ashleyuk

Thanks for your replies Wiz and Uwe I will give the D points another go and drop down the side a touch to see how much success I have with that. If that doesn't bring me much joy then its the option you suggest Uwe ! Nice videos by the way Uwe ! Ashley

Hi I am looking for some advice from those of you sewing heavy leathers, holsters etc. I have a machine using the 794 needle system. We sew veg tan on it, 2 layers of 3.5 mm most of the time, but sometimes more. I prefer the LR point needle and the stitch it leaves but I have a problem with that needle ( and any of the points, S or D ) with it cutting thread when it comes into contact with the start stitch that you go over to finish. It will sometimes shred a little thread on the back stitch also, but not always. I understand this is the nature of a cutting point needle, but I am looking for any tips to try and prevent this. I know I could finish my stitches by hand but this doesn't address the issue of needles cutting thread. We have tried alot of thread and needle size combinations and the smaller needles do it the least but the issue is still there every now and then . This thread is 10's B nylon made by Coats. I have even tried standard point needles and they obviously eliminate the cutting issue, BUT the back side is not pretty and it throws the tension around a little with it not being a leather needle The machine is regularly serviced and had its last service about a month ago, timing is perfect . Its just those needles ! Thanks for any advice in advance!

Hello I could do with some help. I have a Highlead GC2268 (cylinder arm machine) I was stitching fine yesterday with it and then today I got on it today and the stitch length dial doesn't click into place and also the reverse lever knocks/rides up and down as I am stitching ,so obviously I have stopped using it just in case something is seriously wrong. I use this machine for work and have orders waiting so really need it sorting ASAP as its pretty urgent. I'm wondering if something has come loose somewhere . I have tried contacting a machine mechanic but have had no answer as yet. If anyone could help , then I would really appreciate it ! Kind Regards Ashley

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Hello ,Thanks for your reply That is a great help. I currenty have a 29k , and a Highlead gc2268. I was looking for another machine so that I could re upholster car seats ( I can with my Highlead but obviously its not twin needle) I want a machine that will last, and can be repaired. I don't want a machine that cannot be fixed. I also wanted a post machine so I could bend the backs over when heavily padded, something that would be a lot harder on a flat bed! There are some nice flat bed machines available , but if I purchased a post machine then I could make an attachment so I could use it as a flat bed also. 2 machines in 1. Thank you for your time in looking in to the machine, it is a great help! Kind Regards Ashley

Hello,Does any one know anything about this machine? and if parts are still readily available for them? and are they good machines? I cant find much on the internet about them.Any help much appreciated

Betty Glad someone asked re this supplier....... Firstly I purchased a machine from them ,a cylinder arm a little more heavy duty than yours. Upon knowing which machine I wanted ,I narrowed it down to sew europe in liverpool or Braithwaites in Manchester. I decided to choose Braithwaites as they were closer and the main dealer for Highlead. When I got there ,it was apparant I needed a heavier machine than I had first thought,so I was advised of another. Which I brought. I also purchased an edge guide from them ,just becuase they had it there. After a couple of weeks of settling into my new machine I started looking into. bits on the internet. I was shocked to see on sew europes site that the exact same machine was 300 pounds cheaper !!!!! The edge guide i purchased....... yup,i found that on the college sewing website for exactly half of the price I paid (college sewing is close to braithwaites ,i guess they buy from there) When buying the machine I asked if I could have the thread that was on the machine,already threaded etc so just made sense,plus I had nearly 2000 pounds in cash ready to give them,didnt think a kobb of thread would matter ?! Nope,he had to go and ask to see if it would be possible to let me have the thread. after a long ho harr,it was agreed that I could have some thread but not the ones on the machine!!! Some different ones . Betty ,you'll make your own decisions on where you buy your machines from I certainly wont be buying from Braithwaites again. Call sew europe and speak to them as they sell the exact same machine . I shop there and at college sewing and their customer service is second to none companies shouldnt exploit people who are begining or do not know what they are looking for. They should help out and then the customer will return time and time again. Just my two pence worth

Hello All I would like to put a servo motor onto my Highlead GC 2268. I want to be able to do one stitch at a time if need be,thrpugh about 1/2 inch of leather if it ever comes to that. mostly will be stitching less than that ,but it would be nice to have a motor with enough torque to deal with it. Does any body know of anywhere in the UK where I can get one? A reliable place. Highlead UK are looking into the capabilities of their servo motor they use ,but they are not sure yet,so I am makong in roads into sourcing one else where. As we know,not all motors are created equal! I want something that will last as long as the machine I look forward to hearing where you guys get yours for the UK A

