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Hi all,

Wondering if anyone knows if these glues are available under any other brand names. I can source them in Australia, but its been my experience in the past, that products like this are often available under other names and are occasionally much cheaper.

I noticed a lot of the diving forums use “shoe-goo” available at Woolworths for fixing…[Read more]

Hi,

Steve here in Australia, currently  waiting on my heating iron thing to arrive. Excited to start

I installed a schnozzel in the inflation bag that came with my latest V# kit. The idea was suggested by Lyn. It originates from Exped Schnozzel Pump, makers of sleeping air mattresses.

I find the corner installation to be fast and simple. I used 210D fabric for the schnozzel so it wouldn’t twist and shut off during inflation.

To dashion the…[Read more]

Hi Lyn, thanks for posting this report and especially the video – it’s very helpful seeing your technique in action! I imagine it must have taken quite a bit of trial and error to arrive at such a slick method – thanks for persevering and sharing what you learned. I tried using a larger pistol-style hot air gun, myself, and quickly gave up on it…[Read more]

Hi Lewis, thanks for your interest in the packrafts!

I’m not aware of anyone making a traditional multi-chamber inflatable from one of my designs yet, but it shouldn’t be too difficult. It’s a bit more work to seal off different sections of the tubes, but it can be done. If you cut the side tube in half and add an extra-wide seam there, you’ll…[Read more]

Hi there,

Looking forward to ordering my V3 kit in the next day or 2. I was wondering if there was a way to make the raft into a multi-chamber (2) raft. Has anyone done that? Is it possible?

Thanks

Thanks for the feedback.

I did some more reading, and it seems like maybe the thing for this idea is the “drop stitch” internal structure, for high pressure and rigidity.  I don’t see anywhere that the internals can be bought online, for a DIY project, so perhaps it will just have to remain a future plan for now.

I haven’t tried it myself, but can’t think of any reason it wouldn’t work for a small volume inflatable.

Hi Veets, I’m not sure of the failure pressure of the materials, but it would probably depend on how you design the seams and would take some experimentation to get right. They can be made rigid, but I’ve never made anything as small as 1″ thick.

Note that cargo holds on most airliners are pressurized, but some smaller regional aircraft have rear…[Read more]

Would this kind of inflatable be good for making reusable cushions for packing?  Consider the idea that you want to put something breakable in airport baggage handling, without using a heavy-duty suitcase.  Could I make several inflatable panels (like packraft floors and seats, having baffles) and use them to cushion an item packed in a r…[Read more]

Any reason a bicycle innertube valve couldn’t be used?  I’m contemplating a non-raft inflatable, and a bike valve would be handy.

This is outstanding, Bruce! I never thought to file the iron to the shape I want.  If it’s alright with you, I’d like to post this under the How-To menu (with full credit to you) so it won’t get buried in the forum over time. Thanks for posting!

Modify your Model Aircraft Iron for optimum performance building a packraft.

Model Aircraft irons generate heat fast. They have the strength to press firmly on the melted TPU and seal a seam. I got mine at a great price. (https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXB357&P=0). But the shape leaves much to be desired.

The bottom is too…[Read more]

In further response to Clemens:
Here is a photo of the filed area on my second Chinese “adjustable Leather Iron” (made by Jingda Thermoelectric Products). The area filed is best illustrated before I smooth and polish it with sand paper and steel wool. Please note the blue tape over the cooling vents to prevent aluminum filings from contaminating…[Read more]