Machine Update and fabric ??'s

[Eaglewis]

Just wanted to let everyone know, not that anyone had been waiting on pins and needles(no pun intended, but not a bad one). Anyway, I ended up purchasing the Consew 226. It runs great, a little dusty and dirty but I have a local guy who repairs industrial walking foot machines. I am sooooo psyched. Does not have a servo motor, so that is going to be my next purchase.

Now for my question about fabric. Since I am just starting, the work isn't here yet, so I want to do a couple projects for myself. Doing this for two reasons, 1st I can get the feel for my "new" machine and 2nd I will get some projects done that I would have taken to someone else to do, two birds, as they say. Now, my first project is a grill cover and the second is a central air conditioner unit cover. They are both going to be custom, obviously, but what material should I use. Vinyl? Canvas? Can I use the same for both? Do I line the material? I live in north central wisconsin and winters get cold. The a/c unit cover is going to be outside all the time,(another obvious) and the grill cover will be stored in the garage during the winter.

I apologize for being so long winded. Any help will be appreciated.

Wade

[timtheboatguy]

I have used this stuff, it's cheap and a good fabric to get some experience with. http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Textiles_-_Bargain_Buys/Closeout_Cover_Fabrics/Rochlon/index.html

[Eaglewis]

Thanks Tim, but how long its this stuff gonna last at $5 a yard? Granted it would be an inexpensive way to practice, but I do want these things to last a little while.

Wade

[MinUph]

Use a marine grade vinyl and you should be all set for both.

[Eaglewis]

Use a marine grade vinyl and you should be all set for both.

Thanks. Do I, or should I, have to line it with anything? The old, cracked, moldy one had a dacron like lining. Do I really need a lining or just straight up fabric?

Thanks again, you guys are awesome.

Wade

[Mojo]

Wade:

I have made them lined and unlined. if they have sharp corners on the item I am covering I line them. If not then I do not. I made a grill cover and didn't line it because it had rounded edges and I was not worried about scratches.

I use this as lining material. Helps with mildew and helps prevent scratches, etc. It is dirt cheap.
Because it is cheap I buy it in 15 or 20 yard rolls.

[urlhttp://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Textiles_-_Bargain_Buys/Closeout_Cover_Fabrics/Misc_Car_and_Storage_Cover_Material/index.html][/url]

For covers I am making that have chrome on them then I use this Kimberly Clark material which is softer and helps prevent scratches to chrome. It breathes real well and I hjave had excellent luck with its durability.

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Automotive/Car_Cover_Fabric/Tan_Cartex_Car_Cover/index.html

Chris

[timtheboatguy]

Thanks Tim, but how long its this stuff gonna last at $5 a yard? Granted it would be an inexpensive way to practice, but I do want these things to last a little while.

Wade

Not sure of the warranty of the stuff but it appears to be a well made material and feels a little heavier than Aqualon. I have had success using it here and there. Having said that, I would stay away from no-name fabrics sold on ebay, I purchased vinyl and cover fabric about three years ago and both were junk.

[Mojo]

Your going to need marine vinyl and can contact MiamiMike to order it. He is a member here and also Miami Corp is one of our sponsors.

Mike handles alot of the members fabric needs on the forum and I sole source everything through him. he is a great guy to deal with and very prompt at returning phone calls and answering e-mails.

His phone number is: 513-298-5519
His e-mail address is: MWEUNSKI@MIAMICORP.COM

Call him and ask him what would be the best vinyl for your application.

Chris