How does a Maule tester work?

On Thu, 20 Oct 2005 17:05:19 -0400, Michael Horowitz
wrote:

I have heard folks talk about a Maule fabric tester, but I have never
seen one in action. Apparently it puts a set amount of pressure
against fabric and if the rod goes thru, then the fabric fails.

Can someone please describe the action - especially, how does the
device keep the fabric from being deflected away from the pressure? It
doesn't grip the fabric does it?

Second - anyone built a homemade tester? Is there such a thing as a
calibrated thumb? - Mike

http://www.ultralightnews.com/aircra...ng/fabtest.htm
Ultralight fabric tester, modified from fan belt tension meter. 2/3 of
the way down the page.

Wayne

It's like a fish scale with a tit on the end. (push instead of pull)
The tit is about the size of a small pencil eraser.
It doesn't matter if material moves while pressure is added, it still
puts proper pressure sq/in.

wmbjk wrote:
On Thu, 20 Oct 2005 17:05:19 -0400, Michael Horowitz
wrote:


I have heard folks talk about a Maule fabric tester, but I have never
seen one in action. Apparently it puts a set amount of pressure
against fabric and if the rod goes thru, then the fabric fails.

Can someone please describe the action - especially, how does the
device keep the fabric from being deflected away from the pressure? It
doesn't grip the fabric does it?

Second - anyone built a homemade tester? Is there such a thing as a
calibrated thumb? - Mike


http://www.ultralightnews.com/aircra...ng/fabtest.htm
Ultralight fabric tester, modified from fan belt tension meter. 2/3 of
the way down the page.

Wayne