Just getting started - advice needed please

[Restman]

I'm just starting out with restoration or at least I'm hoping to get started very soon (currently getting materials together) and wanted to ask for advice from those with experience. I am tightly circumcised and have little excess skin and so from what research I have done I tend to think the best (or only) way to start out is T-Taping. I have read articles on making the t-tape itself which I'm fine with...what I'm wanting to know from you guys is:

* What materials are recommended to make a good strap and how to construct?
* What positioning of the strap do you find is your preference? Leg, waist etc? I work in an office so mainly seated during the day but do get up and about - so would like a position that is effective, discreet and comfortable.
* What's the most effective way of clipping or tying the elastic to the tape so that it will grip and become effective in providing equal tension?

I understand it will be a case of trial and error and experimenting here and there but if I can get some tips on getting going that may save me stumbling at a few hurdles and would be appreciated.

[Reality]

T-taping isn't necessarily the best way to begin, especially if you have little excess skin, and like some other methods, it takes a learning curve to apply and use effectively. My suggestion is to try a few months (say 6 months) of manual tugging, just to get a feel for tension and a real-world schedule. Beyond that, the method you choose is more what you can live with on a day-to-day basis.

Devices and methods all do the same thing. Some are comfortable for some guys, and other guys can't live longer than an hour or so with a given device or method. Devices specifically, are more for convenience than anything else. As you can see, this is where experimentation with all aspects of restoration comes into play.

Strap: I think Ron (Admin) still sells a good strap. I used one for several years, and I stood up to constant use. Position of strap: down the leg would be my suggestion. Much easier to reposition it (around the knee or calf), which you will find yourself doing both for comfort and to reapply tension. (All methods and devices need some occasional fiddling during the day).

Greg b can answer your more specific questions about T-taping, but I would mention that "equal tension" is one of those theoretical things which don't really exist, nor do they need to exist, in the real world. Just tug, and monitor things from time to time. This whole process takes a number (many) of years, so you'll have more than enough time to find what you can live with, and what you can change to, just out of boredom.

[Tormod]

* What materials are recommended to make a good strap and how to construct?

Elastic strap - available from craft fabric shops. Buy maybe 1 metre of each of 15mm to 35mm widths. Buy also clips which are of the sizes to fit on to the elastic strap. Practice sewing!! My good lady wife here helped me do that. Aim to get a tension of maybe 0.6kg when using the strap in its final configuration.

* What positioning of the strap do you find is your preference? Leg, waist etc? I work in an office so mainly seated during the day but do get up and about - so would like a position that is effective, discreet and comfortable.

I used a strap configuration which was as long as possible. This results in only small changes in strap tension when the strap length changes due to your body joints (hip joint, knee joint ) moveing.
For use during the day, I used a strap which went around my leg twice and ended in a loop under a foot. For overnight use, I used a strap which went to my side (*), around my waist at back then secured to a second strap which went around my upper thigh on the same side as at the start of the strap (*).
It may be useful for you to enclose the straps in a smooth covering - an old necktie is ideal for this.

* What's the most effective way of clipping or tying the elastic to the tape so that it will grip and become effective in providing equal tension?

Study the term "line of equilibrium" in T-tape instructions. Putting the centre line of the T-tape at this location will result in approximately equal tension on inner skin and outer skin layers. It is only approximate, but the differences will average out over time.

Have you seen the videos about making a T-tape and applying it?