Greetings, esteemed colleagues; I just got a new McHarg Bag and need to get it functioning before St. Paddy’s festivities. Can someone please direct me to a decent quick and dirty how to site concerning the process of tying in? Thanks in advance.
Murph,
I know this is not the most traditional way of tying in a bag (and I know that I am running the risk of being ostracized by pipers all over the world), BUT I like to use zip ties (aka cable ties) on my bag. They are cheap, quick, easy to work with, strong, and you can get them at any hardware store. A normal zip tie can handle 50 lbs of tensile strength.
I use about three zip ties back to back, tightening each first by hand and then with pliers for strong seal. Once tight, I cut the excess part of the zip tie with scissors or a knife, and even sand the edges of the locking end. Also, if you don’t like it once its on, or if its not in the right place simply cut it off and use another one.
There are assorted colors and sizes, but I like to use the “Ultraviolet black”. It blends in with the bag and actually looks similar to if it was tied traditionally with nylon. I actually never had anyone notice them before. Anyway, just a thought if you are really pressed for time or don’t want to mess around with nylon and tar.
all the best…
Joseph
I would question if that’s anything like enough force to really ensure an airtight seal. Back in the days when I used to tie in GHB bags (They all come with convenient rubber collars these days), I used to wrap the cord round a stick on the floor, stand on the stick, and pull it as tight as I could; I would reckon that’s significantly more than 50lbs of tension, though I dare say you don’t end up with that much tension on the stock.
What I have used is hoseclips; these can really be tensioned tightly, and they can be got off again.
Cheers,
Calum
I just tied in my mcHarg bag and used some plastic binding he sent me. I also use contact cement and blue tack around the chanter stock I tried doing it without it and it started hissing immediately and I had to re-do it.
This plastic stuff worked like hemp but he said won’t stretch out later on. I also used a few dabs of Super Glue Gel to finish it off. They look decent and atre airtight.
Timmy
Tying the chanter is relatively easy, although, I would caution using strong adhesives on the actual stocks themselves. It depends on the bag you’re tying in, but simply folding the seam over (once you have inserted the chanter stock) and tying it very tightly should work, As for the Mainstock and bellows valve stock, take a sharpie pen, and after determining where you want to place you gear, trace around the bottom of the stock. Once having done that, draw an “x” within the cirlces. Then, while pulling up on the leather so as not to cut through the other side of the bag, gently cut along the “x”, with a carpet knife while staying within the circle. When you insert the stock, the leather should give a bit and allow the thing through, but if you over cut the area, it is all that much more you have to tie in. Take some sturdy string, NYLTEX works great, make a miniature lariat and bind the stock into place. If you are not used to doing this it may take a couple of tries, but you WILL get it eventually. Remember to have the ‘points’ of the “x” you cut, on the outside of the bag when you tie the stock in, they will aid in gripping the stock during the tying in process. In the past, I have used mild dishwashing detergent to lubricate the outside of the stock before tying it in. This eases the thing into the bag as well as creates a good seal when it is dry. It also does not damage the wood of your stocks. Hope this is helpful.
Cut the circle smaller than your stock. Cut in tabs. Look at your previous bag if it was tied by a professional/experienced piper for an example. Use Nyltex or some other synthetic to tie it in. Tie one end to a screwdriver or metal bar, the other end to something stable and use your weight to tighten the knot. Personally I just use two metal bars on either end of the Nyltex (like a garotte).
Dionys
‘Strangling’ the stocks into place works nicely. A tight tie-in essential to an airtight and better playing set o’ pipes.
I agree with Joseph,I was sceptical at first but I have tied in many bags using this method I find it quick,economical and amazingly strong,I am sure that if they had plastic ties in the “YE OLDEN TYMES” they would have jumped at the chance so stuff tradition.I guess I have tied in 2 dozen or so and no complaints so it must work!! 
Slan go foill
Liam