Thank you so much for this video!!!! I've been trying to learn about welding this kind of stuff together so i can prototype a cooling suit, and you've given me almost all the instructions I need. I can't believe you dont have more views. Thanks!!!!
My first raft had a lot of surface defects . So i thinned out polyurethane roof caulking to sprayable consistancy . It bonded wrll enough to claim reliability and forgetability . I sprayed the whole raft on the outside . This gave a distinctive black ops looking packraft with great abrasion resistance . The raft looks like it could be in a rambo movie and its surface finish is uniform and flat in sheen . Been 4 years or so and its lasted and no delamination. I didnt roughen the urethane surface and the polyurethane roofing vaulk stayed bonded through repeated rolling . I have a second raft that is pretty good so i plan on testing out sandblasting the surface to see if the thinned out polyurethane caulking coating will bond even better . Im a tinkerer . I once put on a custom fiberglass hull on an original alpaca . I then attached a 3 hp gas outboard to the front of the raft that had a breakaway transom mount for the outboard . Since it was on the front , when i hit shallow water i just hit the gas which lifted the front end of the raft out of the water a bit and it would cavitate but still remain mobile until i got back to deeper water. I was the only gas powered boat on the big sioux river and in effect the river was mine as it was too shallow for motors .
I have thought about doing this and it would be easier in some situations but it might need to be removable so you could still use the iron in tight inside corners. As explained in the video, you don’t need to press very hard with the iron, you just need to press firmly enough so the fabric is flattened beneath it, and then you can press hard with the roller after the iron is removed. So yes, I think it’s a good idea if you have time to experiment with it, but it’s not really necessary if you don’t want to.
The iron stays hot whether it’s on the fabric or not, and generally I want the fabric to cool down faster after the iron is removed, not slower, so that hasn’t been something I’ve experimented with.
I took a look at your website but I can't seem to find where to buy the fabric. I've got an idea in mind but it has nothing to do with building floating boats.
Is it different material? I know it is thinner. Iron melt through easily. But I used cake paper between to prevent it stick together. I think not as strong as your weld. All the backpack has waterproofing inner lining. that seems stick to wolven putter layers. Instead using iron, how about use heat gun and rubber roller. Will that work?
@ You would have to ask them, but I assume it’s either because the seam tapes they use aren’t as strong as the fabrics, or it’s to hold the fabric pieces together while they apply the seam tapes, which they do using an industrial fabric welding machine (or both).
These fabrics are now for sale by the yard in the DIY Packraft shop at www.diypackraft.com/shop :)
Awesome tutorial, I’ve been looking too long for a video like this. Ps, you have a beautiful voice 😮 like a radio narrator
Haha thanks!
Thank you so much for this video!!!! I've been trying to learn about welding this kind of stuff together so i can prototype a cooling suit, and you've given me almost all the instructions I need. I can't believe you dont have more views. Thanks!!!!
Thanks! I just received my DIY packraft and will be making assembling it!
Thanks very much for this video. The instructions are crystal clear and very thorough.
Thank you for the tips this is extremely helpful for making a inflatable suit too
Thank you Matt, love your great work and instructions!
My first raft had a lot of surface defects . So i thinned out polyurethane roof caulking to sprayable consistancy . It bonded wrll enough to claim reliability and forgetability . I sprayed the whole raft on the outside . This gave a distinctive black ops looking packraft with great abrasion resistance . The raft looks like it could be in a rambo movie and its surface finish is uniform and flat in sheen . Been 4 years or so and its lasted and no delamination. I didnt roughen the urethane surface and the polyurethane roofing vaulk stayed bonded through repeated rolling . I have a second raft that is pretty good so i plan on testing out sandblasting the surface to see if the thinned out polyurethane caulking coating will bond even better . Im a tinkerer . I once put on a custom fiberglass hull on an original alpaca . I then attached a 3 hp gas outboard to the front of the raft that had a breakaway transom mount for the outboard . Since it was on the front , when i hit shallow water i just hit the gas which lifted the front end of the raft out of the water a bit and it would cavitate but still remain mobile until i got back to deeper water. I was the only gas powered boat on the big sioux river and in effect the river was mine as it was too shallow for motors .
Very cool! I’d love to see more about the product you used and how you sprayed it!
Thanks
Would it be better maybe, to add a DIY " press handle" or For grip on top of Iron to assist in pressure above the iron while pressing the materials??
I have thought about doing this and it would be easier in some situations but it might need to be removable so you could still use the iron in tight inside corners. As explained in the video, you don’t need to press very hard with the iron, you just need to press firmly enough so the fabric is flattened beneath it, and then you can press hard with the roller after the iron is removed. So yes, I think it’s a good idea if you have time to experiment with it, but it’s not really necessary if you don’t want to.
Good video, do you have info or video on fusible double sided tape for other materials?
Thanks
Thanks! No, I haven’t used other materials.
Have you thought about an underlay that doesn't absorb heat but reflects it . That would extend your heat sink on your iron to stay hot longer.
The iron stays hot whether it’s on the fabric or not, and generally I want the fabric to cool down faster after the iron is removed, not slower, so that hasn’t been something I’ve experimented with.
I took a look at your website but I can't seem to find where to buy the fabric. I've got an idea in mind but it has nothing to do with building floating boats.
I am not currently selling bulk fabric, but in the forum there are some suggestions for alternative sources of fabric.
I'm trying to make some taco pads for a rafting trip. Have you had any experience with this?
I'm assuming I can use the same techniques for that?
I don’t have experience with that, but I don’t see why not.
Would hot air welding work with this material as well? Just asking as PVC is welded with hot air
Yes, it does.
Where can I get sheets of this material??
Hello, is there any sales channel for this product that I can buy here in Brazil? Aliexpress for example or another?
Yes, I think you can order the iron on Aliexpress from Brazil. I don’t know if there is a fabric store that ships there.
Is your material use to make backpack and everyday bags?
Some waterproof bags are made from similar materials.
Is it different material? I know it is thinner. Iron melt through easily.
But I used cake paper between to prevent it stick together. I think not as strong as your weld.
All the backpack has waterproofing inner lining. that seems stick to wolven putter layers.
Instead using iron, how about use heat gun and rubber roller. Will that work?
You will have to experiment to find out because I don’t know.
Think backpack bag fabric or poly swim pant can weld the same way?
No, I don’t think so…
All the irons on ali express are listed as 220v, does that matter?
The ones I use are also listed as 220V and it doesn’t seem to matter.
If you have a more than capable sewing machine and worry about welding strength, why won’t you just sew it before? I saw that alpacka rafts are sewn.
The welds are stronger than the fabric, so sewing wouldn’t make the seams any stronger, it would just take more time.
@@DIYPackraft why do companies like Alpackaraft do it?
@ You would have to ask them, but I assume it’s either because the seam tapes they use aren’t as strong as the fabrics, or it’s to hold the fabric pieces together while they apply the seam tapes, which they do using an industrial fabric welding machine (or both).
If you sew it , would it still be airtight?
@igorrrr45247 No, not if you only sew it.