Replies

1. 
   Colleen_Writt | Sep 22, 2001 04:49am | #1

   *
   Hi Jacques when I worked in a sail loft years ago part of my job was cutting "patches" to reinforce the corners of the sails. They were layered stacks or dacron polyester. The knife used was similar to
   an electric soldering iron or woodburning tool. The blade was half an inch long and oval. The cutting surface was glass, and it was important to apply steady, even pressure as the blade was drawn toward you along the cutting line. Slowing or stopping would melt the fabric and ruin the patch. This cut the fabric and sealed the edge at the same time.
   My friend uses the same method to heat-cut nylon fabrics
   for Hot air balloons and inflatable sculptures. As his pieces are large, he uses a large low masonite topped table as his cutting surface. Be aware that
   heat-cutting synthetic fabrics releases toxic fumes and should be done with adequate ventilation.
   Take care and good luck with your project
   Colleen

1. 
   Susan_McElravy | Sep 24, 2001 04:36pm | #2

   *The new Clotilde catalogue has a hot knife for this purpose. Try http://www.clotilde.com