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Topics - baileyuph

1
Is there any or much focus on vinyl stretch (when cutting vinyl)?

Maybe?  But compared to woven fabrics - maybe not?

Perhaps when one is cutting vinyl patterns that will require sewing and placement on an item,
It can be important to consider these issues when working in vinyl.

Do any consider this issue with vinyl? 

If so, how is the stretch in vinyl placed on an object being upholstered? 

This can get important as the object gets more technical?

It could and probably will have some bearing on the amount of vinyl used.

Some vinyls stretch in all directions, some in two (across and up the roll), then some stretch
in merely one direction (often across the roll).

Gets technical but as the project gets more that way and which type of stretch one is dealing with (roll)
one can enhance the outcome of the project.

An example or two; auto seats and furniture upholstery both can have designs that often includes
more than flat seaming and few attached cushions - this is just part of how designs have evolved in
the upholstery used today.

Back to the question about vinyl stretch alignment?  Is it incorporated in any of your work? 

Doyle
2
What is targeted in this discussion :  "best results can be achieved by reupholstering in cloth/or
vinyl (some expensive leathers)"?

For example:  Customer has 15 yr old recliner that was built with cloth on it, now is thinking vinyl.
The chair (recliner) was originally done with something like a suede cloth and comprises pillow type
cushions on bottom, back, and arm tops and lots of seams.  Lots of wrinkles exist due to the padding/spring build-up -but looks soft due to the description given (above).

But now is thinking vinyl for the redo job.  But seeing all the wrinkles (design like I said), there is
reluctance on my part to support the idea of using the vinyl, it isn't real stiff but there are doubts
in my mind about using (vinyl) on a chair built so soft.

The vinyl just won't be as supple as the nice soft suede cloth which it was originally manufactured with.

Hope I am communicating with this issue, there is a lot of experienced readers - business people here
like Paul and all the rest - not leaving anyone out.

But, would value all comments due to the dynamics of the spring up, padding, and fabric used in
manufacturing, as described.  Everything will be reused but going with a slightly stiffer vinyl -
may not play out as good judgement.  The chair was just built "too soft" for even a fairly soft
vinyl -  you get my point because the chair just doesn't seem to be a good candidate (all those seams
and pillows will actually draw negative attention and -  highlight the wrinkles more.

I haven't suggested a real soft leather - cost is primary reason.  Some customers can't afford that
type of job.

Let me hear from all of you! Redo in similar cloth the factory used or?

Doyle
3
Digital patterning technology blossomed in the past, particularly in Marine/Auto/Furniture work -
especially marine.

I have been reading and am looking for more input on this subject (idea).

Any references?  Let it be know.

Thanks in advance.

Doyle
4
I ask because a customer is bringing patio cushion work to the shop which are aged but in spite, the
filler (she sated) can be looked at but can probably be reused?

Maybe a little enhancement could be all required?

I will look this issue over and if filler enhancement will satisfy the requirement, I will order more.

What did those outside patio cushions use as filler (I don't recall the term)?  Oh, let's assume the
cushions were made approximately 20 yrs ago?

Doyle

5
General Discussion / Older John Deere Tractor Seats
April 22, 2020, 06:30:31 am
I had a couple of these jobs come in for rebuild/reupholster.  I figured the springs would have to be
replaced - they did.

The closest spring to the originals was our Marshall coils.  But decided to rebuild with
very high foam instead (6 inch).  Found this in a very high quality foam and glad I did because it
is very strong.  Used a thinner foam of the same specification for the back rest.  Originality wasn't
an issue the customer insisted - durability was his priority.

Oh!  This was a 1942 John Deere, class C.  He still uses it to care for the mowing (whatever) on his
private estate acreage.

I built it strong and used an antique type vinyl (strong backing and stamped pattern - which was
actually used in some trucks during and after those years.

Never know what might come in through the business doors.  Kinda one of those jobs
that is interesting - due to using "repair techniques" which were different and analysis of the
old original tractor build-up (even though it was too far gone to save - by the way which was 49
coils).

