Problem with Fans

[KungFuGirl]

I have been practicing a fan form a lot lately, and now my fan is falling apart. We have about 5 fans ordered from different places, Century, wlm, tiger claw and they are all about the same quality. I don't know if it is the way I hold the fan, or maybe I'm just destructive :whack:
Has anyone else had trouble with fans that unravel on the edges or fabric that won't stay glued to the metal? Any advice on where to order a better quality fan or how to fix these problems?

Thanks in advance,

Sandra

[Mekugi]

I have been practicing a fan form a lot lately, and now my fan is falling apart. We have about 5 fans ordered from different places, Century, wlm, tiger claw and they are all about the same quality. I don't know if it is the way I hold the fan, or maybe I'm just destructive :whack:
Has anyone else had trouble with fans that unravel on the edges or fabric that won't stay glued to the metal? Any advice on where to order a better quality fan or how to fix these problems?

Thanks in advance,

Sandra

From years of playing with things and fixing stuff, it seems that the best bet would be to have a spine/skeleton that won't wear out and than re-gluing your fabric. You may start with your older ones with a high quality bond and see what happens. Shoe glue is probably the best fabric glue around, so pick some of that up from a cobbler or see what you can find in your local shops. Otherwise, I think you have just discovered a niche that you could work into a functional design.
You probably know more about what makes your fans fall apart than anyone else, maybe you should try working up plan to fasten the fabric and putting it to the test.
Other than that....have you tried duct-tape and bailing wire? :)

[Brian R. VanCise]

Hi Sandra,

It is just the quality of the fan that you are getting is very low.
The one's that I have worked with are from Japan and they last
a long, long time but they also cost a bunch. Here are some
links to Japanese Tessan.

http://www.bugei.com/subcategory_34.htm

http://budogu.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page6.html

I cannot totally vouch for these site's tessan but they do appear to be identical in make to the one I purchased in Japan. Good luck.

Brian R. VanCise
www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com

[KungFuGirl]

Here are some pics of my fans. As you can see, it is in bad shape. It frays easily because the fabric is glued on with raw edges. We snap the fans pretty hard during the form and I'm sure that doesn't help. I spent around $40-$50 retail on these fans, and I wouldn't mind buying better quality, but $400 is too much.


Sandra

[Brian R. VanCise]

Hey Sandra,

Unfortunately I know of no lower end fans ($25 to $50) that will last. The quality is just not there. When I first picked up a real tessan it was astonishing the amount of work and effort that had gone into making it. Just no comparision between it and a lower end fan. The lower end budogu for $149 is a small step up for a much better quality than what you are used to. (however, it may not snap open similarly to the ones you currently use or how your art uses them) Good luck and I will keep an eye out for something a little less expensive for you.

Brian R. VanCise
www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com

[David Anderson]

I've seen the fans used by CMA types, and they really aren't much like the Japanese tessen. Most of them seem to be lightweight semi-decorative pieces used for theatre-style wushu. Tessen are made with iron end-ribs, bamboo internal ribs and a heavy laminated paper sail. They aren't intended to be used open, but rather as a short truncheon or yawara-jo.

Sandra, you may be better off getting some light ballistic nylon and regluing it to the ribs of your old fans as Russ suggests. You can seal the edges by carefully melting them with a soldering iron or similar hot metal tool. They might not be as pretty, but they should hold up better. You can save the pretty ones for demos or promotion trials.

[Mekugi]

I've seen the fans used by CMA types, and they really aren't much like the Japanese tessen. Most of them seem to be lightweight semi-decorative pieces used for theatre-style wushu. Tessen are made with iron end-ribs, bamboo internal ribs and a heavy laminated paper sail. They aren't intended to be used open, but rather as a short truncheon or yawara-jo.

Japanese fans are also considerably smaller, so they might not have the same balance.

[KungFuGirl]

Yes, I think I am going to rip the fabric off and make my own to re-glue onto the metal slats. A light-weight fan simply won't work. When we use the fan in demos, the snapping sound of the fan opening is part of the effect. Thanks for all the advice though.

