Post by Ron Kulas on Mar 22, 2020 15:11:26 GMT -6
My 3D printers are now printing mask parts rather than the usual bowhunting products I normally make. With no face masks available but the increasing need for PPE, there have been calls for anybody with the ability to make them, to do so. Joann fabrics is one such company serving as a source for mask making supplies but is also a collection point for the masks. Despite these no being as good as 3M manufactured masks, The people that are getting the masks we sew (and they are asking for them) are putting them over the top of the one mask that they are issued for a 12 hour shift so they serve as a mask cover. Its helping. They can actually reuse the N95 mask after exposing it to Ozone and laundering the masks we sew. It is making a difference even if its not perfect.
And
www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2020/03/20/calling-all-people-who-sew-and-make-you-can-help-solve-2020-n95-type-mask-shortage/?fbclid=IwAR0VadaihT5pGkyOhkOy8yTCHEG3TWPZ3Wy1KZTrjQnIKTg2hLCjIcSFDSc#4c3ded2a4e41
The intent is to have people step up and make masks so Im suspending the making of broadhead sharpeners to switch over to making masks. Obviously N95 mask are the preferred item but none are available so the next best thing is washable masks. If you wonder how cloth masks stack up against real N95 masks for the ability to filter out particulate, you will find interest in this link.
smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/?fbclid=IwAR37qHR5KvYnMjQi2LI3vkbaFTRkLI8oDaPnFlBUhjB_JzOCFkjKIuyLqaY
While Joanns has patterns for masks, after making them, I found them lacking. On top of that, there is such an outpouring of support that many of the supplies needed to make masks is also sold out. Im unable to find any elastic that masks need to secure them to your face/head so Im sewing cloth ties and have designed and am 3D printing closures. (the 3D printed clasps would be removed during laundering) The 3D printed closure allows the securing and adjusting of the mask without having to blindly tie a bow behind your head.
The mask patterns I found online did not seal as well as Id like and leaked at the nose bridge and disposable masks have an aluminum strip at the bridge of the nose than can be formed/bent to fit to the face of the wearer so Im adding such a strip to a cloth mask by using aluminum roof flashing that Im sewing into the mask (aluminum because its light weight, formable and won't rust when laundered.)
After making several prototypes, Ive settled on this pattern and am using cotton and cotton flannel material.Here are some pics of the process and the mask.
I had a roll of roof flashing that seemed like it would be the perfect material for the nose bridge.
Im cutting strips of aluminum (with a paper cutter) that are 1/4" wide and 3 1/2" long and then trimming the sharp corners.
After sewing the mask inside out and then Turning it right side out I slip the aluminum strip into the mask through an unsewn portion at the bottom of the mask. This is where it would be located but in between the two layers of fabric.
This is what it looks like when formed to the face of the user
After positioning the aluminum strip inside the mask I trap it in place with stitching.
Here are the 3D printed closures/clasps for the mask ties which im making from cloth Im sewing into strips.
The narrow slit in the plastic, traps the cloth ties eliminating the need to tie a knot yet it allows the user to adjust and snug the mask to their face.
My mask test subject.
Ive got a pretty good supply of Stay Sharp Broadhead sharpeners on hand and this is a slow time of year for bowhunting so Mask production will be in effect for as long as needed.
Stay Safe.
And
www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2020/03/20/calling-all-people-who-sew-and-make-you-can-help-solve-2020-n95-type-mask-shortage/?fbclid=IwAR0VadaihT5pGkyOhkOy8yTCHEG3TWPZ3Wy1KZTrjQnIKTg2hLCjIcSFDSc#4c3ded2a4e41
The intent is to have people step up and make masks so Im suspending the making of broadhead sharpeners to switch over to making masks. Obviously N95 mask are the preferred item but none are available so the next best thing is washable masks. If you wonder how cloth masks stack up against real N95 masks for the ability to filter out particulate, you will find interest in this link.
smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/?fbclid=IwAR37qHR5KvYnMjQi2LI3vkbaFTRkLI8oDaPnFlBUhjB_JzOCFkjKIuyLqaY
While Joanns has patterns for masks, after making them, I found them lacking. On top of that, there is such an outpouring of support that many of the supplies needed to make masks is also sold out. Im unable to find any elastic that masks need to secure them to your face/head so Im sewing cloth ties and have designed and am 3D printing closures. (the 3D printed clasps would be removed during laundering) The 3D printed closure allows the securing and adjusting of the mask without having to blindly tie a bow behind your head.
The mask patterns I found online did not seal as well as Id like and leaked at the nose bridge and disposable masks have an aluminum strip at the bridge of the nose than can be formed/bent to fit to the face of the wearer so Im adding such a strip to a cloth mask by using aluminum roof flashing that Im sewing into the mask (aluminum because its light weight, formable and won't rust when laundered.)
After making several prototypes, Ive settled on this pattern and am using cotton and cotton flannel material.Here are some pics of the process and the mask.
I had a roll of roof flashing that seemed like it would be the perfect material for the nose bridge.
Im cutting strips of aluminum (with a paper cutter) that are 1/4" wide and 3 1/2" long and then trimming the sharp corners.
After sewing the mask inside out and then Turning it right side out I slip the aluminum strip into the mask through an unsewn portion at the bottom of the mask. This is where it would be located but in between the two layers of fabric.
This is what it looks like when formed to the face of the user
After positioning the aluminum strip inside the mask I trap it in place with stitching.
Here are the 3D printed closures/clasps for the mask ties which im making from cloth Im sewing into strips.
The narrow slit in the plastic, traps the cloth ties eliminating the need to tie a knot yet it allows the user to adjust and snug the mask to their face.
My mask test subject.
Ive got a pretty good supply of Stay Sharp Broadhead sharpeners on hand and this is a slow time of year for bowhunting so Mask production will be in effect for as long as needed.
Stay Safe.
