Polymer (plastic) Nails Rather Than Silicone Bronze
Posted: 12 Mar 2023, 00:01
I'm now in the process of building my 3rd wooden powerboat hull and had previously used BoteCote and steel staples in a pneumatic gun to apply my 6 metre long x 30mm wide mahogany lamination strips. This was a tedious process, particularly removing the staples afterwards and filling the holes they left.
About 18 months ago I read about the Raptor Polymer Brads and Staples that are manufactured in Texas in the US and decided to buy some from the sole Australian agent who is based NSW.
They're absolutely brilliant. Twice the tensile strength of steel, half the shear strength, don't damage cutting tools, sand easily, accept stain, and don't need to be removed. I used over 2000 in each side of my hull and they're virtually invisible. You need to be about 6 inches from the surface to actually detect them with a naked eye .They partially melt from friction when piercing the timber so don't leave gaps and are nigh on impossible to pull out.
They come in lengths of approx 1/4 inch to 2 inches and can be applied using a $50 pneumatic brad gun from Bunnings rather than the expensive $300 guns from Raptor.
I'm now about to flip my current hull, bolt in a rebuilt 304 V8 and fabricate a decorative laminated deck over marine ply using these polymer nails rather than screws/plugs etc.
I have lots of pictures, but as I'm currently not a member yet, my view of the bulletin board doesn't give me the option of submitting them. I'm happy to supply some via email if anyone is interested.
About 18 months ago I read about the Raptor Polymer Brads and Staples that are manufactured in Texas in the US and decided to buy some from the sole Australian agent who is based NSW.
They're absolutely brilliant. Twice the tensile strength of steel, half the shear strength, don't damage cutting tools, sand easily, accept stain, and don't need to be removed. I used over 2000 in each side of my hull and they're virtually invisible. You need to be about 6 inches from the surface to actually detect them with a naked eye .They partially melt from friction when piercing the timber so don't leave gaps and are nigh on impossible to pull out.
They come in lengths of approx 1/4 inch to 2 inches and can be applied using a $50 pneumatic brad gun from Bunnings rather than the expensive $300 guns from Raptor.
I'm now about to flip my current hull, bolt in a rebuilt 304 V8 and fabricate a decorative laminated deck over marine ply using these polymer nails rather than screws/plugs etc.
I have lots of pictures, but as I'm currently not a member yet, my view of the bulletin board doesn't give me the option of submitting them. I'm happy to supply some via email if anyone is interested.