Bruce

I also recommend putting a piece of teflon, parchment paper, or tape between the wire and the red guard. It helps ensure the wire doesn’t melt through the guard. Here is a picture of a teflon guard over the top screw. Yes, if it gets too close the masking tape scorches.

It is easy to adjust the temperature on a Top Flight model aircraft heat sealing iron. I suspect the other brand irons can be adjusted too, if needed.

When I got mine, it heated to about 198 degrees C (according to my innexpensive infrared thermometer – an oven meat thermometer works just as well). It was not hot hot enough to seal TPU fabric, a…[Read more]

I recommend everyone reinforce their Clover Iron before first use! I loved Chris Christy’s solution, above, but couldn’t find a 1/2″x 13 “Tee” nut. I bought some aluminum round stock to toss onto the lathe to make a supply for our classes, but after thinking about how much work was involved, I “discovered” 4 inches of thin steel wire proved to be…[Read more]

As I close my first packraft, I find I “Need” two new styles. Highest priority for my daughter, is a kids size raft with smaller 10″ or 9″ tubes. These would allow her shorter arms to better navigate the craft. Not reaching so far out past the centerline of the craft means less side to side swing and better tracking. The complexity of the tube…[Read more]

I will try stitching loops to fabric next, like Olympic Mtn Boy above. In the image below are four flat tie down patches with simple slots cut for webbing. I tested a two layer version, with the center “tab” doubled by heat sealing a piece of TPU coated fabric to the bottom. This served to prevent it from being unevenly sealed to the raft creating…[Read more]

I have been using two-sided 70D Ripstop nylon from Rockywoods Fabrics as a middle layer in accessory patches for tie points. It serves to increase the strength of the patch over a two layer patch.

I would not suggest it for a raft because the TPU coating peels off the nylon. The coating does not appear to be as well bonded to the fabric. I seem…[Read more]

I have been using two-sided 70D Ripstop nylon from Rockywoods Fabrics as a middle layer in accessory patches for tie points. It serves to increase the strength of the patch over a two layer patch.

I would not suggest it for a raft because the TPU coating peels off the nylon. The coating does not appear to be as well bonded to the fabric. I seem…[Read more]

I have been using two-sided 70D Ripstop nylon from Rockywoods Fabrics as a middle layer in accessory patches for tie points. It serves to increase the strength of the patch over a two layer patch.

I would not suggest it for a raft because the TPU coating peels off the nylon. The coating does not appear to be as well bonded to the fabric. I seem…[Read more]

Any suggestions regarding heavier material or more abrasion resistant material for Skin on Frame (SOF) kayaks, canoes, or in my case a row boat? The heat sealing is most attractive and I could try ironing on a double bottom, but the bottom is the one the area least needing heat shrinkage. Most SOF builders use 8 oz. nylon or dacron, which is then…[Read more]