cutting patches

[pluckit]

I've washed my new pillow ticking and it will be coming out of the dryer in about 20 minutes. What do you suggest is the best method of cutting patches for a .54 caliber?

[Semisane]

I just use scissors to cut it into 1.25" wide strips and then cut the strips into 1.25 x 1.25" patches. It's a leisurely activity for me sitting in front of the TV - no rush & no production schedule. If you cut the bulk fabric into 15" squares first it's easier to handle when cutting strips.

[bronko22000]

I just use scissors and snip the middle of the white stripe leaving 3 blue (or red) stripes between. Then I just rip it. It will tear right down the line. I'm like Dave and I cut at the muzzle so I don't worry about length. But if you want, then you can easily cut them into appropriate lengths.
The 3 colored stripes makes it easy to center the ball in the patch. Just place the ball on the center stripe, use the short starter, then grab both protruding ends and slice them off at the muzzle.

[pluckit]

Originally Posted by Semisane

I just use scissors to cut it into 1.25" wide strips and then cut the strips into 1.25 x 1.25" patches. It's a leisurely activity for me sitting in front of the TV - no rush & no production schedule. If you cut the bulk fabric into 15" squares first it's easier to handle when cutting strips.

So your patches are square?
I intend to give the patch cutting at the muzzle a try but I would like to have some already cut and lubed patches also.

[cayugad]

Since you put it in the dryer the material might be a little frizzy on you. I line dry the material after I wash it. I cut at the muzzle. what kind of lube do you shoot?

[Semisane]

So your patches are square?

Yup! Square or round makes absolutely no difference in accuracy. It's been comparison tested numerous times by numerous people and I know of no one who claims one is better than the other.

Now pre-cut versus cut-at-the-muzzle is a different animal entirely. The at-the-muzzle guys claim it tends to give better accuracy and/or is easier, faster, better, more historically correct, etc. The pre-cut guys claim there's no difference in accuracy and/or it's easier, faster, better, etc.

Personally, I like pre-cut and see no difference in accuracy so long as the ball is reasonably well centered on the patch.

One thing about cut-at-the-muzzle is the ball is always centered on the patch (surprisingly, when you retrieve a shot patch it's more square than round). With pre-cuts, if you seat the ball so off center that there's no patch material between one part of the ball and the bore you will get a flier.

[Semisane]

Cayugad said: Since you put it in the dryer the material might be a little frizzy on you.

That's true. You may want to iron it to make it easier to handle.

[pluckit]

Originally Posted by cayugad

Since you put it in the dryer the material might be a little frizzy on you. I line dry the material after I wash it. I cut at the muzzle. what kind of lube do you shoot?

The material was frilled on the edges, but it was like that when I got it.
I'm going to use Olive oil (Extra Virgin) and Borebutter. That's all I have available.

[nchawkeye]

I just rip mine, also cut at muzzle or loading block...

I usually use a 2 ft strip at a time, take a putty knife and apply Moose Snot...
I then roll up and microwave for 15 seconds and put in my patchbox...

[liquidorange]

if your cuttin squares will the 1.25 be o.k. for 50,54,58. i got some old factory rolls of bed tickling that was being tossed i need to try. not sure of the thickness .