Messages

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

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

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

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

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   

The button hole problem:  You guys encountering this problem - ever find the problem is
primarily due to the build-up behind the cushions, big people abuse, and things associated
with the build-up (spring, webbing and even frame support in general).

I have encountered an amount of this.  Then, to fix that type of problem (tear down being involved),
I just machine fix the hole problem.

I may not be fortunate to find the "issue" is merely a hole problem.

Under factory warranty, which is most of my (not all) work, the time is charged to them.  Even, a new
cover when things get unreliable.  If I don't, we know where the finger will point.

Good luck,
Doyle

Gene,
My BEA long nose has performed for several years very well.  Like I said, my recent cleaning
and lubrication has it still working.

Like you, however I will look for a rebuild kit (O-rings and what ever). 
I would buy another BEA if it is necessary. 

The long nose is more essential for some of the furniture work.

SENCO - is another strong gun.

I have several of those, and even though all carry the same label, there are some mechanical
differences (comparing the older with the newer guns).

Doyle

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 

Kodydog,

It is encouraging that your health report is better. 
You have a great nurse.

Stay healthy,

Doyle

Which "pad"technique to implement?

I am influenced to think - you will do a good job, which ever elected.

But the one I might use would be the one the customer might be the most pleased.  Someone
thought this might be a resale issue (fixing to sell that is)?  Well,
again, I would be influenced by what my market might appreciate the most - selling it is an
important factor.

It helps that you know what will be the marketing avenue, and have first sight on what is there
to work with.

I remember the old style and they were beautiful and were very durable. 

But, marketing is important.  I couldn't open the face book photo.

Let us know what the final parameters are - I am sure it will be nice work.

Doyle

Back to normal - I don't see it happening in just about every dimension of life.

We (people like me) focus on our business more than the bigger picture, but there is a trickle down that
usually happens from our political leaders and economic world - that might help to keep eyes on. 

Political leaders - hard to figure their next moves(s) - as mixed as they are.  This is election year and
what are the voters understanding about the big picture?  Voters and all the way to the top (highest
political levels) are going to work toward their advantage or at least what's in this for me attitude.
What is the best for our business levels (all) will be in their minds?

All this drives what will come out of our political offices (low to highest).  Some don't understand the biggest picture and some don't - the smaller picture.  Usually their respective talk is relative to what's in it for them?  (big varieties when it comes to this).

Of course, in our class (very small business people) we have plenty to think about - making money to
pay our bills.  But how we make our money is not by the same level of skills and prejudice of
higher ups (alluded to in this already).

Look at the stock markets, look at other investments - all this plays out in our political thinking when
voting - the big picture is at stake.

The deficit, look at how it has grown in just recent years - then what will the leaders propose going
forward.

I say, as a small business man, try to keep perspective on our business (do what is best for us),
but try to watch the leaders of the bigger pictures also.  What are they doing/going to push for that
could adversely hurt us working class.

Good luck as we proceed.

Doyle

The Virus..........
Yes, it is having its weight on business things, haven't had to close but sometimes feel it would
be better if cutting back on meeting even people might be prudent.  Many customers are over the
hump in age and the printed media reports that is the most probable carrier of the virus.

Hope everyone is hanging in there - the big question is when is relief going to happen.  It doesn't
appear we have climaxed yet!

Hang in there fellows!

Doyle

No!  Actually, if there is none - you will see why when doing a seamless pad seat.  Especially ones
that present inside and outside curves.  No stretch can drive the requirement to do those type
of cushions with seams to avoid the wrinkles.

This discussion has meaning with vinyls and coping with wrinkles also.

A customer brought me some one way stretch vinyl, you can guess the rest (on pad with no seaming)!

Doyle

In my furniture work, I too, have noticed some changes in factory cushion fillers.  There are two or maybe
three layers,  Less filled with foam, as the past.  It does look that it is cost saving and not shortening
to cushion life. 

Foam is getting more expensive.

Consumers are wanting to keep cost down and if it looks suitable to "reuse", why not?

Doyle

Interesting - well in a vague sense that is the way most of us would proceed with mechanical
or even a powered rotary cutter.  That is, if it is going easy (user reaction is to speed up) and the opposite - not so easy, then the user reaction is slow the pace.

Doyle