This was not a furniture seat - but incorporated a quite a fit of the much older techniques used in
that work, which included natural fillers over the steel coils.

Those older craftsmen were great!

They were great at using resources of the era (the owner estimated to be over 75 years ago).

I like our sewing equipment better - developed since this tractor era - might add.

Anyone done something with build date of almost 100years?  I did find their techniques and
resources interesting.  Anyway, going forward, I do have a channel wing back chair to redo - the
original materials still on the chair.  I plan to do it when the work won't be rushed for I expect
another interesting experience - I love the chair in its original state which is not a "torn rag".
All materials used back then on this one - on a quick inspection - reveals all natural fillers also.

Work like this is fun - (keeps mind off  virus).

Hope all are well and able to enjoy their business.

Doyle   

6
Straightening up the shop - I became aware there was a several staple guns in a pile.  They were
all quality brands, something like 7 or 8 (air guns).

Maybe it was curiosity, I suppose drove me to hook one up to just see what the outcome would be.

Well, it misfired, so I decided to tear it down - just to see.  Cleaned it up and gave it some lubrication
just to see -- turned out it started working.  This gave encouragement to check all of them and with
persistent cleaning, etc.-- got all of them working.  All but one, which was the long nose. 

Tore it down to check assembly and more cleaning - never revived it.  It fires but just will not reliably
put a staple out.

Looked it over, trying to determine the brand to support acquiring potential parts.  No brand label,
just found something like  a serial number - now I am looking for the manual (hoping to learn the
brand and correct assembly.

Most of these tools would be worthy of new seals and perhaps other parts if the industry was
tuned this way.

Do any of you replace new seals or just go for new replacements?

I never could grasp the mechanical logic of these guns!

My electric gun (I use when away from an air-compressor) is a relatively newer version and
I am pleased with it for a lot of work.

Oh shoot!  I wish sometimes.

Hope every one is going through the virus thing as well as possible.

Doyle 

7
The last few weeks, the strongest part of my business has been seats in these
big expensive trucks.  I suppose that is in correlation with their prices.  Some of them are pushing
well over 50K in price.  Most of my work is with big business who operate many of them.  One
client told me their company had well over a hundred!

But, they use these things and "foam repair" is a major factor associated with this type of
business. 

These activities do use them and the seats show it.  The work does require duplicating originality
- my experience.

Doyle
8
Needless to say, I work with fabrics, read on sample information but still need to know if
there is a better way to evaluate fabric (before buying/ordering to work on a customer job).

I feel of the sample but doing that and reading (as stated), would like a "best analysis"
to avoid going ahead and ordering fabric subject to fray.

I just got an order that was polyester that felt tight but once going through the rigors
of getting a piece upholstered, it doesn't pass the test as well as is required.

Doyle
9
Over the last few months, maybe a year, customer calls for repairs on subject stitching --
which most can't be properly repaired by hand stitching using our conventional shop
upholstery machines.  On many occasions (my shop)  - much of that type of repair has been deferred
to ordering replacement components from the manufacturer, which I did replace the problem
with new.

In perspective, this type of repair going into the future is not a "practical" solution for the consumer
because of the cost of labor and replacement components.  Looks like changes ahead.

I am sure shops doing a lot of work for the retail customers (retail furniture & manufacturers of same) can identify with what is said -- it is going to be costly to do this type of work "right" - so I am surmising how it is going to play out?  So far, I have been involved doing factory replacements -- which is costly but usually the best way to duplicate originality and keeping the cost off the consumer. 

So, that said, it could be very logical that the outcome for consumers is not going to make
them happy - for their warranty help from retailers/factory will not last a "lifetime".

The machines used in the factory work just can't be duplicated on traditional repair shop tools.  Factory work is done often on much larger machines with more needles.  The thread used in furniture production, which is part of the issue, is much heavier and incorporates multiple needles, and longer stitches, like I said.

