DIY Packraft | Bruce | Activity https://www.diypackraft.com/members/brucecampbell/activity/ Activity feed for Bruce. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:50:51 -0700 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 809d49327038217347abdeb38c09b61d Bruce started the topic Packing gear inside your packraft in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/packing-gear-inside-your-packraft/ Fri, 06 May 2022 04:52:26 -0700 I’m not much of a backpacker now that my back is as bent and can’t carry a load. Packrafting, however is great. I don’t have to hoist the craft onto the car rack. It inflates at a whim. And, unlike my decades of whitewater canoeing, I don’t feel like I need full rowing rig raft support to carry the kitchen sink. I can fit it all in my packraft.…[Read more]

]]> 0 2595e239f4ceb91c382b00581ae5b360 Bruce replied to the topic Correct seat placement in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/correct-seat-placement/#post-16171 Fri, 06 May 2022 03:45:10 -0700 In my experience, having outfitted numerous solo whitewater canoes and kayaks, and from talking to the most experienced of the local packrafters with more whitewater skills than I (Class IV WW Solo Canoe) the most efficient paddling seat location is as far forward as possible. This allows one to paddle with the modern kayak stroke.

Ideally the…[Read more]

]]> 0 60769d1696b165fd61135c5375bded6a Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-14881 Sun, 11 Jul 2021 18:11:11 -0700 Terry,

You have a great kit awaiting, I will offer a few thoughts regarding your iron.

From the pictures it looks just like the leather irons I have. Mine just plug in and work. Eventually. It does take 20 minutes for them to reach temperature on 120v power. And they will go well beyond 220 degrees C.

Yes, I painted the sides flat black to use…[Read more]

]]> 0 1adf6cd6919e11237cc1ad9c288a58c9 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-14435 Fri, 14 May 2021 07:56:10 -0700 <li style=”text-align: left;”>Craig,I have several Hangar #9 irons. Short answer: they are all slightly different. Most have a 10 to 20 degree temperature swing to activate the thermostat. When activated the thermostat connects the current increasing heat. Heat rises 10 to 20 degrees.
Do buy a thermal infrared thermometer and watch the iron…

[Read more]

]]> 0 90caebca2715a0d0f30fdb70fc3536a8 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-14160 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 01:13:48 -0700 Barbara,

I have used one of the Petite Press irons. They have a pretty weak handle that prevents using much pressure to seal the seam, and they are low wattage, if I recall it is a 40 watt iron. It’s owner found it very slow to bring a seam up to temperature and seal. He gave up and got a model aircraft iron.

As others have noted, the 165 watt…[Read more]

]]> 0 7975ffee68bf9e97c6da90eeec8f8584 Bruce posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2019/09/19/in-search-of-the-perfect-ultralight-packrafting-water-shoe/comment-page-1/#comment-14372 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 16:26:07 -0700 I have used Teva sandals over various dry suits while kayaking and whitewater canoeing for a couple decades. I was surprised to wander by REI the other day and discover they are now vastly lighter than my older ones.
The best dry suits were super light ones made by Kakotat, sold by Alpacka. They were fantastic two piece suits, the top served as…[Read more]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post When paddling on calm lakes, it’s often possible to enter and exit a packraft without getting your feet wet, but in moving water I find that it’s rarely an option. In fact, it’s […] ]]> d080d93e49a7395aaf24894a1fc7f0db Bruce started the topic Major fix: Removing a complete panel. in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/major-fix-removing-a-complete-panel/?view=all Mon, 13 Apr 2020 15:27:26 -0700 Oops! Yes, you can fix even the biggest of mistakes!

I’ve helped with dozens of DIY packrafts. I’ve built my own V2, V3 and a Voyager Tandem. Perhaps it was just a matter of time before I got going too fast and made a major blunder – exactly the kind I explain “not to do.”

