Seamus85

I had several issues when we got ours a few years ago, both in finding information and learning the machines peculiarities. Back then I found a manual at Proleptic.net but it looks like the site is now a Loan company. The only thing I find now related to leatherwork that actually works is Shop Talk! Facebook page. Maybe someone there has info on their manuals for old machines. I will upload a couple of short vids of mine this evening and maybe seeing it will help you. We got a bunch of needles with the machine so I haven't looked for any, but would be interested if you find out the proper sizes for future needs. As for the outlet (bushing?) of the wax pot I tried stacked leather but it tended to leak with the water based thread lubrication from Campbell Bosworth. My solution was to fill a small plastic tube of the proper size with Right Stuff silicone. After it dried a few days I sliced it to length and pierced a hole for the thread. worked like a charm.

You mean hold down the previous loop down while trying to sew the next one? dunno about that Walter, my luck I'll stitch my fingers together. But I'll see if that helps. Thanks for the input.

McKay style stitcher that looks like there might be some damaged/missing parts for the cast off, but I haven't been able to find a pic of an identical one for comparison. The former owners grandson seemed to think it worked but not entirely sure. The only markings on it are "Manufactured for Denby Bros. & Co. Vancouver B.C." I have a manual for a champion 77 and it's close but not exact.... or maybe there is more missing than I think. Anyway, I can get it to start stitching but it won't let go of the first loop before grabbing the next. It has been inactive for many years but seemed to operate fairly well (for what is there) after we cleaned the grime off and oiled it. Anyone have any ideas? I posted several more pics in my gallery. if that helps.

Hello fellow leather enthusiasts! A friend an I just picked up a former shoe repair business' machinery. We have been playing with leather for quit some time stitching by hand (historical re-creations and outdoor equipment mostly), but have recently aquired a bunch of Champion, American and Singer machines along with a ton of other items. Most of them look identical to machines in an old Landis catalog that was included in the lot. We are excited as anyone here would be I think, but also welcoming any suggestions and/or advice as far as keeping our equipment in good order and working properly. One looks like a McKay Landis model 77, another looks like a Landis No. 12 Model K (curved needle) but says Champion on it. Another looks like a Landis-American straight stitcher (again it says Champion). We assumed they we all made by the same company but name plated otherwise, but honestly we're not sure. A large C-framed Champion was included as well, but a similar machine was not listed in the Landis catalog. We also have 3 Singer 29's. Everything so far seems to work fine but we are still in the testing phase. Many needles, spare parts, and other benchtop eqipment were included as well as several manuals. Plus we found more information online for several of them. Any suggestions for our new toys? I'm used to sewing canvas on a machine but this machinery is quite different. I've been playing with the Singers mostly just getting used to the rotating foot. Jim