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Stan
Joined: 18 Nov 2003
Posts: 545
Location: San Diego
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 Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:35 am Post subject: |
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| Mixing Texlon polyester with similar fabric like Icarex or Toray shouldn't be a problem but poly and nylon have different stretch properties, especially in damp air. Panels of different materials can deform along the seams. |
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stevef
Administrator
Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Posts: 1104
Location: USA PA ALLENTOWN
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| Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:30 am Post subject: Re: Texalon Vs... |
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| Fred wrote: | I recently bought 10yds of Texalon for a project, and I have some leftovers...
I'm starting a new project, and I'm wondering if I should try some of the other manufacturers, specifically the ones mentioned here -- North, Challenge, Bainbridge.
Can anyone out there offer any comparisons between the four? Texalon included?
I'm also wondering if there's a problem in my mixing the texalon with any other manufacture owing to differences in fabric performance that may exist. |
Hi Fred, I talked to you about this on the phone (and thanks for the order  ), but i will review it here. The North and Challenge .75 oz Nylons are very similar. Both are crisp and finshed to reduce stretch and porosity. They look the same on both sides. The Bainbridge .75 Nylon also has a finish but it is coated only on one side, resulting in one side being a little "shinnier" than the other. Bainbridge is VERY slick, and 'fast'. Very difficult to stick tape and paint on the coated side. If you use Bainbridge mark the side you are using and be consistent throughout the kite..... unless you are looking for different colors. Hint, your colors will look different if you combine different sides of this cloth.... use this trait to your advantage!
I dont normaly stock texlon but there are times i'll pick some up when I need a color. Ive found the that the texlon nylon has a "softer hand" and often frays when cold cut. The other three cloths hold up better to cold cutting which is very important when doing applique.
Can they be mixed in the same kite? Well the purist's say no.
All cloths have different stretch properties which might affect the sail shape when mixed. This usually is more a concern in sport kites than single liners. However....... on my kites I am more concerned with color so I mix them ALL the time! I'll even throw in some 1.5 ounce if i want some bold intense color.... especially white. Whatever you do, try pay attention to the bias of the cloth. If you want to learn more about this, read Techsheet #10. Understanding where to place the grain of the fabric is more important... While the cloth from different vendors all stretch differently, most follow the general guidline that the most stretch wil be on the bias and the least on the warp.
Does that help? So watchya makin?
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Steve Ferrel
Go Build a Kite!
CONGRATULATIONS to all the forum winners at this year's AKA Kitemakers' Competition! |
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Fred
Joined: 10 Aug 2004
Posts: 70
Location: Derry, NH
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| Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 11:53 am Post subject: Great! Thanks! |
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Sorry took so long to reply... I'm still sorting out which events result in my being notified of activity on a thread I'm interested in here at the forums, and as luck would have it, I didn't realize that there was more activity here -- guess I have to read the forum users guide again. 
Thanks for the info on the fabrics, Steve. I've had a great time flying over the years, and now that I'm engaging myself in building kites...I'm experiencing a bit of a rebirth. Great fun! Tons to learn. A real challenge at times.
This order is basically to satisfy the wants/needs of locals who saw one of my Tri-Ds and expressed interest. I swear...if I had a trunk full of kites, I'd probably be able to sell rite empty in a week just from 'field' interest. Heh heh.
Anyway, my friends want thier own 48" Tri-Ds (in custom colors), and I need the practice sewing, so I figured I'd try making a batch and then they'll quit pestering me.
I set aside a few yards for a 9' delta I'll build for myself as a completion reward when the lil'uns are all done and handed out.
Having a great time so far, folks! Great stuff on these forums. I suspect I'll be cloistered in the sewing room all winter working on some Frankenkites.
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Kiting since 1964...
TreeProof since 1979. |
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Fred
Joined: 10 Aug 2004
Posts: 70
Location: Derry, NH
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| Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 7:51 am Post subject: The Good Stuff |
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I've never really done much with quality RSN, and after spending a few days working with the Bainbridge stuff all I can say is Wow! 
The cheap apparell-grade RSN I bought locally is a NIGHTMARE to work with compared with spinnaker cloth. I've used maybe 6 inches of sticky-tape since I started on kites with the new cloth.
...and now I think about the hours I spent fighting with the cheap RSN and I wince.
Happy Days are here for me now!
Cheers, folks!
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Kiting since 1964...
TreeProof since 1979. |
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Kitesquid
Master Kite Builder
Joined: 29 Aug 2003
Posts: 2348
Location: USA Virginia King George
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| Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 9:16 am Post subject: |
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Fabric with a stiff hand is so much nicer to work with!!!!!!!
the soft stuff is OK for tails etc but I agree that is is a PAIN to sew!!!!!
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KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA
P.S. Yet another post by the Squid.....  Doesent he ever shut up???
P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier. |
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Fred
Joined: 10 Aug 2004
Posts: 70
Location: Derry, NH
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| Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 9:37 am Post subject: Dog Boots |
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I'm going to quadruple-fold the rest of the soft stuff and make some doggie booties for the wife's pest...err...I meant dog.
a fitting end to material I'm not fond of. 
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Kiting since 1964...
TreeProof since 1979. |
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Kitesquid
Master Kite Builder
Joined: 29 Aug 2003
Posts: 2348
Location: USA Virginia King George
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| Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 10:15 am Post subject: |
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Another way to use up fabric you dont like is to apply a little fire to it
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VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA
P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Doesent he ever shut up???
P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier. |
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