I fully installed the right tube section 4R where the left one (4L) shou…[Read more]

]]> 0 76f6cabc2e23484f4d386d484f4e7429 Bruce replied to the topic Entry Assist Handles? in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/entry-assist-handles/#post-9512 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 08:35:25 -0700 My daughter, age 10, finds it easy to re-enter her packraft by reaching across it and grabbing a webbing strap I install around the perimeter of the raft. It is just a 1/2″ piece of nylon webbing run through tie-down attachment points.

Having webbing around the bow, and another around the stern is sufficient too. I run it from 2R to 1R to 1L to…[Read more]

]]> 0 d7e53c3639e9fdb87203a478778f6ade Bruce started the topic Modify Therma-Rest pad for an inflatable floor. in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/modify-therma-rest-pad-for-an-inflatable-floor/ Tue, 30 Apr 2019 08:18:42 -0700 I want an inflatable floor for my packraft because it stiffens the bottom of the boat and improves both speed and handling.

I first made a floor using the DIY seat as a model. When it inflated it certainly tightened the floor, but when I added the seat on top of the floor, as I intended, it was too tall for my older Large V2 and my longer 140 V3…[Read more]

]]> 0 79616d9fe37b25306011b322dd3d56e4 Bruce posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2019/02/07/updated-2-person-diy-packraft/#comment-8350 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 13:48:36 -0800 Wow, Matt you’ve advanced the field immensely. This is the best tandem packraft design available. Congratulations. I clearly have to buy one for next winters project!
Bruce
Fairbanks

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post The new two-person DIY Packraft (blue) with the new Ultralight DIY Packraft (yellow) for comparison. Packed size: 25 x 25 x 50 cm, or 10 x 10 x 20 inches Weight: 3.0 kg / 6.6 […] ]]> 5bb797c4d50eae484ea3c68927b1543a Bruce replied to the topic Pure TPU as adhesive in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/pure-tpu-as-adhesive/#post-6487 Fri, 25 May 2018 07:31:38 -0700 I tried several different heat sealing tapes. Bonds to the PU coating was unsatisfactory so I gave up. I was also unable to determine if the film of tape chemically matched the TPU coating. My understanding is that plastic welding and bonding only works between two identical or compatible plastics.

]]> 0 99ee500797a8f669ee69335b52595416 Bruce replied to the topic Voyageur Seat and Inflatable Floor in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/voyageur-seat-and-inflatable-floor/#post-6486 Fri, 25 May 2018 07:10:02 -0700 Great to know the Big Agnes fits my Voyager. An interesting complaint packrafters made about using their camping pads for the floor of their packraft was sleeping on a wet pad. A solution is to put the pad under the tent floor!

Bruce

Fairbanks

]]> 0 1bc1ef1b75f6d44240f863f31f921980 Bruce replied to the topic "Voyageur" extra huge. in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/voyageur-extra-huge/#post-6485 Fri, 25 May 2018 07:02:09 -0700 I’m fascinated with your successful application of 3m 5200. I bought the slow sure version and had no luck getting it to cure. Great looking craft, love the photos!

Bruce

Fairbanks

]]> 0 581a267c17ebdc3f19efbf0b8a958e1d Bruce replied to the topic What is recommended pressure? in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/what-is-recommended-pressure/#post-6484 Fri, 25 May 2018 06:55:20 -0700 Marcin, Yes, packraft inflation is limited to lung pressure, at or less than one psi. In contrast, I believe a full size NRS 18′ heavy duty raft is inflated to 2.5 psi, much higher pressure than any packraft should be inflated.

It is an interesting question, and I have just acquired a low pressure gauge to fit my NRS barrel pump so I can pressure…[Read more]

]]> 0 ec7f25a537d56ed53da0c0e64f89857d Bruce replied to the topic Seat Tie-in tabs in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/seat-tie-in-tabs/#post-6018 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 02:40:05 -0700 Taylor,

Punch holes in the tabs. Here’s another photo, pardon the poor image, but I hope you can see the holes. They are ready for short pieces of cord to tie to matching holes punched in similar tabs in the seat. The goal is to prevent the seat from floating away should you be si-washed in whitewater. Or carrying the raft from the car for that matter.