Hello I am about to buy my first machine,after have a 29k. The 29k is a good machine but just isnt quick enough etc. My search has led me to this machine... the highlead gc2698-1b. I was looking for some help from you all,to see if you all think it would be a good machine to move onto from the 29k. I am looking for it to do the odd bag,gloves etc.(will i be able to do on this machine,what I can on the 29k? Apart from the 360 foot) I was hoping to use it without the binder attatchment and then when I need to do some binding ,put the attatchment back on. I am hoping to have a servo motor fitted to it so I can go slow on corners or fingers etc What do you all think ? especially if any of you have one of these machines ! Thanks A

Hello do edge guides work on thin leathers ,or very soft leathers ? Running a stiff section of veg tan along a guide is pretty simple,but do the softest or thinnest leathers scrunch up or are there more sensative rollers on them ? I was thinking of on a machine like a pfaff 335 or similiar highlead etc thanks A

Ferg, Thanks for that. Is a special type of foot used? the roll is quite hard, I would imagine a standard foot would be trying to drop off the side all the time ( and be quite fiddly trying to keep it just catching the edge like this is sewn) .Also I would have thought the needle would break or get bent? Thanks A

Hello, Thanks for that. I could be worng BUT i think it looks like it is done on a machine by running a strip of leather into it,where it rolls.it and sew it ,because if you look very closely you can see stitchining on the rolled.edge inside the actual crease. I also have another glove that has a similiar edging on the cuff ,here are some pictures of that one Thanks A

Hello all, I am wondering if these sorts of results are achieved on a cylinder arm machine such as the pfaff 335 ? Would you use an edge guide for speed or is it done freehand ? Or is it more of a dedicated machine than just a cylinder arm machine ? Thanks A

Hello all. Just wondering if any of you can tell me if this is what you call a rolled hem? It is on a thick leather glove. How is this done ? On a walking foot machine with an attatchment ? Thanks in advance A

hello all I am looking for a machine to do the binding? i think it is called, the same as around the cuff of this glove, I am also looking for a machine that will stitch the fingers as on this glove. can it all be done from one machine using different feet etc, or are they jobs for dedicated machines? I would appreciate any help telling me whats what , as I need to know the correct terminology for the way they are stitched, and also the binding around the edge? I also need to know what machines would be good for this job , I want a machine(s) that will last me a lifetime. I am in the UK so if you could recommend machines that will be available to me over here, that would be great. Thanks in advance for all your help A

Hi All, Thanks for the replies. The clone machines I am not familiar with. There are certain new and used dealers here in the UK ,they sell machines such as the Durkopps,brother,highlead etc. I do not know of any clone makers/sellers here ? Are clones as good as the real thing? I have heard good things about Durkopp Adler also. I still like that Juki I saw ! Thanks Ashley

Hello All..... I have a 29k 72 and she is a lovelely machine... doesnt miss a stitch (now I have learnt how to thread the bobbin !) I make dog collars,shotgun cartridge belts,transmitter cases ,falconry equipmentetc etc ,i would like to make a few gloves,and also some thick shooting slings (I feel its alot of hard work on the 29k and sitting there turning by hand eats into profit by spending more time sewing.) My 29k will stitch 1mm right up to around 5-6 mm . Is there such a machine out there that can handle thin leathers and real thick leathers ? Like saddle leather ? I guess I am looking for a machine to do what the 29 does, and a little thicker leather,oh and electric ! Oh and last me a lifetime ! I visited a saddlers a bit back and he had a Juki 441 which was a lovely machine and nice and powerful. Is this too heavy duty for the lighter work ? I look forward to all of your advice Thanks Ashley

Ok................................ So I have sorted my "problem" now ! I was reading on the forum earlier and came across the "singer 29k 60 questions" thread. wizcrafts went into detail on the threading of the machine. When I got my machine the bobbin was empty and I downloaded a manual how to thread the bobbin but it wasnt clear to me.After seeing wizcrafts post and detailed pictures I noticed that I wasnt putting the thread behind the tension plate correctly (tension plate is probably not the correct name !) also I wasnt putting it through the top centre hole in the bobbin correctly. Maybe that thread or wizcrafts post should be pinned to the top as a reference for all people with 29k's! Thanks alot forum! Ashley

Hello all, My first post here , but have been viewing as a guest for a while. I have a 29k 72 (longarm) (1956) and I am having an issue with it. Every time I wind a new bobbin,I need to adjust the top tension again, and by a long way. I have tried winding 2 bobbins at exactly the same tension but I am still having issues. I also did a little test..... I put the bobbin in and tensioned it sew it was sewing perfect and then I took that bobbin out ,flicked it over and started sewing again..... tension needed to be re adjusted . So I did the same again (bobbin turned back over to its original way round) and it was stitching fine again. So it seems any new bobbin in it or any way round the bobbin goes in that wasnt the way I first tensioned it then I get problems. It can be problems from there not being enough top tension or bottom tension but it is usually not enough bottom tension. I find oiling the machine regular makes a massive difference in how it performs. Oh and it has new needles in it regular,the right way round too. I am wondering if it is user error that is causing this problem any help from you guys would be very much appreciated...... Kind regards Ashley