Sandra

[TEA]

Instead of nylon, how about canvas? Also, is there a fabric sleeve sewn around each rib, or are is the fabric just glued on to one side? Seems like a tight fitting fabric sleeve for each rib would work better. Just some random thoughts.

[KungFuGirl]

The fabric is just glued to one side. It's pretty cheaply made.

[Jeff Burger]

I was going to say re-glue your fabric until it to tattered and then glue on your own fabric. Looks liie you already figured that out.

Jeff

[Mekugi]

Instead of nylon, how about canvas? Also, is there a fabric sleeve sewn around each rib, or are is the fabric just glued on to one side? Seems like a tight fitting fabric sleeve for each rib would work better. Just some random thoughts.

I love your avatar! Very Cute~

Fitting a fabric sleeve over each rib may make create a problem in closing the fan because of the thickness. However....you could combine the two ideas above! A thin canvas and some then stitch some nylon/parachute material to one side as sleeves, to fit overthe ribs. You can then proceed to glue/duct tape/bail wire those puppies on.
Anyway, this is really turning into a Bob Vila/ Martha Stewart thread and it is really kind of cool. Budo tools tips and tricks!

[TEA]

I love your avatar! Very Cute~

Thanks. Thats my daughter Gyneth at 7 months (now 9 months) in her first dobak. I was online shopping for uniforms for me and found a site that had kiddy uniforms and just couldn't resist.


Anyway, this is really turning into a Bob Vila/ Martha Stewart thread and it is really kind of cool. Budo tools tips and tricks!

Yeah, it is kind of cool, especially since I first thought this thread was going to be about the stalker kind of fan (e.g. "I'm you #1 fan Mr. Letterman). :rolleyes:

[sean_stonehart]

Try the ones at Jonie uniforms. www.jonieuniforms.com ...

I've used one from her shop for about 2 years now for both sets at practice & out performing & in addition to performing with it at Lion Dances. No problems & no worries. They're bamboo with a layered, coated material for the fan body. Good & strong while light & easy.

[Yang Wei Xin]

I'm putting a second nod in for Jonie.

They always have top notch merchandise, my fave kungfu uniforms too.

[sean_stonehart]

All of my uniforms are Jonie's. Last time I was in San Fran I went to the store before she moved. I got one custom made for me. The neat thing was I placed the order with Jonie as she was closing & she had it ready for me the next day at lunch!! :D

Top notch clothing from her. The weapons... eh, not so much. Her clothing & fans though I can & will give high praises to & for.

[KungFuGirl]

Thanks, I will check it out.

[Brian R. VanCise]

Good luck finding a good fan Sandra! Hopefully Jonie's uniforms will work for you. Keep training.

Brian R. VanCise
www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com

[acrux]

Don't know what is called in your country, but I use a glue in timberwork call "areldite", it is an epoxy type glue using liquid epoxy resin & anime. available in 5 minute drying time or longer periods of time.

The glue is very strong, can be used on many different materials, plus usually if there is a rebreak it is usually somewhere else on the said object not on the glued area.

Hope this may help, cause $400 dollars is a bit steep.

[fightgrrl]

Well my other reply disappeared. So here's another try.
If you can try another style, look for a Mulan/Tai Chi/"Dancing" Fan
http://f3.yahoofs.com/users/427c400ezd869c9a4/201are2/__sr_/7097re2.jpg?phAsPxEBPUS9oC8l

I have a silk one that pops like a gunshot( I really mean it!)
I think the bamboo frame is more forgiving on the fabric because it is lighter, so there is less stress when it is snapped open. They are also pretty cheap-$20 for 2 at Martial Arts Supermarket for nylon ones.
If you are going to do a repair on one of your consider getting silk fabric and rolling the top and bottom edges(like the edges of a dressy scarf are finished). It will give more strength at stress points and may last a bit longer.

[Jessica]

I have a bamboo frame fan that I use. I haven't worn it out yet, but I did have to re-glue the fabric.

[KungFuGirl]

I'll look into that also, fightgrrl! Right now we can't buy anything, because we are broke, but I will research all these suggestions again when tuition starts coming in next week!