Help!! Needle sticking problem

daddyeaux · December 20, 2012, 08:22:54 PM

Well finally got my internet back after two days. I did learn I cannot use a 23 needle with the 277 thread. Sewed the second belt and had minimal trouble. Rubbed some beeswax on the needle, don't know if it helped but didn't stick but once. Although though this belt is latigo and a lot softer. Also noticed when I picked the speed up it didn't want to stick. Ordered some of the Schmetz needles.

Cliff Fendley · December 20, 2012, 08:37:11 PM

I've got mine set where it will only sew slow. I wonder if thats the problem when I sometimes have mine lift the material.

Massive · December 21, 2012, 04:23:56 AM

Barge cement is totally waterproof, the first time I used it was to glue outdoor carpeting on waders for a slip proof sole. These days most of the waders for river use come that way.

Here is a lubricator video.

Slowhand Bob · December 21, 2012, 08:25:33 AM

That appears to be the one Tippmann was marketing for their machines. I have thought about trying a new one, the old one broke, to dye white thread on the machine. I try the weirdest things sometimes! In case you didnt catch on, these are not the simple tough devices like the cast iron versions that many machine companies sell.

Massive · December 23, 2012, 12:02:16 AM

I was watching the Bianchi tape last night, and in it he shows his set-up for sewing. He uses a thread lubricator, and he uses white glue, though he doesn't say what it is, and it may well just be the tandy contact cement. Even there, it might help to give it ample time to set, since it seems to become less tacky as time goes by. I am not really sure about that though. It could be less tacky on the surfaces exposed to air only. My machine has a magnetic lubricator, though I don't have anything to put in it. I have used some stuff in a spray can while making sails. It really pushes the envelope, so one can sew sails for a yacht though on only has a cheapo home sewing machine.

outrider · December 23, 2012, 07:20:43 AM

The white glue he used was Tandy's bond cement....I have used it and thw white glue seems to make the needle stick more than the suff made by Barge

daddyeaux · December 23, 2012, 08:41:13 AM

Ok, ordered some of the Schmetz needles in 230 size. Learned something else. The S point needle cuts the groove in a straight line, say true north south and the diamond or chisel points cut the groove in an angle direction.

Cliff Fendley · December 23, 2012, 04:47:39 PM

I thought that's what the S stood for. Personally I think the S point makes a nicer stitch line.

I have wondered about strength. I know that its a no no to run a diamond awl in straight when hand stitching.

outrider · December 24, 2012, 07:54:48 AM

Cliff,

I agree with you the "S" needle does a nicer stitchand it is also stronger due to being slightly offset and not in a direct line with the next stitch. When you use an awl in hand stitching you use a slight angle becasue an inline weakens the leather

Massive · December 27, 2012, 12:23:03 AM

Anyone know an oil that can be used in a thread oiler, that would be good for leather, and the sewing process, and that one has around the home. Like olive oil? I have an oiler, but no specific thread oil, and would like to get going right away.

outrider · December 28, 2012, 11:51:37 AM

The thread oil supplied with my machine is a silicone base lubricant. Thread lubricants are commercially available...do a search..

Clearco Products of Bensalem, PA has thread lubricants

Red Cent · December 28, 2012, 08:39:52 PM

I assume this (thread oiler) is now a neccesity and can be added at any time. Strange.I have been monitoring this site and posting on this site for months and all of a sudden a problem. But apparently this is a common problem that has been ocurring for some time.

Educate me.please.

outrider · December 29, 2012, 07:26:27 AM

Red Cent,

This is probably a problem for some but not all. I have a lube pot and siilicone lubricant for my machine but have not used it in several years. One problem may be in the type of thread...I use only polyester thread...some may be using nylon which may have added to their problem. I don' like nylon becasue it stretches and frays....but this is me...others may like nylon. Weaver sells a nice lube pot and the silicone lubricant

Cliff Fendley · December 29, 2012, 06:53:58 PM

I spoke with a saddle maker at the gun show today that runs Juki machines. He said he uses lube sometimes too. Certain materials it will try to lift.

Apparently this is not an uncommon problem at all. I never mentioned it because I was just wanting to believe it was my dumb luck and since it was my first leather sewing machine figured it was a me problem.

Only other leather machine I had spent much time with was Gil Hibbens Aerostitch and it never has had the problem. I'm thinking that thing would sew armor plating with a hard enough needle.

Slamfire · December 29, 2012, 09:12:57 PM

To all ya'll , here is my 2 cents,,,"Out rider", poly thread is the way to go, i stoped usin nylon years ago,,,it streeeches, As for a lub on my thread ( when i use it) I use Murphy's oil soap, your wife ( or mom) probable has some under the sink. It don't stain ,,it will gell after a while ( in your oil pot) not to worry ,pour in a bit of fresh go for it . A tip to propper needle & thread combo.,,thread a needle w/ the size of thread you want to use,hold the thread tight at a 45% angle if the needle won't slide down the thread easly wrong size thread,,as some have already said ,,use bonded or left twist thread.I use braided thread to sew leather & rubber soles on boots ,& on sew'n holsters,saddles, from 8-9oz. to 1in. harness leather.

Hope some of this helps.

Hootmix.