could help me with it? Trust me, I know this sort of project is beyond my skills.

From: [identity profile] staxxy.livejournal.com


I betcha I can figure it out by looking at them.

From: [identity profile] torreybird.livejournal.com


I'm certain there would be a better way than this, but I offer it anyway:

My attempt: I'm thinking that if the two pieces can be taken apart without damage, then a threaded bit put into the canopy part, then (at least two) hex or square nuts embedded into the handle part to recieve the threaded bit, then it would work.

From: [identity profile] mineke.livejournal.com

A not helpful comment


That is the EXACT parasol I was planning on buying for Convergence. I love love love the Pagoda style. I just wish I could get a curved or plain black handle, so I guess that kind of goes along with your question, in a way...I guess I'll keep watching to see what other people say!

From: [identity profile] apostle.livejournal.com


Yes.

Assuming it is a tube you are wanting to shorten or split, there are brass and aluminum press-fittings that can be used to do what you want.

One cuts the parasol at the point one wants the split, presses a male end on one half and a female on the other, and Presto! Instant threaded handle!

Assuming I could find the right parts in the right size, it would take maybe 15 minutes to modify.

From: [identity profile] cupcake-goth.livejournal.com


I love you. :)

What sort of bribe do I need to offer? I'll make you dinner ...

(Plus then the Stroppy One and I would get to socialize with you, which is ALWAYS good!)

From: [identity profile] apostle.livejournal.com


You see, this is where the odd chromosome in me takes over and demands that The Stroppy One(tm) be the one who actually performs this feat of derrynge-do whilst being instructed by The Master(c) in the implementation.

I'll see what I can do to track down the parts I have in mind and let you know if I find anything.

Hurm... which hardware store near me carries rod fittings?

From: [identity profile] icprncs.livejournal.com

Re: A not helpful comment


psst...search eBay for "Edwardian umbrella." They're generally sold from the U.K., so they're not cheap (and when I looked on Sunday there wasn't anyone selling black ones who'd ship to the U.S.), but they're less than Bella, they have plain black curved handles, and they can be found in the same colors Bella offers. I bought an ivory one that way last year.
fufaraw: umbrella dance (Rain)

From: [personal profile] fufaraw


This is no way answers your question, but it's something I've been meaning to bring up. I have an umbrella of my mom's, 34 inches from ferrule to handle. It's pagoda shaped, and at the moment is covered in an ivory faux silk with red roses and green leaves. The fabric is sound, although dusty and with some staining, and would need at the least cleaning, more likely replacing, as it could shatter the next time the umbrella is opened. The handle is a faux ivory crook with an embossed, carved-looking pattern of overlying scales or feathers. It attaches to a handle extension of oak-colored wood. The shaft itself is chromed metal, and there are some spots of corrosion, but nothing that can't be erased with fine emery or SoftScrub, or even toothpaste. The ribs are aluminum, still bright, and the mechanism functions perfectly.

If you think you can use it, I can have it in the mail to you as soon as I find a mailing tube. If you don't want it, it's going to Goodwill--I don't have the patience to ebay it. Speak now...

From: [identity profile] mineke.livejournal.com

Re: A not helpful comment


Oh! Good to know! I have "black parasol" as a favorite search and scouting eBay with that wording, but I hadn't heard of the "Edwardian Umbrella" term! Awesome!

From: [identity profile] gingerk.livejournal.com


This hardware for two-part canes (http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&p=41005&cat=3,41306,41332&ap=1) could be the answer.

From: [identity profile] oldhalloween.livejournal.com


A lamp repair shop might have smaller fittings for the shaft of the parasol. Woodcrafting places have kits for making pens that have a 2 part screw and rod assembly. They might be small enough for the shaft too.

From: [identity profile] apostle.livejournal.com


I had that in mind, like Rockler Woodworks or something similar. I am also pondering what the lowest gauge of copper is for copper grounding rod since I know the specific thing I am thinking of is commonly used in electrical work.

Archery shops also have a similar item used for screwing on broadheads to an arrow shaft.

It really depends on what size of rod the shaft of the parasol is, what material, and whether or not it is hollow inside.

From: [identity profile] cupcake-goth.livejournal.com


Eeee! I could indeed use it! (And re-covering the canopy is no problem for me.)

fufaraw: mist drift upslope (Default)

From: [personal profile] fufaraw


Oh good! It is a pretty thing. The handle makes me think of dragons or hippogriffs, and I'm glad it will find use and care again. I'll email you when I finally manage to get it in the mail.

Oh, er. I suppose your snail mail addy would be good. You can send to my b.org profile address.

From: [identity profile] madamekat.livejournal.com

Re: A not helpful comment


I bought one from this Ebay store: http://stores.ebay.com/choiceforhome_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZQ2d999QQftidZ2QQtZkm

They seem to be out of black at the moment, but email them or just wait 5 seconds!

From: [identity profile] madamekat.livejournal.com


I mentioned this very thing in my LJ last month:

http://madamekat.livejournal.com/223512.html

Great minds think alike!

PLEASE let me know what kind of success you have!!

From: [identity profile] mineke.livejournal.com

Re: A VERY helpful comment


Holy Crap! That is so great!!! Thank you so much for that link! I will sit on it and wait until a black one comes up so I can snatch it!! Woohoo!!!

From: [identity profile] cupcake-goth.livejournal.com


I *knew* I had remembered someone else talking about this!

I will certainly let you know how this project goes; now I just need to sweet-talk [livejournal.com profile] apostle into coming over and looking at a couple of parasols ...

From: [identity profile] madamekat.livejournal.com

Re: A VERY helpful comment


I've put many nice Ebay finds on my website under "Shopping for Convergence XIII"!

http://mania.neverlight.com/Sites/kat/Site/Shopping%20for%20Convergence%20XIII.html

I think it's important to help each other find things like this!

From: [identity profile] cupcake-goth.livejournal.com


You see, this is where the odd chromosome in me takes over and demands that The Stroppy One(tm) be the one who actually performs this feat of derrynge-do whilst being instructed by The Master(c) in the implementation.

Because you like listening to lots of swearing delivered in a British accent? Remember, the Stroppy One has only slightly more tool-using skills than I. We are not a household of handypersons.

From: [identity profile] maiaarts.livejournal.com

cute Eric could do the work too


This is a great idea and one that I should try...
I still need to learn how to recover some of my parasols from you...
We have all the tools in the world (they were Tor's) so if you need somewhere to perform this surgery, come on over (and I could give you your Christmas gift which happens to actually have something to do with this subject)....
.

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