Dogface

Trox, Thanks for the post. I didn't realize that thread can age too. I've always just bought big spools from Weaver and never stored them any special way. As for using the soap foam on these big 1# spools, how do you get it all the way down in the whole spool ? Does it ever really dry and does that decay the thread eventually . I think the foot pressure adjuster on my Juki is broken or the threads stripped at least. I did just re-thread the machine again yesterday and have the thread coming off the top/inside of the cone. That seemed to help a bunch...duhh.

Do you have a link for Bob Kovar... I guess I could google him. My thread is now old too and from Weaver. My leather stock is at least 5 years old and laying in my barn for that time. I'm betting that is my problem... It still looks good but likely very dry. Edit: Found Bob Kovar and his web page...

Bob, You seem to really have nailed the problem. I know my leather is old but still looks good. When I remove the thread from the needle and just punch holes it makes no such sound...it's only when there's thread in the needle and I know my needle/thread combo is correct. Trouble is that I have a lot of older leather left over that needs to be used. Yes, the thread goes thru a lube gizmo but guess it's not enough. I guess I'll have to just get some newer leather to test it. Thanks for your input... Mark

Bob..... I think you're on to something ! Thanks.

Trox I was afraid someone would say that

I have owned this machine for years and it usually works well. Mostly I use 346 on top and 277 in the bobbin. Needle size is 230. I just moved my shop from my barn up to a loft above our detached garage and had the machine serviced during the move. I'm now having real problems with it. It seems that on one later of leather...maybe 8-9oz...it sews OK but makes a scratching sound on the way out of the leather. On thicker leather or more than one layer it scratches louder and sometimes will just not come out of the leather at all without me using both hands on the wheel to force it out. Often the top thread gets frayed or breaks. Yes, the top thread is lubed. Even if I change needles to a new one it still does this and there are no barbs on the needle that I can feel. I really don't want to have to take it anywhere since its so darn heavy. Hopefully someone here will have an idea for me to try.... Mark

The videos available on Tandy have one by George Hurst.

Thanks to all for the opinions. Tina, those two samples are drastically different !!

Just joined this forum a few days ago and now found this thread. Damn, always sad when this happens. I wonder if he was a Veteran ? Many Vets are choosing this 'way out' these days... Too much PTSD and too many psycho-active drugs = bad combination

Mike Thanks for that. I'll look for her and some of that dye. I have liked Feibing but must admit that the fumes were not friendly. Mark

I saw a video of his a long time ago and it showed how to do a basket weave pattern by making cross hatch lines about maybe 1/2" or so apart and then beveling sides of the squares to make a basket weave. I've tried to remember but can't get it right. Anyone know where I can find it ? Edit: Found it on Tandy....

Does anyone have experience with these dyes ? Any good...do that run when they get wet ? Give me a review... I have trouble getting Feibing Pro Oil dye in the People's Republik of Kalifornia. http://turtlefeathers.net/text/angelus/dye.html Thanks in advance Mark

Wow....I've been doing leather work for a fairly long time and had decent edges but this will rocket my stuff to the top...Many thanks...

Mike, Thankyou for that in depth reply. All good advice. When I re-dyed the holsters I really shook up the bottle of blue dye first thinking exactly like you said. When they dried there was no dye particles coming off on the buffing towel... guess that was the problem. I'll also probably add some alcohol too. Good call.

Yes, it surely would. Since then, however, I was paging thru the new Weaver catalog and saw a double tongue buckle in various sizes that might do...

Phil... Good post...great sense of humor.. Some others have chimed in and just said I need to really buff out the pieces with some cloth or other...towel, piece of denim..what ever. Never had this problem before but...the dye is old, the leather is old too but still seems/looks new. I dunno but will likely write to Feibing to see what they can offer. Just FYI, I'm still ordering things I need and used to have but can't find I always have a list. Some of my friends and fellow shooters like my work but no one wants to pay for it...grrrrr

I just finished a set of holsters and belt in Feibing Pro Oil in Royal blue. They look cool but the blue rubs off on your hands and when I went to wet form the holsters the water turned blue. I had to re-dye them when they dried. Never had that problem with any other color of Feibing. Sure like to know why it did that.

Ha....that's an image that's hard to imagine The color is Feibing Pro Oil dye in Royal Blue but it's not great quality dye...at least this bottle isn't. When I went to wet form the holsters to her set of Rugers the dye came off in the water...not all, of course, but so much I had to redye them when dry. Never had that problem with any other Feibing dye. My wife tried it all on last nite and the dye rubbed off on her hands too. I'll buff them heavily and see if that helps. Any other suggestions are surely welcome...lotta work to have this kind thing happen. Mark

Double post...sorry...

Yes...what he said....very elegant. So far beyond my skill set it's not funny...

Thanks Pard, That double rig was a custom order and it took a while to make. Guy gave it to his girl friend...they broke up and he took it back... LOL..

Hmmm....my machine skips sometimes too....mostly when I try to sew really thick stuff. I've not ever looked into the bobbin case when that's happening... lemme know what you find and when you discover the problem...

The needle may be the problem. I have a Juki and it does that too on occasion. I usually find some problem with the threading of the top thread or the bobbin not feeding right. BTW, do you use a smaller thread on the bobbin...I think we're supposed to but I've used 346 on both for a long time...I dunno if that makes a difference but I can see how it could.

Josie is our second Corgi. Daisy passed early from some liver lymphoma but she wrote the book on stubborn... My Aussie, Dusty, is a great dog...he stays with me where ever I go and what ever I do...Josie just takes off and wanders...then I have to chase her down or shake the can to get her home.