Bull Denim

[Ravenwolf]

Hello, I have my Bull Denim from Jo-Ann Fabrics 10 oz. It Mics .020 My Question is what do I as far as WASHING and DRYING this product. Best to you and yours; Ravenwolf;

[Daryl]

I'd wash it in a normal fast wash cycle, rinse, then run it through another rinse cycle and dry with medium heat.

I'm surprised it measures only .020"- I don't remember what mine measured (mic'd) as it was a long time ago - I bought meters. - what it measures after is the important thing - you're on the right track - it will work.  I've not seen any 10oz that was too thin for any .005" under ball/barrel and heavy load situation.

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

Don't use any softener. I'd be willing to bet that it gets a little thicker.

[Daryl]

I use soap only.

[William Worth]

Softners inhibit absorbency of the cloth.  This is evident on cotton towels.  Makes drying off like trying to wipe down with a piece of plastic.  I've been on a campaign around my own home to stop using them entirely.

However, I'm afraid the national budget problem will be resolved before I prevail.

[jamesthomas]

 Don't know if it will help with denim, but some pillow ticking I bought there that measured .20 at the store, after washing and drying, and ironing it measured .22 to .23. Jo-Ann is the go to store since wally-world shut down its linen section.

[Daryl]

If it grows in thickness, that's GOOD!

[jamesthomas]

 I think that once you wash the sizing out of it, which one time should do it. The fabric has a chance to expand to its normal size.

[Daryl]

Some get thinner, should say most get thinner - but I did have one batch of cloth actually get thicker a thousanth.

[Wolf Eyes]

"Some get thinner, should say most get thinner - but I did have one batch of cloth actually get thicker a thousanth."

Yep.  The bull denim I got the other day did exactly that.

[Canute Rex]

I cold wash and hang dry the ticking and then iron it and it gains ~.003 - .004. I end up with .025 - .026 thickness. Maybe the tumble drying is stretching it out.

[Ravenwolf]

Thanks guys, its off to the washer, a hang out in the hot Gettysburg air, a iron job and ready to use. Ravenwolf;

[jamesthomas]

 Well, tell us how it worked out! did the denim stay the same size or did it grow in thickness?

[Daryl]

Methods for cutting patches;

[Canute Rex]

Ok Daryl, what is that block made out of?

I have an arch punch like that and I have nearly given up on it. I have tried end grain and side grain hardwood and softwood as a punch block. I have tried medium density polyethylene from an old cutting board. I can't get a neat patch - there's always a tag of material somewhere on the thing holding it to the original piece.

Is that PVC?

[Daryl]

The block is HDPE (USA Designation for high density poly) UHMW here (ultra high molecular weight poly).  The colours are re-make - from trimmings at the factory. This is the stuff that butcher table tops are made of.  The thinner cutting boards you buy, white in colour are softer material but similar.  Only white can be used (here) for cutting boards. It is first run.

Re-consistuted material (from trimmings) is not allowed for cutting blocks, so the government makes the factory add a colour to it. It comes in blue, yellow and black.

The block shown cost me $10.00 at the specialty plastics shop.  They are the cat's meow for cutting patches.

[Charlie]

You guys go to a lot of work to make patches.I use one of my wife's roller cutters and mat.Can cut bags full of patches in less time than it takes to get the gear out.The patches are square but shoot just the same as round patches IMHO.By the way some caution is required in miking cloth,I have found considerable variation in thickness on one piece of cloth,I usually measure 3 or 4 places and average it if its close to what I want ok.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Your arch punch needs to be sharp - real sharp.  Otherwise, you'll have a thread or two, always in the same place that does not cut, and it's a PITA.  The bearing race and ball work very well.  I use them exclusively, and cut hundreds of patches in very little time.
I agree that square patches are just as good, though.

[Ravenwolf]

Hello, all after a cold wash, line dry, and a hot no steam iron, my Bull Denim grew in thickness. The material mics .022  As this is my 2nd patch making, using a different material as well as washing. Best and safety, to everyone going to Dixons, this weekend. Ravenwolf;

[Daryl]

Sounds great!  I haven't found any 10oz that didn't work well in everything I tried it in - ie: all of them- except the .69. I haven't papered that one with 10oz.  8oz is too thin for every one of my rifles, but would probably work in the choked smoothbore- however because it's thinner, it doesn't hold much lube.