Any ideas or experiences in these issues?  (as a note--Dennis down in Texas is about as experienced
in this market as any, I know - - I am sure his experience would be interesting and good for other
shops to share.  Maybe, like me, he does like me and the rest is in the hands of the suppliers/retailes.

Doyle
10
New Leather recliner needs arm covers - Done these?
Customer is having a problem with arm leather peeling on the recliner (processed leather):

What are your ideas on "patterning/sewing"/installing" arm covers of (heavy cloth) to a chair
as such?

1.  Guideline of requirements: 

  Fabric:  durable cloth (heavy mat)
  Pattern:  keep it simple

What to use to hold cover in place? 

  Velcro?:
    one side sewn to arm cover,
    but the other Velcro (other piece) - how best to install that?  Would the Velcro designed
    to stick - likely stick well enough?  - need thoughts on adding staples to the Velcro side to assist
    the glue? 

2. The processed leather on the chair is peeling on tops of both arms is the thrust for the woven
    arm covers over the the tops.  So, I thought the arm covers (made simple) would help the
    customer get more use out of the processed leather.  Yes, made simple, might get the job done
    with a piece of rectangular heavy cloth (similar to denim) would work - then wondered about the
    glue-on Velcro sticking to the processed leather arm?

3.  With respect to patterning the denim, it could be a flat piece or a piece with corners (V's cut and
     sewn) - but the security of the arm cover would about have to rely on the Velcro idea (one side
     sewn to the fabric - the other Velcro component (with glue) attachment is a concern?  Add staples?

4.  If the Velcro  secured the arm cover (something simple out of cloth - as described), the customer
     would be OK, I believe.  I don't want to get into a complex patterning issue with this, plus not sure
     if long staples will secure things (an addition to the Velcro w/glue)?

     This processed leather can lead to other issues!

Any thoughts/ideas?

Doyle

11
The Business Of Upholstery / Small Changes for 2020
December 26, 2019, 12:31:11 pm
Actually, this subject of pet protection on furniture was raised in the past, not much would said.

I picked up two or three pieces of customer furniture to do "pet protection" covers.  The customer
brought it up a few times during our encounter - before I admitted it could be done to about any level of
detail he wants.

Now he is hounding me to do them and doesn't care about price. 

I told him to wait until after Xmas and I would make them to what ever detail he wants,  I prefer to do and check his reaction before money is assigned.  That made him happy - I read his attitude to say -
price doesn't matter just do it and help me save my house full of furniture.  He has the money and literally
is to spend to save his home.

So, the market for that is dependent on what the customer wants to save - his expensive furniture!!

I caught on!

Doyle
12
The Business Of Upholstery / Furnitue Work
December 16, 2019, 07:15:53 am
The China made stuff is breaking down fast and some want it repaired because they are guessing
new would also.

Sewing and patterning tech has changed.  Their work may be cheap but it is assisted by automated
equipment at factory level.

Do what consumers want!

Doyle
13
General Discussion / What air pressure for the air gun?
December 01, 2019, 02:05:27 pm
Specific questions:

1. Do you set the air pressure on the air line and that serves all requirements?
   
2.  Also regarding the line pressure;  Does it depend on the gun being used?

3. Or on the size of the staple

4.  Or on the density of the wood?

Just wondering, because I reminded myself it has been a while since the
line pressue entered my mind.

Along with the staple gun subject - what kind of luck has been experienced with
installing a seal kit - = to extend the life of a gun?  Or, have you found best to just
replace the gun?

I have several guns and seems one or two may need replaced or install a repair kit.

Thanks in advance,

Doyle
14
Finished some other type work - started a love seat upholstery job.  Don't know the age for sure
but is at least 50 plus years old.  Coils in the bottom supported by cables with metal straps on
both ends.  Removed staples but could originally been done with tacks (saw some of those left).

Style looks traditional, but no skirt.

One thing I noted, don't believe ever saw it before and that is the side to side deck seam, joining
the front, selected cloth to the decking denim, is not is not stitched to the spring top burlap.  It stays
in the side to side depression, but surprises me it does it without a seam.

