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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Seam Grip Adhesion? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 3 months ago
Hmm, yeah, that’s a problem. The “+SIL” stuff is “silicone tent sealant”, and will only stick to silicone coated fabrics, not polyurethane. It used to be called “SilNet,” but I guess they changed the name to “Seam Grip+SIL” for some reason. I will add a note to the instructions warning people not to confuse the two. Unfortunately I think you’ll…[Read more]
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Pilotpeat replied to the topic Seam Grip Adhesion? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
I used Gear Aid Seam Grip. I just noticed when I checked the link where I bought it that it also has “+SIL” Not sure if that matters?
A few of the seams I powdered after they were cured 24+hrs. Others I just left alone. All had cured a week plus before I had this issue.
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Seam Grip Adhesion? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
Interesting… what brand is it? I haven’t seen this with Seam Grip before (or any of the other McNett/Gear Aid polyurethane products), but I have seen it with all the other seam sealants I’ve tried, which is why I recommend the Gear Aid stuff.
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xraymtb replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
Looks great. I’m in the process of building a Skeena with the same trips (and more) in mind.
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Pilotpeat replied to the topic Seam Grip Adhesion? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
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Pilotpeat replied to the topic Seam Grip Adhesion? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
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Pilotpeat started the topic Seam Grip Adhesion? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
First packraft is 99% done, just need to take care of a few minor air seeps and finishing touches like tiedowns.
Ran into an issue with the seam grip near the end of the assembly process after partially turning the raft inside out to seal the forward seam, it seems like the seam grip didn’t adhere in some areas and also it fractured along the…[Read more]
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Samsquanch replied to the topic Not Sealing Seams? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
Thanks. To try and minimize leaks, I actually reinforced all the points where the seam strip intersects the floor with a small TPU patch. I’m feeling brave. Think I’ll try without sealing and fix through T-Zip if needed. I’ll report back.
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 4 years, 4 months ago
The American Packrafting Association is hosting an online whitewater packrafting skills clinic called, “Boat, Don’t Float” presented by Mark Oats.
I’m not associated with Mark or the APA, but it looks like a […]
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Not Sealing Seams? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
I used to only seal around the places where the seam strips intersect with the floor, but in spite of my best efforts I always ended up with at least one leak that I had to track down, and finally I decided that for me (and most people) it is worthwhile to apply seam sealer to the inside of all the seam strips.
Because you have a zipper, it won’t…[Read more]
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styler became a registered member 4 years, 4 months ago
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Samsquanch started the topic Not Sealing Seams? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
I’ve completed welding all tubes/seams on either side of an UL, so only bow and stern seams remaining. It’s my second build and this time around I took more time to make sure the welds were tidy. I think they look good. I am at the stage where I should seal the seams, but I am wondering if I really need to. It will add a little weight and a little…[Read more]
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sleepingsparrow became a registered member 4 years, 4 months ago
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic HELP – Too hot iron – back side of double sided TPU floor melted in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
When figuring out the temperature and timing, I find it helps to hold the iron in one place and count out five seconds, then remove the iron and roll (or press) the spot as it cools. Then check underneath for melt-through before ripping the weld apart to see if it’s bonded fully. If five seconds isn’t right, try six (or four, etc.). If no amount…[Read more]
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Blair replied to the topic HELP – Too hot iron – back side of double sided TPU floor melted in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
Thanks Matt, I figured it was fine but wanted to double check.
The iron is up to max, so I think I’m moving a bit slow, I suspect I may need more practice to find how quickly to move.
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic HELP – Too hot iron – back side of double sided TPU floor melted in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
Hi Blair, it sounds fine to me. If it is 1000D then you should be able to get a good weld without permanently altering the appearance of the fabric – just move a bit faster. It takes some practice to get the timing right. Cheers
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Blair replied to the topic HELP – Too hot iron – back side of double sided TPU floor melted in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 4 months ago
I figure instead of starting a new thread I would tag onto this one.
I’ve been doing some testing and I can heat seal the tube fabric to the flooring (1000D I think), but the heat seems to be coming through a little to the underside of the flooring. If it put more tube fabric underneath the floor it kind of sticks, but in a way that there was…[Read more]
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Blair changed their profile picture 4 years, 4 months ago
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Blair changed their profile picture 4 years, 4 months ago
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Blair changed their profile picture 4 years, 4 months ago
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