Sixer Report post Posted May 23, 2012 Ok, I'm new to sewing machines... so this may be a stupid question. Fortunately, I have no shame and will literally ask anything How do I know when it's time to change needles on my Cobra Class 4? I'd rather not just wait until it breaks... but there is no need to throw away a good needle! I know the manual says "every 12 hrs of sewing" but I don't keep a timer by my machine... and I have no idea if I'm even close to 12hrs of actual sewing. Furthermore, I go REALLLY slow... so shouldn't I be good for more than 12 hours!? Haha Thanks in advance! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted May 24, 2012 With the power off, run your fingertip along the point of the needle. If you feel any burrs, replace the needle. If it has residue from tape or glue, clean it with deglazer or Goof-Off. If you get used to the sound of a new needle as it sews, you may be able to hear a change when it is wearing out the point. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sixer Report post Posted May 24, 2012 With the power off, run your fingertip along the point of the needle. If you feel any burrs, replace the needle. If it has residue from tape or glue, clean it with deglazer or Goof-Off. If you get used to the sound of a new needle as it sews, you may be able to hear a change when it is wearing out the point. Thanks Wiz! I'll give that a try... and definitely with the power off Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted May 24, 2012 IMO it just depends on what your sewing. I've wore a new needle out relining a old pair of skirts off a saddle from sharp to round. Other times it seems like they last forever. You can hear a difference in sound when it gets dull to most of the time. It sounds like it's tearing the leather and probley is. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbob Report post Posted May 25, 2012 Ok, I'm new to sewing machines... so this may be a stupid question. Fortunately, I have no shame and will literally ask anything How do I know when it's time to change needles on my Cobra Class 4? I'd rather not just wait until it breaks... but there is no need to throw away a good needle! I know the manual says "every 12 hrs of sewing" but I don't keep a timer by my machine... and I have no idea if I'm even close to 12hrs of actual sewing. Furthermore, I go REALLLY slow... so shouldn't I be good for more than 12 hours!? Haha Thanks in advance! Needles are not cheap, especially the big fat ones....on my Adler 105 I feel for a burr...if it is light I take a 800 grit sandpaper and polish it away...make sure you don't polish away the edge....if the tip has a serious dent toss it,,,,and yes, even if it sounds crazy for a beginner....you can actually hear when a needle gets dull and makes a "thump" sound...then its time to check or change...a needle with a burr cann fuss up your thread and even brake it,,,a serious dent on the tip or a bend needle can do much more serious damage to your hook or other parts!! Any time you turn your baby on ( before power up!!!) feel the needle with your finger nail for a burr!! Aloha james Ok, I'm new to sewing machines... so this may be a stupid question. Fortunately, I have no shame and will literally ask anything How do I know when it's time to change needles on my Cobra Class 4? I'd rather not just wait until it breaks... but there is no need to throw away a good needle! I know the manual says "every 12 hrs of sewing" but I don't keep a timer by my machine... and I have no idea if I'm even close to 12hrs of actual sewing. Furthermore, I go REALLLY slow... so shouldn't I be good for more than 12 hours!? Haha Thanks in advance! Needles are not cheap, especially the big fat ones....on my Adler 105 I feel for a burr...if it is light I take a 800 grit sandpaper and polish it away...make sure you don't polish away the edge....if the tip has a serious dent toss it,,,,and yes, even if it sounds crazy for a beginner....you can actually hear when a needle gets dull and makes a "thump" sound...then its time to check or change...a needle with a burr cann fuss up your thread and even brake it,,,a serious dent on the tip or a bend needle can do much more serious damage to your hook or other parts!! Any time you turn your baby on ( before power up!!!) feel the needle with your finger nail for a burr!! Aloha james Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted May 25, 2012 What the others said - when you get to know your machine it will talk to you. I am modifying and testing up to 20 of my little hand crank machines per week and I work as much by sound as anything else. If it doesn't sound right then it probably isn't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KAYAK45 Report post Posted May 26, 2012 I REALLY HATE to agree with almost anybody.. It's a personal fault!... It is the sound of the needle going through the leather. And yes you can clean and polish a needle that has been abused/miss-used/miss-manufactured. As long as they ares still straight they CAN BE SALVAGED. Try the old "pool cue test". Lay it down and push it on a flat surface, see if it rolls even.. Good cue... It bumps and stops, bad cue, get another. Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
