Customer Reviews

Canvaswork and Sail Repair

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let me try to be a bit more balanced than "Deke." What Deke leaves out is that, right at the outset of this well-written and well-illustrated book, Casey states that the book is laid out as a graduated set of projects...starting from easy, "broadsheet" projects, which includes a bimini, stepping through more and more detailed projects...a well thought-out presentation that will overcome a laymen's anxieties about learning these new skills, and overcoming our own "Nay-saying." I've talked to a number of sailors that do their own canvas work, and they all say the biggest hurdle is telling ourselves we dont know how and we can't do it. This book breaks that nay-sayer's ice...start small, get used to the machine by doing things like duffle bags and winch and bumper covers...and graduate to bigger and more involved projects. Any skill like this comes from hands-on DOING, so I really don't get what Deke's expecting out of a book...you're not going to end up a Journeyman canvas-worker from a book...just get a machine (FS-288Z...a clone of the LSZ-1!)...and dig in.

This book is okay as a basic intro to sewing, but is 90% about small canvas craft items you can make for your boat - and doesn't really get into sail repair at all.
I picked up a few pointers from the book, but overall would recommend something more in-depth if you're serious about sail repair.

This is a good book for understanding the basics of small DIY canvas projects. For those that have not sewn much, or don't know where to begin, it has great basic info. I consider it a good starter book, and one that is easily read. If you are a more experienced seams-man, this book is vague in insider tips, or tricks of the trade, and I found the pics are lacking in sufficient detail. If you think you will become a master canvas fabricator from one book, you will have a rude awakening taking on the world of canvas construction. But go ahead and start here, and keep working your way up. This is a good book for starters, to expect it to be more you will be disappointed. You don't go to the hardware store looking to buy milk. Keep it in perspective, it is a starter book.

The book is OK if you are a novice.
The sewing machine description should
talk more about the "Walking Foot" machine.

I purchased this book because it was included with a "[...]" package I did not have the need for. The information on general canvas work was OK, but the section dealing with sail repairs was a little sparse. Not bad for a cursory look at sail repair, but I imagine there are more detailed books on the subject.

I got this book to get info on redoing the interior of my sailboat. In Casey's Hull and Deck Repair he makes a reference to this seek out information on headliners and interiors in his book "Canvaswork and Sail Repair". Without thinking about it i ordered the book. I could not find one reference to headliners in this book. I guess the "Canvas Work" in the title should have given it away. Ive now learned how to make enough canvis tote and duffel to supply the entire U.S Navy, but still have a poor looking interior!

I wanted to know how to do it myself. Buy a sailrite sewing machine or at least a leather palm and even men who never sewed in their lives can repair a rip in the mainsail.