Seat tie-in tabs, with holes punched for cord.

]]> 0 8ee1335c9bb4fb67d94a89bf311f6a5c Bruce started the topic Seat Tie-in tabs in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/seat-tie-in-tabs/ Sun, 01 Apr 2018 01:30:48 -0700 It is easy to add tabs to tie-in your seat when installing the V3 reinforcing strips. Small tabs made from 420D or 1000D two-sided fabric can be ironed in between the reinforcing strip and the tube section. Seat tie-down tabs

Punch holes in the tab, I used a leather punch, and short pieces of parachute cord to tie in your seat. (I punch matching holes in my seat,…[Read more]

]]> 0 b91138b724996a32706f9d631bb2b6b0 Bruce replied to the topic Necessity of the Top-Up-Valve? in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/necessity-of-the-top-up-valve/#post-5862 Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:26:27 -0700 The Boston Valve’s one-way middle partition is excellent. I use 1/2″ ID x 5/8″ OD tubing with a couple -three layers of duck tape around it to get a seal inside the middle valve. (7/8″ is for the larger opening when using my inflation bag.) I don’t want to snag the longer top-up tube attached to a top-up valve and have it pop apart. Especially if…[Read more]

]]> 0 ce89aa9e3d6e7f46868dfd5a44f8466c Bruce replied to the topic Inflation bag - update in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/inflation-bag-update/#post-5439 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 21:38:59 -0800 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]

]]> 0 8638abf8fefb983f445f89865e297b65 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-5382 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:37:20 -0800 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]

]]> 0 a62f73ebee544dad196a93215ea782d5 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-5381 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 07:37:34 -0800 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]

]]> 0 e1d4e352a4328a3eeb96b6eb494831db Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-5320 Wed, 31 Jan 2018 02:49:31 -0800 To further answer Sean’s question about the temperature rating of the Aliexpress Adjustible leather iron. I measured the temperature, using a Coverite analog thermometer and a ThermaPro digital oven thermometer. Power source is 120v US electrical power.

Iron dial setting     Coverite Temp      ThermaPro

300 C                       192 C       …[Read more]

]]> 0 9b15df7e0403631f965689b089e8d4d8 Bruce replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-5319 Wed, 31 Jan 2018 02:30:25 -0800 Tandem, first float!My first tandem, V3, on the Chena River, Fairbanks, Alaska. It was hard to keep the air pressure up ’cause I didn’t have a top-up valve installed. And the water was a lot colder than the air! As such, you can see some wrinkles when I move forward in the raft. Obviously, if one makes an even longer tandem, which is easy to do with the parallel…[Read more]

]]> 0 7f08958dfe817e4366cab06eeaba6eee Bruce replied to the topic Hot air gun full report in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/hot-air-gun-full-report/#post-5318 Wed, 31 Jan 2018 02:11:35 -0800 Lyn,
Thank you for a fantastic report and illustrations for using the inexpensive hot air gun. I greatly appreciate the 1600W is better than 1000W discussion. I tried my Milwaukee heat gun and while I can say it works, there is very little control. No temperature control at all other than distance to the work surface and speed of transit. Plus it…[Read more]

]]> 0 afac98a50b067aaec2ecf6b135587b40 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-5191 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 08:30:25 -0800 If you order an adjustable Leather Iron through Aliexpress, like the Jingda first discovered by Lynn, you may want to also order a 3-prong US plug adaptor. They are inexpensive ($0.66 with free shipping), but hard to find on Aliexpress. Here is a link for one. I haven’t ordered it, just wanted to provide the link so others might. I will order one…[Read more]

]]> 0 7f998e43f477074378751c8f7c0789f6 Bruce replied to the topic Whitewater Capabilities in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/whitewater-capabilities/#post-5152 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 01:53:34 -0800 I come to packrafting as a whitewater boater. I have a solid kayak and canoe roll in class 3 or 4 whitewater. I started back in 1963, and am trying to figure out how to slow down a bit, but not leave the game behind.

