Kitebuilder.com

Tony · Guest

What is a second? and Why does North Cloth classify their fabrics as A, B, C, and D? Confused

stevef · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2003 12:33 pm Post subject: Seconds?

Most cloth vendors classify their fabric as either a 'first' or a 'second'. First quality means the fabric is 99% perfect, meaning almost no cosmetic flaws at all. North Cloth goes one step further and classifies their fabric in four grades: A, B, C, and D.

In a nutshell. grade A is basically perfect..... and D is "least" perfect. However, on a roll of any grade it is quite possible that you will see NO flaws at all..... Your chances of seeing a flaw are just increased the further down the alphabet you go. In all cases, if there is a flaw, it is "cosmetic" only - meaning creases, stains, varying dye, or even a smashed fly.

All cloth is usable and most often you can cut around a blemish if present. We sell ALOT of seconds and I can count on my left hand the number of times fabric has been returned. You'd be surprised at how many kites are manufactured with second quality fabrics...

~Steve
_________________
Steve Ferrel
Measure once, buy twice!

kiteguy · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2003 8:42 pm Post subject: Ripstop seconds

I thought that all Ripstop nylon was seconds quality. At seconds as graded by the sail makers. When the roll gets to small for a sail maker they get rid of it as seconds. It is still fine, and a lot of it for the kitemaker.

Of course when a fly gets squashed it becomes second quality, but it should be great for my kite because I want it to "fly' anyway!

stevef · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2003 9:08 pm Post subject: Re: Ripstop seconds

kiteguy · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2003 9:35 pm Post subject: Cheap fabric

Currently I am cutting up balloon Ripstop to store. I got a hot air balloon that was being cast aside as it was no longer airworthy. I got a vanload of material, but it is all blue. So will need to make a bunch of blue things.

This was free material, but not really. I had to drive 550 miles round trip, pay for motel, and meals, and entertainment for my wife who went along.

That is cheaper than the last trip I went on to buy material. We stopped by the Kite Studio on a trip back east. While I browsed the shelves there my wife went next door and found a $150.00 fairy statue! That helped her overlook the big inventory list I accumulated at the Kite Studio. Rolling Eyes

[/img]

KiteSquid · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2003 1:08 pm Post subject:

If I took a tour of th e Kite Studio warehouse, it would cost me THOUSANDS!!!!!
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

stevef · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2003 1:31 pm Post subject:

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 815 Location: USA GA Newnan

Heck, it'd probably cost me a wife!!!

Hmmmmmm............nahhh, better not...

stevef · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2003 1:49 pm Post subject:

I wont go there Brother Steve... my girlfriend watches this board!
_________________
Steve Ferrel
Measure once, buy twice!

Steve D · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 815 Location: USA GA Newnan

Well, when you get right down to it, I wouldn't trade her. Might want to sometimes.....but wouldn't.

OK, we're getting way off topic - back to your regularly scheduled programming..........