[Endymion]

Hello

We bought a long length of Wondermesh and need to cut it but aren't sure how. We were advised to use a soldering iron which will seal the edge and stop if fraying, but we haven't got one.

We've thought of all sorts of schemes to get something hot enough to melt the fibres, including heating a knife in a camping stove, but haven't actually tried anything yet mainly because we could either make an expensive mistake or get hurt.

Does anybody here have any experience of cutting the stuff, safely, and without it fraying?

[mumofstig]

I just cut mine with old scissors and it hasn't frayed at all 

[lucywil]

if wondermesh is the same as enviromesh then i use scissors too

[DD.]

Moi aussi.

[Gandan57]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gardman-Insect-Protection-Mesh-75020/dp/B004RBHBJQ    

This is the mesh I use and it comes with the two cut edges folded over and sewn with cotton, so if you have access to a sewing machine that may be a solution.

[DD.]

There is no need to do anything with Wonder/Enviromesh other than cut it.

[moose]

If you are really concerned about frayed edges try a cooks blowtorch. I used one of these to cut(?) some weed suppressing membrane which does fray. As others have said it's not a big problem with Enviromesh

[Yorkie]

I have enviromesh and it does fray a very little but hasn't caused a huge amount of difficulties.

[Maryann]

Is it the Wondermesh they use in fields - if so I doubt the farmers worry about the edges. I cut mine with scissors and it seems absolutely fine at the moment but time will tell I suppose. I bought mine from www.wondermesh.co.uk.

[Endymion]

Thanks for your help everybody.

Is it the Wondermesh they use in fields - if so I doubt the farmers worry about the edges. I cut mine with scissors and it seems absolutely fine at the moment but time will tell I suppose. I bought mine from www.wondermesh.co.uk.

Yes, that's the same stuff and from the same place.

What worried me was that the cut edges on the long length I bought have been hemmed. I don't have a sewing machine and can't think of anybody who does, same with a cook's blowtorch.

Out of interest, how long have you had yours?

[Maryann]

Only just bought it.....sorry. If you telephone  01561 377946 and ask for Mike Fearn he is just about the most helpful guy I have spoken to. He will advise you about it I am certain of that.
I am delighted with it so far and my plants are thriving (touch wood) under it.
Hope this helps.
p.s.
we made up lots of plastic bags of stones to weigh it down all around the edges. We do have a gravel drive and just pinched some from there. Bags of sand or soil would do just as well.

[bigben]

One of the old boys on our site tends to use duck tape to stop the edges of his woven weedfabric from fraying when cut. It is a bit of a faff but as he gets it from work it does not cost him anything and does work.

[Endymion]

@ Maryann - Yes, he's very helpful, and very quick too.

We've rolled the edges over, and used tent pegs from the 99p shop to keep it down.

@ bigben - We hadn't thought about using gaffer tape. Thanks, any ideas are welcome.