That said, I think Mark Oates cautionary note to packrafters is critical: take a swiftwater rescue class, learn to use a throw…[Read more]

]]> 0 821ec4ee4558c690d582e7dc08da92c2 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-5151 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 01:10:35 -0800 Matt,

Yes, hard to find. I have best luck searching under: adjustable leather iron. There are many models and colors. Be aware: the lowest prices are for non-adjustable irons and I don’t know how these will work. I’ve also seen one with a wider foot – it might be easier to cut off the “wings” to a more desirable narrow foot, don’t know, but here…[Read more]

]]> 0 67521b6179d3eca58c18c6aca464a15f Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-5150 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 00:54:16 -0800 Clemens,

The hardest part for me is trying to describe the filing effort. I file the bottom so it has a 19 or 20 mm wide flat area on the bottom. This leaves 2 mm or so of gently rounded edge on each side. I do not file the tip.

I use a coarse file for aluminum or steel. Be aware that aluminum galls, and it will be easier to smooth with…[Read more]

]]> 0 4ea0f35c5101f32d8c4a572960e32b20 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-5149 Sat, 16 Dec 2017 00:42:31 -0800 Sean, Excellent question.

My experience with Aliexpress is limited, but excellent. My guess is that all of the 220 leather irons work the same, but the Chinese sellers can’t really test them and are incorrectly estimating the output based on current, when the thermostat which controls the temperature doesn’t rely on current. The resistance…[Read more]

]]> 0 779e849bcaf6b1250e40ada21a5b0761 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-5071 Mon, 04 Dec 2017 04:40:46 -0800 I have tried several irons and can now enthusiastically recommend the JingdaLeather Iron ordered thru Aliexpress, and initially suggested by Lyn, thanks Lyn. I have used the Leather Iron by Jingda Thermoelectronic Products to build both V2 and V3 rafts, one of my own and helping with several built by others. I can complete seams in roughly half…[Read more]

]]> 0 8cde0cad4496d3a6874f9df7174a4181 Bruce started the topic An Inflatable Drybag that fits through your zipper. in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/an-inflatable-drybag-that-fits-through-your-zipper/ Wed, 01 Nov 2017 17:55:54 -0700 Concept: A double-wall, inflatable drybag you can slide through a TiZip and into your raft. You could make a single-wall bag with a zipper, but to my mind zippers are expensive and stuffing gear through them is awkward. Besides, we have all used simple roll down dry bags for decades, and they work just fine, but they can’t be inflated.

If you…[Read more]

]]> 0 9ae9da089e3782d69402aeeb11e6ca93 Bruce replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-4809 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 04:52:37 -0700 V3 TandemFirst inflation of my V3 Tandem packraft! It is 11 feet or 3.5 meters long, interior is 182 cm long. I will have to search for a safe lead in winter’s ice to give it a try!

]]> 0 a62c9cc7f49ab7a5780c437aabbeeabd Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4808 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 04:36:44 -0700 The uplifted front of the Jingda Thermoelectric Products “leather” Iron, purchased through Aliexpress, makes it indispensible for tight spots and small corners especially when finishing the ends or reaching through bunched fabric.

Jengda in a tight spot

The tip allows one to reach and heat spots at high angles.Uplifted tip on Jendga iron.

]]> 0 360edae699e1664e9e157a287e9a62ba Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4742 Fri, 13 Oct 2017 07:34:59 -0700 I have been using the Jingda Leather iron for a couple weeks now and I would not want to give it up. Thanks to Lyn for discovering it. With the relatively simple modification of filing the foot flatter it becomes an indispensible tool. I particularly like the uplifted tip that provides accurate work in tight corners, and allows one to approach the…[Read more]

]]> 0 2d9036abc446d92d8cc7a3142d652609 Bruce replied to the topic An improved tie down in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/an-improved-tie-down/#post-4741 Fri, 13 Oct 2017 07:11:44 -0700 The new 420D and 1000D two sided fabrics make fantastic tie downs including web plates, and D-ring points. I also used a 1.5 cm strip inside a fold on my inside tube to floor reinforcement strip, so I can punch holes in it and tie a separate floor to the raft.

