Mike Monsos

I have my hot plate set at about 244C or 470F.  I have no way to test the exact temp other than the adjusting knob’s markings.  I have my home made irons on the hot plate preheated.  It takes approximately three seconds to weld with a single application of the preheated iron on the fabrics to be welded.  At this temperature the fabric will not bu…[Read more]

This is something similar to what I use,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/vtg-thermo-scientific-type-1900-hot-plate-tested-and-heats-steampunk/182528277299

Be sure to check to see what the temperature range is before you buy one

Mike

You will need a hot plate that can hold a steady temperature.  They have some used commercial ones on the big auction site that should do the job for under $100.  The one I have is about $400 but it is more than necessary in my opinion.

I preheat the hot plate to 240 with my irons on it.  I like to have two of each size on the hot plate.  I use…[Read more]

I’d like to add another option for your heat sealing.  I use a commercial hot plate and some “irons” in various sizes to make my welds.  The hot plate is pretty simple and can maintain a steady heat of about 240 degrees.  The irons are home made with aluminum square stock cut to different lengths from 3/4″ to 3″ affixed to cedar blocks with JB we…[Read more]

I find that trimming the long corner with a straight edge to the correctly aligned corner at the other side of the panel works best for me.  If you think of the raft shape as a frying pan before closing the chambers, the attached panels edges are much easier to work with when it is a even continuous edge (rim).  That way when you roll it to align…[Read more]