Good sailcloth for JR

  • 16 Dec 2017 19:42
    Reply # 5630868 on 1206989
    Deleted user

    A while back I stumbled across UHMWPE thread.  I initially wrote it off as I'm prone to coming up with overly complicated/fancy/techy ways of doing things, when I really should just use the tried and true.  However, it does look like a good way to help reduce some forms of puckering (no stretch to thread and you can use smaller thread sizes), especially when using a domestic sewing machine.  It looks like it can be had fairly affordably here.  Although that thread is considerably stronger than V-92, I think its equivalent size would be more like V-40.  Maybe someone with experience could shed some light.  Coats Industrial does list sails amongst the uses for their UHMWPE thread.

  • 15 Dec 2017 19:28
    Reply # 5630022 on 5627875
    Deleted user
    Paul Thompson wrote:
    I'm using V69 (T-90) Anefil Poly Bonded thread from American & Efird Inc with mostly an  18 needle switching to a 20 when the going gets heavy. zig-zag size is 4 to 5 mm.

    Thanks Paul.  Very helpful.  I'll play with the thinner thread on the next sail.  Certainly would increase what is on the bobbin :)  

      I've been told that V69 is plenty strong out of the box, esp if double row stitching.  Thicker thread is suppose to have a longer UV life and thus strength with age.  The sail maker was recommending 138, which is too thick for my machine and would give me very little thread on the bobbin.  

    Here is the "puckering" I am getting https://photos.app.goo.gl/0aZxnTwmmH6OVikD2.  It is basically a light waviness around the seam where the cloth does not lay totally flat.  I'm about a week away from hoisting the silly thing (the sail that is) and seeing what it looks like and how offended I'm by it.  Sure I'll find other problems, too. 
    Last modified: 15 Dec 2017 19:31 | Deleted user
  • 14 Dec 2017 00:56
    Reply # 5627875 on 5625494
    Erik and Evi Menzel Ivey wrote:
    Paul Thompson wrote:
    Hi Erik & Evi, I'm currently making 5 sails from Weathermax 80 ranging from 100 Sq Ft to over 600 Sq Ft. I'm using a Sailrite LZ1 with zig zag and a walking foot and also a Pfaff 130 (zig zag & straight) without any puckering... I wonder if your feed dogs could be worn or the feed timing is slightly out.
    What size needle and thread do you use?  And zig zag size?
    I'm using V69 (T-90) Anefil Poly Bonded thread from American & Efird Inc with mostly an  18 needle switching to a 20 when the going gets heavy. zig-zag size is 4 to 5 mm.
  • 13 Dec 2017 09:35
    Reply # 5626398 on 1206989

    When I have a problem with puckering (usually on thin stuff like spinnaker nylon), I sew with one hand ahead of the needle and one hand behind it, tensioning out the seam as I sew. This is slow, and not convenient when sewing a long seam, but does reduce the longitudinal contraction. It does nothing for puckering across the seam, though. A better answer is to get the thread tension and stitch length right.

  • 13 Dec 2017 08:51
    Reply # 5626392 on 1206989
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Erik,

    then I suggest you try with shorter stitches.

    Arne

    Last modified: 13 Dec 2017 12:57 | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • 12 Dec 2017 23:07
    Reply # 5625968 on 1206989
    Deleted user

    Arne and Annie - thanks for your advice.  I've also  been told that too much thread tension can cause puckering.  I've balanced upper and lower and made them about as loose as I feel comfortable.  If out of balance, I can see the "loop" where the upper wraps around the lower on one or the other side.  If both are too loose there isn't a real "straight" stitch,  i.e. the thread is slightly curved between each zig at the top or bottom.  I'll upload a pic to show the pucker...


    Erik

  • 12 Dec 2017 19:43
    Reply # 5625663 on 5624076
    Arne Kverneland wrote:

    Some years ago a few e-mails flew back and forth between me and Stuart K Hopkins who runs a sailmaker's shop (Dabbler sails)  in Virginia,  US, not far from Chesapeake Bay.

    I looked up his website, right now, and he seems to produce cambered panel junk sails now.

    Arne

    Good news for junkies on that side of the Atlantic, who don't want to make their own sails!  Perhaps we should put his name into our Useful Links.
  • 12 Dec 2017 19:41
    Reply # 5625660 on 1206989
    Unless you are using a very light fabric, puckering is almost always caused by the tension top and bottom being out of sync.  Another possibility is that you need more foot pressure.  I've been surprised what a difference that can make.

    Sebastian has now made a number of sails from Weathermax.  He could be your 'go to' man for advice.  (Sorry, Sebastian!)


  • 12 Dec 2017 19:01
    Reply # 5625639 on 1206989
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Erik,

    I don’t remember if I showed you my sewing machine when you and Evi came over for a visit, two years ago.

    It is a Pfaff 360, transportable, living in its own suitcase. Its maximum stitch length and zigzag is 4mm. I generally use 92 thread, which is just about the thickest thread the machine will accept. The needles I prefer are size 110/18. To make the machine sew cleanly, I need to set the upper thread tension to almost max (8-9) to balance out the underthread, even if the tension of that is set to minimum. When doing a big job, I often give the filled-up underthread bobbin one drop of sewing machine oil.

    I wonder if you are able to reduce the thread tension on your machine? I suspect that very high tension may lead to puckering, in particular if you use 8mm zigzag and stitch length (4mm is probably plenty). Maybe you could try to reduce the stitch length as well?

     

    Arne



    (..the message should be easy to understand for you :-) ...)

    Last modified: 12 Dec 2017 19:09 | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • 12 Dec 2017 17:15
    Reply # 5625494 on 5622922
    Deleted user
    Paul Thompson wrote:
    Hi Erik & Evi, I'm currently making 5 sails from Weathermax 80 ranging from 100 Sq Ft to over 600 Sq Ft. I'm using a Sailrite LZ1 with zig zag and a walking foot and also a Pfaff 130 (zig zag & straight) without any puckering... I wonder if your feed dogs could be worn or the feed timing is slightly out.
    Paul - thanks for your thoughts and feedback.  Both of those machines are great. I had a Pfaff 130 and because of the wider stitch on the Bernina of 8mm elected to keep that one when Evi shamed me about the number of machines I have.  In some ways the Paff was nicer though.  Both have a small bobbin and using 92 thread makes for many bobbin changes.


    What size needle and thread do you use?  And zig zag size?

    I do my own machine adjustments so no guarantees I got it right.   The feed dogs seem plenty sharp and timing wise they are well under the needle plate when the needle reaches and exits the plate.  The dog may have had a slight bias with one side being incrementally higher than the other, but I took it apart this morning and carefully cleaned everything and now the teeth height seems even.  I did try out a presser foot with rollers to minimize drag and this didn't seem to make much difference.

    I like WeatherMax. My one observation is that when the needle penetrates the cloth there is a slight popping of thecloth  surface, more so than with other types of material. Not sure how much this has to do with the weave which seems finer than the Top Notch.


    Erik

       " ...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in junk-rigged boats" 
                                                               - the Chinese Water Rat

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