JB175 Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 Dear all, I'm keen to build a Curlew and would appreciate some advice. Firstly, i have a pile of lovely douglas fir 20' long, straight grained and knot free. If i was to use this for stringers would it be worthwhile/feasible to reduce the sizes somewhat so as to keep the weight similar to that of WR cedar, given the extra stiffness of douglas? Secondly, i live in the UK and have been looking for a local supplier for the skin to avoid international postage. Could anyone tell me the desirable characteristics i'm looking for, and what applications the skins you use are actually made for? I think i'm keener on polyester, and it seems to be easy enough to buy for things like bean bags in the right weight and uncoated, would this be suitable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 I get asked about sources in Europe fairly often and I don't have an answer. It is very hard to find here except from those of us that sell it for boats. From what I gather, it is the same in the across the pond. The uses of these fabrics are industrial and they are typically sold in 300 foot rolls or larger. Nothing is made specific for our use so we have had to find fabrics made for other uses that will will for us. I have spent hours searching for suppliers with fabrics that might work. Then finding someone that will sell it to me in smaller quantities. As far as I know I am the only one that sells the 11.7 oz fabric by the foot and I have to buy almost 1,000 feet at a time. That is not to say you won't find it, but I doubt it be easy to find. It is too heavy for most consumer uses, so it is a specialty fabric. What I tell my international clients is order everything you need at one time. Fabric is the heaviest item on the boat. If you order your footrests, backband, etc at the same time it will only add a couple of dollars to the cost. Shipping runs AROUND $60 so I understand not wanting to order from the US. If you do find a sources let us know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted October 27, 2014 Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 Even if your fir is the best ever grown, I still wouldn't reduce the scantlings. These are little fiddly sticks to begin with, and your fir may end up a few grams more, at most, than WRC. Use the fir in the sizes recommended, I say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB175 Posted October 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2014 Hi again, thanks very much for the replies, very helpful. Here's 2 links to fabrics i've found online that looked promising to me, both 100% polyester and about 8oz weight. What do you think? I'm just stabbing in the dark really, Zebra stripes could be a good look though! http://ukfabricsonline.com/animal-print-fabric/zebra-animal-print-fabric http://www.online-fabrics.co.uk/Flame-Retardant-%28FR-Fabrics%29/Bean-Bag-Fabric 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 Neither fabric is uncoated which is what you want. You want to be able to apply paint or varnish or what ever to water proof the fabric. What ever is on those may interfere with your coatings. It may not stick, if it does then start to turn loose later. The zebra strips is WAY to light. It is approximately a 4.4 oz. per yard and that very thin fabric. It wouldn't be durable at all. The other is 6.6 oz which is might be OK, but I consider 8 oz weight my minimum. Thent there is the issue of the coating that is on it. Just for refernce, you looking for a fabric with a GSM weight of 275 or heavier. Plus you need to consider if the weave is tight enough you can sew it on the boat. Does it have a smoother finish when painted? not trying to discourate you but as I said, it is not easy to find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HenrikeM Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 http://www.extremtextil.de/catalog/Ballistic-Nylon-high-tenacity-greige-fabric-850den-310g-sqm::191.html It's Nylon... a german shop. Shipping costs within the EU should be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HenrikeM Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 Searching polyester for my Curlew, I found some candidates in fabrics used for upholstering furniture. Uncoated/ not impregnated and very strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB175 Posted November 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2014 Thanks again for all the help and suggestions, i've found this company who sell real uncoated polyester in a range of weights, just waiting for a specific quote. http://www.par-group.co.uk/general-consumables/coated-fabrics-industrial-fabrics.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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