[L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner]

Just wondering if anyone on the group knows why the Silva-Seam
Method of carpet heat joining dos`nt seem to be around anymore ?
Whats the reason,anyone know ?
Around 1980 or so,I think it started to become popular,as I recall
The initial outlay,was at the time quite expensive.
I was in those days `hell for leather`doing nothing but on site cleaning
And worked with at least 2 fitters that said this method was a distinct
Advantage over normal heat iron bonding.Easier manually,and a better
Joint.Nothing beats sewing I know,but that I suppose is another debate.
Can`t remember the last time I saw an uplifted carpet bonded with
Silva-Seam.
Other than Ken and `JB` is there anybody else can go back to `the old days`.



Lewis  Doubtfire

[clinton]

Hi Lewis Maybe ask steve barnett as he was a fitter for many years..

[L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner]

Just done a different `search`,I stand corrected.
It`s still around,I think it`s because it`s perhaps
Too expensive ,anyway I don`t think
It really `took off `.Might be wrong.
Someone will come in on it,it`s early days yet.


Lewis  Doubtfire

[Steve Barnett (Carpet Care Plus)]

A heat seaming iron is only £100, I've had mine 20 years - silva seaming is far more expensive as a set up fee. Manufacturers will still silva seam at the factory.

Hand sewing is from the dark ages and was primarily used on woven carpets - although I can still remember hand sewing over 100 linear metres of body width axminster that was being shipped out to a hotel in Barcelona - that's not an experience I want to repeat in a hurry.

A professional heat seamed join, particularly on a tufted twist pile, will be near as dammit invisible.

[tony bish]

Yes endorse that by Steve ,I have had my heat seamer for more years than I care to mention and apart from the build up of heat seam in the holding plate and setting of a few fire alarms and the odd burn on my fingers it has done me well .Must admit to still doing a very limited amount of stitching though .Silva seam is not cost effective on small joins in that I mean anything under 4 mtres and there is a lot of faffing about beforehand.Fitters are a strange bunch they live in the dark ages and stick to what they know ,oh and walk with a limp and moan about their knees.

[Steve Barnett (Carpet Care Plus)]

Tony

Put the base plate in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer - then take it out and give it a clout, the built up glue will just pop out, leaving a nice clean base.

[Ian Gourlay]

A heat seaming iron is only £100, I've had mine 20 years - silva seaming is far more expensive as a set up fee. Manufacturers will still silva seam at the factory.

Hand sewing is from the dark ages and was primarily used on woven carpets - although I can still remember hand sewing over 100 linear metres of body width axminster that was being shipped out to a hotel in Barcelona - that's not an experience I want to repeat in a hurry.

A professional heat seamed join, particularly on a tufted twist pile, will be near as dammit invisible.

Although many many moons ago my Aunt in Scotland used to be a carpet fitter . I recall this hand sewing off seams is what she did in big commercial contacts

[Dave_Lee]

Ive had my Heat Seaming Iron over 32 years now and still going strong. The top light failed years ago, but I never used to take notice of it anyway.
You have full control with a Heat Seamer whereas you can get cold spots with Silver Seaming, where the carpet doesn't bond fully with the tape.
Dave.