On Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:05:59 -0500, "Not@home" wrote:

Canvas isn't as popular as it once was. I think it wears easily and has
no breathability. (One reason I just put a lid on my condensing unit

What kind of lid did you use?

was that I read the the commonly sold vinyl covers lack breathability
and actually contribute to corrosion of the unit).

I figger a full-coverage cover would. I was thinking of a
1/2 to 2/3 coverage on top of unit. Figgered the wind
blowing thru the bottom would keep it dry.

Woven acrylic fabrics are now in common use for marine coverage
applications and outdoor furniture covers. Sunbrella is one popular
brand, but there are others. I see a lot offered on ebay, and actually
found a similar product in a fabric store near us (Joanna's, if that
means anything where you are). It isn't cheap. You will also need
acrylic thread, with everything UV protected for outdoor use.

Some problems with these are that they unravel easily if you cut them
with scissors, so you have to use a hot knife, or pay special attention
to binding and hemming.

Dunno why I didn't thin of that. For something really small,
a cig lighter will seal cut edges. Not sure how to do it
for a project this size, don't even know what a hot knife is.

Another is that few home sewing machines sold
today will handle these fabrics well, particularly when you are sewing
through multiple layers, such as hemming or joining pieces. My wife's
machine, circa 1960, can't handle this stuff; my mother's machine, circa
1950, Singer, does a pretty good job, but some hems I have to do by
hand. A real canvasworker would, of course, use an industrial machine.

You can sew by hand, but it takes a while and will make you realize how
weak your hands were. If you sew by hand, a sailmaker's palm would be
very useful for forcing the needle through the fabric.

It's by hand or nothin': I got no sewing machine.

Much thanks for a very nice and comprehensive response.

Got to think about thisun a bit ...

Cheers,
Puddin'

Puddin' Man wrote:
Hi,

Is it practical to get some scraps from an awning fabricator and
sew or otherwise fashion a cover for the AC Condensing Unit in
my backyard?

For those about to recommend leaving the AC-CU uncovered, don't.
I've already evaluated that, and I definitely need a cover for
my purposes. Also don't need advice re % coverage, etc. I got
that figgered.

Just don't know if canvas is best. Never worked with it.

AC-CU is rectangular, top is about 30" square. The side of the
cover would extend down maybe 18".

Is it practical to just get a big sewing needle (I might have 1),
lay it out, cut the canvas (scissors?) and sew it?

Thanks,
Puddin'

Pease pudding hot,
Pease pudding cold,
Pease pudding in the pot
Nine days old ...

Pease pudding hot,
Pease pudding cold,
Pease pudding in the pot
Nine days old ...