Conference unifix::sailing

    Cna't answer all you questions specifically but as far as machines go,
    I believe it really depends upon the needle and not necessarily the
    machine itself.  The "Big Book of Boat Canvas" is a good resource for
    projects, material selection, sources, and equipment needs.  They do
    not recommend any special machines.  In the Dashew's latest book they
    also reference sewing for sail repairs and projects.  They did not
    reply on anything other than a regular old machine.  They also
    indicated that the needle sizes should be hefty enough to handle the
    task at hand.  I highly recommend the canvas book mentioned.  It has
    alot of great ideas for fitting, measuring, and material selections.  
    
    Brian 

    Ditto .1 re needles, but you do need a machine with some oomph for
    heavier work.  My predecessors have always used an old Singer treadle
    machine, but I broke from tradition (mostly since my father wasn't
    ready to give the Singer up) and use a 1950 vintage Pfaaf with a motor
    that will sew 40 layers of elephant hide should the need ever arise.  
    Singer is easier to adapt for large spool of sail thread.  Make sure
    material advance grid (under needle foot or whatever it is called) is
    not too worn, or stitching will be inconsistent, especially on heavier
    stuff (referring to the gizmo that pulls material through under
    needle).  Bobbin adjustment can also be a problem for an older machine. 
    Once I got it working, I have simply left it alone.
    
    Other small mindless projects (winch handle boots, vent covers, etc.)
    of either canvas or leather are good winter work and provide good
    practice for sewing with hand awl and/or simple needle and thread,
    which is generally all you are likely to have aboard for emergency
    repairs anyway, so the practice is worth it.
    
    Other small projects (of self design):  segmented hanging sheath for
    navigational tools, flare pouch, hanging engine tool pouch, etc. 
    Again, good practice and keeps one connected during "shore leave".
    
    Enjoy!
    

    Yes my hand work has improved with the purchase of a larger needle
    selection.  A friend suggested teflon spray for needle and thread to
    make things easier as well.  Surprising though how the needles snap
    once you go to the heavier stuff.
    
    I never thought about getting a used sewing machine, since I've never
    noticed them advertised in any of my sailing mag's.  Anyone know of a
    source for used sewing machines "with oomph"?
    
    -gayn
    

    Try checking under "sewing machines - industrial" in the phone book. 
    If you're in the EMAS area, wander about the garment district of Boston
    (AKA Chinatown).  There are a few dealers there.  Or check with an
    place like Fabric World in Framingham which has some serious sewing
    machines.
    
    There may be some high torque low rev machines more suitable for the
    casual sailmaker.  The industrial machines I've used are dry clutch
    driven off continuous duty motors.  They take a bit of getting used to,
    expecially the speed.  This could be toned down with the use of a
    smaller pulley.  They tend to be somewhat expensive and could be hard
    to justify without some additional projects besides sail repair.
    
    - gene

I would be reluctant to try sewing multiple layers of anything with a
home sewing machine -- Julie's Singer (more than 20 years old) has
needed new gears and other repairs three times after trying to make
various things (none very heavy) from acyrilan (yachtcrylic) and
sailcloth, even when using the right needles. Don't even think about
trying to make a storm sail with a home machine. 

Since getting sewing machines repaired is expensive and quite a bother, 
we finally bought a Sailrite (Brother) industrial strength sewing
machine. It will happily stitch through at least seven layers of 8 oz
sailcloth (eg, a storm sail). It is also a pain to adjust the thread
tension , needle/bobbin timing, foot pressure, etc, (the manuals are
adequate for doing this) but when properly tuned it is a marvel, albeit
an expensive one. The motor Sailrite supplies is fairly light, but
certainly adequate, especially with the low speed gearing. High speed
requires much more skill than either Julie or (especially) I have. You
can use a 1/4 hp motor with the beast if you're so inclined. It also has
a hand crank for shipboard use. I doubt we've yet saved the cost of the 
machine by doing our own canvas work, but someday .....

By the way, making sails isn't all that easy. We've modified our riding 
sail (as heavy as a storm sail) at least twice. It is now more or less 
satisfactory. 

    We have a Reads Sailmaker and have found it fine for any projects we
    have undertaken. This includes sail covers, interior covers, full
    length sun shades, etc. Hand or electric power. Expensive.z

I have an old sail with a rip in the main sail.
It is a very small boat the the main sail is very
light weight - feels like the kinda stuff a light
nylon wind breaker coat would be made out of.

So can't I just get some white nylon at the local
sewing center and some nylon thread and put a patch
over the rip?

Bye          --+--
Kay R. Fisher  |
---------------O---------------
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    	Simple fix and probably better answer is to get yourself a roll of
    sail tape.  It is basically sticky backed sail cloth.  Cut a strip a
    little  larger than the tear and apply it.  If your being really
    careful you can apply a piece on each side and lightly stich through
    the tape and the original sail cloth.  The sailing program in lowell
    has sails repaired this way years ago that are still doing fine.  In
    fact with age and such the patches are kind of hard to pick out these
    days.
    
    
    Forrest

Re: 0.8

	Yes, I agree that using sailtape is effective.

	I would suggest you trim the corners to a rounded shape
	to discourage them from lifting at the point.
	Also I just stitch through at the corners only.

	Mike