Simplest are webbing plates. I cut circles or ovals from either 420D or 1000D fabric,…[Read more]

]]> 0 6025135fb20c25cadb5f4e5687ab564c Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4646 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 23:06:31 -0700 Update and current recommendations

I tested the Valad HS-3T heat sealing iron. It is the one unit I could not recommend for use with TPU coated Nylon-66 fabric.

The Valad Electrical Company hand held Heat Sealing Iron, model HS-3T, is a 165 watt stainless steel iron that I purchased for $15, well used, on eBay. It can also be purchased new for…[Read more]

]]> 0 7b02f06d2e8190c0ffd7ab8724f5d0ec Bruce replied to the topic Inflation bag - update in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/inflation-bag-update/#post-4645 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 22:36:28 -0700 Lyn,

I wanted to extend my corner tube out several inches to provide more flexibility in the connection, but it required more fabric. It looks to me like Exped is using valves similar to the new red valves now available on DIY, but with an additional smaller connecting link. The 7/8 OD silicone tubing works great, but I don’t think it’s such a…[Read more]

]]> 0 0467821f29c0fdf7b23a448103834ce6 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4324 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 07:31:27 -0700 Update to Sealing Iron Review

I misspelled the name of the leather iron manufacturer: It is Jingda. Sorry for the typo.

Valad heat sealing irons are manufactured in Montgomery New York, made in the USA. Their website is: http://heaters.valadelectric.com/item/electric-heat-sealers/hs-3t-heat-sealers/item-1115

I have placed an inquiry to Valad…[Read more]

]]> 0 898212dd101cd929359ad84192aef24d Bruce replied to the topic Inflation bag - update in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/inflation-bag-update/#post-4323 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 07:04:03 -0700 Using the new 40D ripstop is a fast and simple way to fashion an inflation bag. Took me about two hours. I used 1 meter of 40D fabric, less than 2 meters of 1/2″ thin nylon webbing, a plastic buckle, D ring, and I will insert a 7/8″ Silicon tubing into a bottom corner when it comes in the mail. I intend to plug the tubing with a cork, from the…[Read more]

]]> 0 87934a2930483bca2443ef65b35c06d2 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4265 Sat, 09 Sep 2017 03:54:55 -0700 Comparing Heat Sealing Irons: Clover Mini-Iron, Coverite, Top Flight, and Jandga Electrothermal Products

By: Bruce Campbell

Date: September 4, 2017

Background: I built my first DIY packraft using a Clover Mini-Iron and an old household Iron. They worked, but the Clover is slow and fragile. The old household iron was a challenge to keep hot…[Read more]

]]> 0 5562f47bac473b138147f256e4106b92 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4071 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 08:08:38 -0700 Teflon under the wire so it won't melt the red heat guard.

]]> 0 b91886ceb680908fabf4fdac31634502 Bruce posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2017/08/04/inflation-bag-now-available-as-a-kit/#comment-2908 Sat, 26 Aug 2017 01:42:26 -0700 Great, I can find silicone tubing online. Did you use 20mm ID x 25mm OD size tubing? (The next size smaller is 16mm ID x 20mm OD, while other suppliers offer fractional inch measurements up to 7/8 inch but I think that’s too small.
Bruce

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Some time ago I posted a page about making your own inflation bag*, and since then several people have asked me to supply parts so they won’t have to spend time and money sourcing them […] ]]> 9a7700c583acddf62dc39ecf539ec0d1 Bruce posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2017/08/04/inflation-bag-now-available-as-a-kit/#comment-2908 Sat, 26 Aug 2017 01:42:15 -0700 Great, I can find silicone tubing online. Did you use 20mm ID x 25mm OD size tubing? (The next size smaller is 16mm ID x 20mm OD, while other suppliers offer fractional inch measurements up to 7/8 inch but I think that’s too small.
Bruce