I did note a piece of fairly thick plastic welt filler is sewn between the two materials (uph & denium), is pulled plenty tight (side to side).  Obviously these dynamics makes the join look professional.  So,
I will not fight this issue, since there isn't an appearance or durability issue.

First time I have seen this - so learned another way of doing this - with coils I suppose.
For sure this baby is heavy and I have to make it pretty!

Never stop learning in this business.

Doyle 
15
Serging is often desired for repairs on marine overs - especially where it would be more effective than binding.

What machine do you think would be good for doing this?

Often we get boat covers that are fraying at panel joins, a lot of times we can bind to increase
strength.

But, is there a preferred serger for these type of repairs? 

It seems some factory covers use material vulnerable to fray - keeping cost down, obviously.

Doyle


16
Anyone got a furniture job that is 100% plywood and much or all the

tufting is sewn through foam over 1" thick?

I have had two lately and trying to duplicate their tufting techniques and
lifting around on the plywood frames is not fun - very heavy!

These chairs are approximately 10 plus/minus years old.  Strong!  This isn't relating to cheaper
(quality wise) made stuff.

My machines can't sew through foam that thick to form the thick three channel backrest??

Something else to have on an already busy mind.

These furniture builders are not making rebuilding their stuff easier!

Other experiences?  What did you do to negotiate these issues?  Especially sewing through the
heavy foam?

Doyle
17
General Discussion / Newer furniture cording
August 25, 2019, 06:43:49 am
Finished some large wing chairs and noted the T-cushions had the cording type that is covered
with the boxing material - all one piece if you will.

This has been noticed few years back but never knew if the sewing process (or what sewing
equipment) was used by the factory?

The boxing is cut wide enough wrap the cord somewhat twice - the cording is not done
with a separate cut, covered and sewed in. 

My curiosity is what are the sewing industrial attachment that supports this? 

Another point. while the boxing/cording is one piece, I also noted there was two seam passes in
the process.  The finished T-cushion, boxing and cording wrapped ends up very tightly wrapped and
the corners (even 90 degree) end up very tightly put together.

Actually, what spawned this curiosity is - for a long time, I noticed the cord wrap(amount of material)
was not consistent - for it wrapped more cloth in areas.  In spite of this the boxing width is even -
amazing process - but works.  "how can the initial box width be cut even and end up even but more
cording - or less in areas?  Guess it comes down to distribution of wrap?

Never worked with that equipment and found this amazing!

Factories technique has evolved, this is just one example.

Just thought there might be an experience factory ex-worker or worker reading at the site?

Doyle
18
More often now I hear this from the market.  Just recently, a customer from more than 60 miles away,
made this comment. 

My comment is; yes, the market at our level (reupholstery) is changing and it is going
to be tough to attract new talents. 

This is not an easy business!

One can expect changes and more are on the way - it appears.

Doyle
19
Had a job where the sofa frame was poking through the upholstery.  This was a new piece of
furniture.  After removing considerable upholstery I noted there was no glue used in the framing
which was mostly particle wood.

The legs were made of plastic - a screw on type.

The frame was literally broken in 3 or 4 places. 

Being new the request still wanted a fix.

I also noticed the particle wood pieces were not glued or screwed where joined.  Instead the

particle wood had slots cut to accommodate the wood joins - designed to slip on member, then

rotate 90 degrees then a large construction staple to finish the join (particle wood was split in

most cases).

Sure don't build furniture like the old days?  Which means what for the future in reupholstery?

Obviously, the stuff can be built way much cheaper this way -- and it will be bought!

Doyle   
20
How many of you use a double needle machine ---- or three?

Do you use it with a folder that allows for sewing the double seam in one pass?

Just thinking about doing the bigger vessels and all that sewing - so I imagine those involved

using some higher tech equipment to cut time?

Just wondering and thought you types could provide some interesting reading?

Have a nice day.

Doyle