This simple device was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It allows you to easily make rope of any thickness or length. Using poly twine, you can make it of almost any color, too! All you need is some scrap wood, some metal coat hangers, and some twine.
We did this at a pack meeting with our Webelos scouts, and they were disappointed when I told them that time was up for the meeting. They all wanted to take turns cranking the handle, and there were a lot of discussions over who would get to keep the rope once we were done.
Please check out my blog at scouterjon.blogspot.com for more Scouting tips.