A bit late to this thread but back in the 90's when it was a pretty new product, I used Tyvek to construct tents. After talking to the company representative I wound up using a double-sided tape which my destructive testing showed that the seams wound up being stronger in shear than the material itself.
It's been a long time but I think the 3M 927 product mentioned may well have been that tape. I will look and see if I still have any to confirm, but testing it is easy.
IIRC, the recommendation was to let it sit for a day after taping in order to get the best bond between materials.

One thing to note: Tyvek does not fold onto itself like fabric, it is much stiffer and bulkier until it has been in use for months and starts to soften a bit from many, many wrinkles. I imagine it will result in a very large package when reefed.

Anonymous wrote:

Thanks, Eric!

PS: I'm curious if you're continuing your experiments with wingsails?

Yes, I do !

Prototype N°2 is underway. I'll modify the wishbones and the sheeting system. I should write about that !

Eric

Bonjour

Joined, the views of the thread and needles I used for Mingming's wingsail.

Eric

Thanks, Eric!
I've already bought 5 x 4 m bluetarp for the new sail, which is actually more than I need.

I think I'll eventually learn how to sew this bluetarp, especially since it won't be a large sail. The sail will have a maximum of five panels, each 1 sq m, so even if I damage some of the material, it won't hurt.
My previous bluetarp sail is still in pretty good shape after two seasons, so I'll stick with that material for now. I just need to experiment with sewing. I'll lubricate the thread, sew slower, and I'm sure it will work.

I have plenty of time until summer ;)

Thanks again and best regards - Jan

Dzień dobry, Eric!

Regarding tarpaulins, there seem to be many types and different names. Just look at the website of the store where Paul G bought his tarpaulin: .
I used the cheapest tarpaulin for my current sail, and I want to use the same one for my next sail:  .
It cost about 10 euros. I thought it was an HDPE mat coated with LDPE, but now I'm not sure. Unfortunately, the manufacturer (from China) doesn't provide any information about the composition.

I've also read that although tarpaulins are supposed to be identified by color (bluetarp = the weakest and probably made of polypropylene, white = stronger, etc.), Eastern manufacturers don't always follow these rules. Either way, for my needs, the one I'm using (bluetarp) will suffice for now.

Your method (welding) looks interesting. I'm wondering if it would be possible to use, for example, an electric plastic welder with a set of staples, which (the staples) could be used similarly to the soldering tips you use  . If they get too hot, you can try using a dimmer.

Since I haven't ruled out using ripstop fabric for some panels, I think I'll have to familiarize myself with a sewing machine, especially since everyone says it's the fastest way to make a sail.

The sail I've used for two seasons so far (an SJR origami with bluetarp) I made quite carelessly, as I glued it together with carpet tape, and halfway through the first season, I used the sewing machine to only touch up a few spots. That's how I know the fabric stuck to the needle.

I must admit that I want to make my next sail according to the rules posted on the forum, so I'm even more nervous about that.

Best regards, Jan.