Scuba_Aaron
Contributor
Excellent! Thank you very much!
DIY wing tutorial - very picture heavy.
- Thread starter raftingtigger
- Start date
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Thank you for the resurrection! Good thread. Glad I saw it. & thanks to the OP @raftingtigger of course
Scuba_Aaron
Contributor
Hey raftingtigger, how went your research on using PVC glue instead of ironing? Any pics of you using your DIY bladder?
OP
This is one that has about 30-50 dives on it and is the PVC glue construction. It was built 1 year ago by the diver wearing it (my buddy for the weekend). Another product of Steve Martin's excellent video SM classes.
Scuba_Aaron
Contributor
Very nice! Would you say the ironed one is better/more durable that the PVC glue one? Also, do you have to do the PVC gluing in sections because of the fast drying time or is there a glue that has a longer drying time? Sorry for all the ?'s
OP
Glue is easier. If you do it in a cool place the glue will stay liquid longer. You could also use a good 2 part glue like hypalon glue, but we were using what was on hand. Getting a good heat seal was problematic and inconsistent. The safety seam is important in my book. As said earlier if I were to make another I would put sealant inside on the seam. See about 4 posts earlier for my projected method.
Scuba_Aaron
Contributor
Raftingtigger, you have been most helpful! I agree the heat method I think would be inconsistent. I will try the glue method, yes, I am about to build the glorious raftingtigger SM bladder here in the next few days!
OP
Please let us know how the internal sealing works. Even if you are only able to internally seal 3/4 of it I think it would be worth the trouble.
Tom_Ivan
Contributor
Once you get the hang of it the heat method is actually quite easy. You don't need to hold the iron on its side and trace a line like Tigger has done. Just place the iron flat down and seal from the very edge in a cm or so (About half inch).
Easy peasy.
OP
Nice job. I wish I found it that easy. Any abrupt changes in the contour of the inside edge of the seal is a place for the inflated bladder to peel apart the seal. Neither could I get the temp, pressure, and timing of my sealing consistent enough. Do what works best for you.
I have had heat seals open under inflation. A BIG issue if there is no sewn safety seal, a trivial one if there is. Now if you can get the heat seal really solid - that is the way to go - alas, I couldn't.
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