Wall map for recording travels

We can't make it to Wombat - yes - my other friend wants to see me too. 'tis hard now that I have two friends to know where to go.
Andrew

Gajm
Yep - getting the map laminated is probably the easiest way. And you can use a white board marker which can be rubbed out/moved.

If you use the spray on adhesive method - the secret is to have the map rolled up first, then start at one edge and carefully unroll map onto the board - and 'work' the leading edge slowly back and forth with your fingers slowly as you unroll it, to stop the wrinkles!

I should have done what Andrew had done and asked on the forum first, i didnt think of rolling it up, am suprised my wife didn't tell me that afterwards as well!

Michelle do you have the laminated version by any chance?

Michelle,

I have the Meridian 1:4,750,000 from ExplorOz but am interested in one which is not folded, is the Hema map unfolded?

Bruce

Yes I will have one thank you if it is unfolded. Maybe you could order one which is laminated and then post it to me. Thanks.

The Hema map I was looking at comes rolled up for wall mounting. On the Hema maps website at Hema maps under wall maps it has a list of maps that are available. The large Australia map can be either laminated or plain.

I think Mr Lexic had his framed and not laminated and he had traced out his trips with a dark texta or marker. It looked fantastic. I think that a plain one would be easier to mark and that the laminated one might be hard to draw on - though I could erase my mistakes.

Definitely would like one Michelle - haven't decided on laminated or plain so give me a day or two. But it would have to be one of the map ones that come in a roll so there are no creases.

Andrew

Ok - how this works is this:
We can buy every product available from Hema, however the flat maps need to be purchased in bulk so we wanted to gauge your response to the product before stocking up. There is also an issue with handling shipping - as the supermap is longer than the longest Aus. Post tube, but when we buy them from Hema they come in a tube, but 5 at a time, so its hard to ship out the remaining 4 when someone buys one - we just have to hunt around for another tube and work out costs etc.

What we'll do is buy in some quanities of both the flat supermap and the laminated versions as standard shop items. We will announce their availability via the newsletter as usual and then you can buy it from the shop as usual if you wish.

Thanks for your feedback everyone. If there is ever anything out there that you see that you'd be interested in us stocking just ask. We have an excellent range availalbe to us know through our suppliers.

Taa Michelle - I will wait for the announcement and the delivery

Andrew

Michelle
Find out from hema where they get the longer tubes or buy them as a tube and map unit in single form?

Michelle,

Put me down for a laminated one, I'll have it sent to my Aussie address and I can hand carry back to the US as I will be over in June and July.

Bruce

OK - have worked out the tube issue... apparently you just tape 2 tubes together to get the length. So, no drama we'll put our order in on Friday so by next week you'll see the products in the shop.

Michelle would it work out cheaper and easier if we posted the tubes back after delievery, I am sure a lot of us wouldn't want to keep the tube, and return postage has to be cheaper than getting a new tube....doesn't it?

Thanks Glenn,
That's an interesting thought - I'll look into that. Sort of like returning coke bottles in the good ole days...

Returning coke bottles like good ole days?
We return ALL our drink containers in SA never see thousands on roadside like you do interstate. SA leading the rest of austalia!

Hey Pesty,
don't you guys still get deposits on your bottles like we used to in the old days :)

....Michelle i would be interested in a map too if you are still counting heads for buyers....

Eric
Does it look pretty good with the texta on the laminate? I thought it might look pretty ordinary and that drawing straight on top of the map might be best. Sounds like the laminated one will be the go.
Andrew

I would think that the laminate would be too reflective for hanging on the wall

Andrew and Jen mine is behind my desk and looks ok to me with the texta on it.

All the best
Eric

Lyn,
All I used for the frame was a lenght of skirting board with a nice pattern and cut it to fit, screwed and glued it together and stained it up.
Looks half decent
Cheers

Hi Shawn, thanks, you've activated some brain cells that have gone dormant over the past couple of days.....I'm not handy when it comes to that sort of thing, however, I have a great neighbour who's hobby is woodwork, I'm sure he could do something for me, might just have a little chat with him

cheers

Lyn

Bunnings hardware has a good range of framing timber

Willem from what I have read breifly on your travels it might be easier to get a new one and mark the roads you havn't been on

Gajm...hahahaha very funny...but seriously I figure I have seen about half of this great continent.......there is still a way to go but I may run out of time...will have to get a hurry-up :-)

Is the spray glue like a contact adhesive. Do you have a recommendation regarding spray glue?

I personally don't use "spray glue". Not only does it stuff the environment, it is hard not to get it everywhere, and it is not very healthy for your lungs in the short term or, believe it or not, your reproductive organs in the long term. We use a product called Milliner's solution which is often labelled as "Art gum rubber cement" and is available from most commercial art supply stores. The trick with this stuff is to mix it with the appropriate hydrocarbon solvent to the consistency of engine oil, pour a puddle onto the centre of your mounting card and spread it around with a small piece of cardboard. Perform the same exercise with your map and follow the sandwich procedure described above. The best thing about Art gum is that once it is dry any residue can be lifted very easily by dabbing it with another blob of dried rubber . . . and it doesn't stain. Once you attempt and master this procedure you'll want to mount everything.

Thanks for the info Wombat. I will be giving it another go now. So does the "Art gum rubber cement" actualy dry like a contact adhesive before you join the 2 surfaces?
What does anyone think about a smaller map as a coffee table with a sheet of glass on it?

Oops,
have to try again.

Thanks Mike H - that sounds like a pretty good idea. Where do you get the Bishop slit tape - slit tape is something I have never heard of. Do I just go into Bunnings and ask for slit tape or should I get it from a medical supplier. lol
Was also wondering if the laminate made the map too reflective - what do you reckon?
Andrew

Hi Andrew,
I must be a dynasour :-)
Have now been searching for nearly 2 hours for web sites, suppliers etc. for the Bishop Graphic Tapes (american product ) but can't find no reference anywhere on the net. There was also a manufacturer in the UK, "Interplan" Graphic Tapes. Also no luck.
From memory I used to get them from Altronics in Melbourne. Also I think from Radio Parts in Melbourne.
Of course I'm talking about the early to mid 80's.
Also Dick Smith and Tandy used to sell them or a simillar product.
It maybe worthwhile also checking with Art Supply shops.
Sorry I can't help anymore with that.

Regards reflections from the laminated map, no, only if you shine a light directly at it.
Cheers, Mike