Thread: Ballistic Nylon for Skin on Frame Canoe

I make a lot of outdoor gear for myself (rucksacks/sleeping bags/dry bags etc), and have found that the materials available from the US are miles better than anything we can get here, and a lot cheaper, even allowing for postage etc. You'll find very little available in Oz

I suggest you source it O/S - the exchange rate is still reasonably good.

There are a couple of suppliers I've got stuff from, and although I can't recall them right now, if you are interested in this direction, email me directly at [email protected].

Actually, one was something like www.owfinc.com......

Andrew Allan

A hundred years ago, i was involved in the sewing thread game. The players then were Sewing Thread Specialists, Birch and Charles Parsons - all of whom I believe still have operations in Sydney, er STS may have shut.
In essence, you are looking for a thread used by saddlers. this didn't come waxed (in 1980 at least) they would have a block of beeswax beside their machine and let the thread wear a groove into it - waxing as it went.

Suggest try a saddler first to ascertain his supplier and go from there. Just note - nylon thread through the needle gets really hot and will melt and break - watch the speed and you'll be ok.

Balistic nylon - now that's a whole new ball of wax to me - HA HA.
Seriously - search these threads I'm sure someone mentioned a Brisbane supplier and possibly a Sydney one too.

Good Luck and good hunting

John

Hi,

Did you have any luck with the sinew? I'm also based in Sydney and part way through making a skin on frame kayak! Would be happy to share building tips.

Les

Originally Posted by kozak

I am looking for an Australian source for ballistic nylon for making skin on frame canoes have found some good places in the US but a local source would be much better.
I am also looking for a supply of artificial sinew (waxed nylon cord) in sydney.

Have just noticed a very similar thread below mine that has no answers unfortunately for the skin but perhaps I will have luck with the sinew.