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Some time ago I posted a page about making your own inflation bag*, and since then several people have asked me to supply parts so they won’t have to spend time and money sourcing them […] ]]> 2b43b2df066aaacda3e2e230cdbc75e7 Bruce posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2017/08/04/inflation-bag-now-available-as-a-kit/#comment-2835 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 14:14:45 -0700 I am especially interested in your connector that fits the fine Boston Valves. They are great valves, but an odd thread I have not been able to successfully fashion on my lathe. Worth the price of a kit, though I made my bag out of silnyl not TPU.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Some time ago I posted a page about making your own inflation bag*, and since then several people have asked me to supply parts so they won’t have to spend time and money sourcing them […] ]]> 93714642256f891b2ef679b7327b342c Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4017 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 07:21:19 -0700 I also recommend putting a piece of teflon, parchment paper, or tape between the wire and the red guard. It helps ensure the wire doesn’t melt through the guard. Here is a picture of a teflon guard over the top screw. Yes, if it gets too close the masking tape scorches.

Teflon covering the top screw

]]> 0 503483ff2efa8eb7543c5f30a12590bd Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4016 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 07:15:46 -0700 It is easy to adjust the temperature on a Top Flight model aircraft heat sealing iron. I suspect the other brand irons can be adjusted too, if needed.

When I got mine, it heated to about 198 degrees C (according to my innexpensive infrared thermometer – an oven meat thermometer works just as well). It was not hot hot enough to seal TPU fabric, a…[Read more]

]]> 0 8e80b80fa32ab5a690e425dfee6314c0 Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4015 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 19:02:43 -0700 I recommend everyone reinforce their Clover Iron before first use! I loved Chris Christy’s solution, above, but couldn’t find a 1/2″x 13 “Tee” nut. I bought some aluminum round stock to toss onto the lathe to make a supply for our classes, but after thinking about how much work was involved, I “discovered” 4 inches of thin steel wire proved to be…[Read more]

]]> 0 7b2882043f0d11f15313a094515d462a Bruce replied to the topic What plans/kits would you like to see next? in the forum DIY Packrafts http://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/what-planskits-would-you-like-to-see-next/#post-3073 Mon, 01 May 2017 21:15:00 -0700 As I close my first packraft, I find I “Need” two new styles. Highest priority for my daughter, is a kids size raft with smaller 10″ or 9″ tubes. These would allow her shorter arms to better navigate the craft. Not reaching so far out past the centerline of the craft means less side to side swing and better tracking. The complexity of the tube…[Read more]

]]> 0 92e757b0a0110b2ddb80be05426eaee6 Bruce changed their profile picture https://www.diypackraft.com/activity/p/712/ Mon, 01 May 2017 21:05:33 -0700 0 7c4cd33ac0fef936fd045e79ccb40750 Bruce replied to the topic An improved tie down in the forum DIY Packrafts http://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/an-improved-tie-down/#post-2772 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 05:06:03 -0700 I will try stitching loops to fabric next, like Olympic Mtn Boy above. In the image below are four flat tie down patches with simple slots cut for webbing. I tested a two layer version, with the center “tab” doubled by heat sealing a piece of TPU coated fabric to the bottom. This served to prevent it from being unevenly sealed to the raft creating…[Read more]

]]> 0 aa0066137edc842ebe29ee5cd32acca2 Bruce replied to the topic Alternative sources for fabric and other materials in the forum DIY Packrafts http://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/alternative-sources-for-fabric-and-other-materials/#post-2771 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 04:57:17 -0700 I have been using two-sided 70D Ripstop nylon from Rockywoods Fabrics as a middle layer in accessory patches for tie points. It serves to increase the strength of the patch over a two layer patch.

I would not suggest it for a raft because the TPU coating peels off the nylon. The coating does not appear to be as well bonded to the fabric. I seem…[Read more]

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