Canvas for machine tool covers

[.RC.]

I now seem to have a number of machine tools, and some do not get a lot of use and need protecting from dust and such.

Canvas covers seem the most appropriate material, but what sort of canvas is best to make the covers out of?

I would be looking at buying a reasonable sized roll to make up the covers... In fact I wonder if a pulley system above the machine to raise the cover so it is out of the way when the machine is in use... The shed has a fairly high roof...

[Toggy]

Richard,

I obtained some end roll pieces of window awning canvas with intentions of making rugs for stud animals. They are gone; but one day will use the canvas for machine covers. It is a lighter quality than truck tarp canvas.

Ken

[morrisman]

Hi Canvas can be awkward to move around, hence your idea of lifting the covers up/down with pullies and ropes . I take it you have a industrial sewing machine to hand , with a walking foot .

I got into sewing canvas stuff for my old Land Rover , made a new top etc.

In your case it will be indoors, so just about any material would suffice . Actually is there any reason why canvas is needed . To keep dust off anything, you only need a sheet of plastic . Why not go to the op shop and buy some pre loved curtains and cut them up to suit your needs ? Mike

[cba_melbourne]

I use old cotton bedsheets. Machine covers MUST be able to breathe, else you get water condensation and rust problems. The cover is just to keep dust away if the machine is not used for several days or weeks.

For long term storage (6months and longer) you do exactly the opposite. Apply an oil coat or grease or lanolin to all metal surfaces, then put an airtight plastic all around, add a generous amount of silica gel bags before sealing. Smaller items I put into a strong garbage bag, add some silica gel bags, use the vacuum cleaner to suck all air out of the bag (looks like shrink wrapping) then make a knot to seal - lasts for several years.

[kwijibo99]

+1 for old bed sheets.
I prefer the flannelette type, they work a treat and are very easy to take off and put back on which means I actually do.
My shed gets full of dust when I use the wire brush to clean old rusty engine bits and pieces but the sheets keep my machines clean as a whistle.
I also keep a couple of dri-pak desiccant bags under the sheet on each machine to stop any moisture and have never had a problem with rust.
Cheers,
Greg.

[China]

I use 8oz poly/cotton canvas to make my covers, one is 15yrs old and still going strong

[simonl]

Hi,

From time to time I make light canvas bags for camping. Guy rope bags, tent peg bags, lots of my camping stuff ends up with it's own dedicated canvas bag. I don't use very heavy canvas but I buy a light cotton canvas by the metre from Spotlight. I have a regular Jenome sewing machine and it sews up nicely on that. Our sewing machine is about 15 years old and I think I am the only one who has used it…. all canvas!

I use a length of the same canvas to cover my lathe. It's very light, supple and easy to handle. Being cotton I dare say it is breathable too so reduces condensation although I never thought of that.

I always have a laugh when I go into spotlight. Not many blokes in there, but I love it!

Simon

[Bryan]

I thought good canvas was supposed to be waterproof? At least to a degree.

[simonl]

Top quality canvas like Australian made Bradmill canvas is pretty much waterproof but it will still wick water through over time especially if the water has some head pressure like
water that has pooled. The old canvas bag filled with water and hung on the bullbar exploited that fact that a small amount of water would seep through, keeping the bag wet. The evaporation on the bag would cool the water, making it a refreshing drink. Personally I prefer my 12V car fridge. The water in the dusty canvas bag never really felt any cooler than the ambient temp anyway!

Anyway, I'm not sure how that would affect the use as a cover for a machine tool. The canvas I use from Spotlight is cheap stuff from India. Certainly not good for quality manufacturing like tents or swags but certainly more than good enough for what I use it for.

Simon

[pench]

Hi All, I have been tossing this subject around my little brain for some time now and thats as far as its gone, as i do a lot of grinding in my shed sparks are a real problem so whatever i was to use would have to be spark/fire proof, some years ago i left a cupboard door open that had steel wool on the shelf that ignited pooped my pants when i smelt/seen the fire, thank god for small fire extinguishers, this is why i dont use the likes of old bed sheets but i guess it depends on what one does in there shed, I have a plasma tv with a shelf above it and a venitian blind hanging from shelf that keeps most dust away, steve

[eskimo]

have a regular Jenome sewing machine and it sews up nicely on that. Our sewing machine is about 15 years old and I think I am the only one who has used it…. all canvas!



you any good at making fishing rod bags...need a few for surf and fly rods:D

[eskimo]

I thought good canvas was supposed to be waterproof? At least to a degree.

it generally is...but it will or may wick when pooled and or especially if you you touch the fabric even on the sidewalls when wet.

although they are now using that plastic type stuff PVC/Poly rather than ripstop canvas or the like

[simonl]

you any good at making fishing rod bags...need a few for surf and fly rods:D

Nothing stopping me from having a crack!
Would you be happy with velcro open/close?
What size?
*What colour?

* I think you may be limited to black or dark green. These are the colours offered in Spotlight which is where I get the cotton canvas from. Oh, you may be able to get auscam too, just in case you want to sneak up on the fish!

Simon

[Damienol]

At Xmas Bunnings had some plastic BBQ covers reduced from $20 to $6 so I got a couple to use as machine covers. Perfect fit for my jointer and good enough for my bandsaw and tablesaw.

[jatt]

Machine covers MUST be able to breathe, else you get water condensation and rust problems. The cover is just to keep dust away if the machine is not used for several days or weeks.
For long term storage (6months and longer) you do exactly the opposite. Apply an oil coat or grease or lanolin to all metal surfaces,

Yep use lanolin on mainly on surfaces on machine surfaces that arent critical. Hear it can build up from applying several coats over time.

wrt to grinding sparks, found old household blinds do fine to protect items. With welding found as long as hot metal cant physically sit on it and burn then it does a reasonable job of protecting things.

Any canvas will do fine in an indoor setting, just watch out for sharp corners. Some reinforcing in these area is desireable in my opinion. Thin rubber sheet does well, providing of course you can sew it on your machine. Water proofing, well it depends on the canvas of course and its serviceability. Later on in its lifetime it loses it water repelling abilities and once sewn it can be a bit like perforated cardboard. If water can pool on top, put something under it: plastic bucket , plant pot etc.... to direct the water off.

PVC, yeah it can be somewhat like enclosing something in a plastic bag, especially in humid environments. Having an opening in the bottom (which most machine covers would be) obviously is beneficial. In saying that tho, I do have a few items under PVC covers and they arent doing to badly. Pays to keep an eye on whats underneith of course.

[TED C]

Richard,
Buy painters drop sheets, can be purchased from just about any hardware store. The ones I have, I think are cotton, (made in India) they are available in different sizes so basically you only have to alter one or two sides, cut to suit, fold new edge, sew with a normal domestic sowing machine. there are a couple of odd shapes, for around door ways etc. the one covering the lathe has oil on it and a few other things I have used a grinder close by and sparks don't appear to be an issue.
Ted

[.RC.]

Thanks everyone... I will look into the advice you have given.... The painters drop sheets might be the go...

[NCArcher]

I'm on my second industrial sewing machine. Handiest thing ever :) I bought the first one to repair horse rugs.
I scored an old truck tarp years ago and have made it into lots of different things, including trailer covers, camping equipment bags, tool bags, didgeridoo bag. I'm pretty happy with the didge bag, canvass exterior with a layer of padding and a soft material liner inside. And no, I can't play it very well..yet.
I must check out the canvass in spotlight.
Oh and I use old curtains as machine covers. People are usually happy to give them away.