Discussion about making bushwalking-related equipment.
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Piecing APEX insulation

Mon 03 Oct, 2016 3:02 pm

Redoing the APEX outer of the half bag with 2 layers of 2.5 insulation to use as a stand alone unit because I need to sell Mikes down half bag
I don't have sufficient width of the fabric to make it without using up all the scraps I have left
I have managed to get some UL polypro scrim locally but only 4 metres of it.
How do I use the small pieces up?
First thought is to put the scrim on each side and simply stitch to the scrim but is there a better/easier way?
Not enough Argon to do the whole bag in UL fabric so using the black Argon for the inner and some old stock brown taffeta nylon for the outer shell.

Re: Piecing APEX insulation

Mon 03 Oct, 2016 4:48 pm

If I was piecing APEX together I wouldn't plan on using a scrim. I'd just line up the pieces as I wanted them, overlap them a little and sew them together.

Re: Piecing APEX insulation

Mon 03 Oct, 2016 5:09 pm

I'd do that but the makers of APEX say a scrim is needed between layers anyway. I just got my sewing machine back after a major service and repair so I'm itching to start work on some stuff
I was warned not to sew any more heavy canvas on the machine if I want to sew LW and UL fabrics
I guess I need a second machine now

Re: Piecing APEX insulation

Mon 03 Oct, 2016 9:41 pm

Fair enough if the manufacturer said to use a scrim although I think other DIYers and some cottage manufacturers have layered without a scrim and I haven't heard of problems. If using the scrim I'd maybe just sew the APEX pieces together as mentioned above and then just place the scrim between the layers when putting the project together and sewing it along the edge along with all the other layers. Probably easier than trying to sew the pieces to the scrim, not sure what you mean by putting the scrim on each side? Surely it's just needed between the two layers of APEX to prevent them rubbing and catching on each other.

Re: Piecing APEX insulation

Tue 04 Oct, 2016 4:30 am

I have some scraps of the scrim; if i have problems sewing I was going to try the scrim underneath rather than tissue paper; but with the repaired machine maybe I won't have those problems

Re: Piecing APEX insulation

Tue 04 Oct, 2016 9:55 am

Good luck with the repaired machine!

Re: Piecing APEX insulation

Wed 05 Oct, 2016 5:18 pm

Simon has the85GSM back in stock now; maybe I'll just order another 1.5m and use the bits as already planned in a vest for the Boss
I didn't order the 133 because I though that would be a little too heavy although it would be nice and warm

Opinions please

Thu 06 Oct, 2016 2:15 pm

Do I buy the 85GSM APEX and have a slightly lighter/ less bulky bag or buy the 122GSM and have a much warmer bag but a little heavier and slightly bigger when stuffed?
Either will do the job
Two layers of 85GSM will be around ~ -3C
A layer of 85 plus a layer of 122 would give a rating of ~ -10C for $10- and ~60 grams more
Tempted to spend the extra and get a warmer bag as it will probably be used by a tadpole at some stage

Re: Piecing APEX insulation

Sat 08 Oct, 2016 11:03 am

Just as a heads up the 85gsm plus 122gsm should be just over 6oz/sq.yd and Enlightened Equipment rate their quilts with 6oz/sq.yd for 30F.

Re: Piecing APEX insulation

Sat 08 Oct, 2016 11:21 am

Yes Mike I was taking into account my insulated pant and top there, I just ordered the 85GSM but the Clo calculations from BPL do give a lower rating than EL do
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