Ran

Art...when you refer to "....raising the needle up 1/4" before changing direction, do you mean just coming up a 1/4" from as low as the needle goes? Or do you mean having the needle 1/4" above the workpiece? I've been a little confused too regarding the proper backstitching procedure. Also, if not making a loop (in other words, when sewing in a straight line that doesn't end where one begins), MUST we backstitch at the beginning as well? I hope I'm making sense. Oh...and Averya...I hope you don't mind my butting into your post...

I'm planning to give you a call to discuss this when I catch a break..

Thanks Bob. I expected there to be a 'learning curve' with this tool much like I've experienced with many of my woodworking tools over the years. I just wish the mishaps wouldn't happen right in the middle of the most visible part of the project..

Thanks folks. I'll check all of those things. I did notice the thread (white 277 with a 25 needle) twisting a little as it comes off the spool

Today, I was stitching up a couple of holsters with my new CB4500. First, let me say that despite a couple of operator errors, I love this machine. The trouble I was having today involved going along just fine when all of the sudden the workpiece comes up 'with' the pressor foot and the machine skips a stitch. It also looked like the thread was getting torn up a little. I noticed a couple of times immediately after having this happen that pulling the thread manually above the needle was more resistant than I believe it should be. The tension of the bobbin thread seemed normal to me. After this happened a couple of times I decided to re-thread the machine from spool to needle. After that, things seemed to work fine. But I also didn't do much stitching after that so I'm still not sure I have the problem remedied.. Any assistance will be much appreciated.

I recently was given an airbrush by a dear friend and will start to experiment with the same types of dyeing patterns. Fun stuff!

Looks good, Thor! Is it just an optical illusion, or might it be a little tight between the pistols grip and the top of the holster? I guess it depends on the size of the user's hands. My first holsters were too tight in that area and I've since altered my patterns to allow more grip space..

I like it, Trek! I especially like the way you did the belt loop. It looks like it might be just a 'touch' tight between the trigger guard and where one would place their middle finger when drawing, but maybe not for a lady's small hand. I like the stamping pattern too. Thanks for the pics..

Thanks Rayban. I'll give the back-stitching idea a whirl..

Thanks for the remarks, folks!

Nice work, Chief!

Just finished these IWB holsters for a fellow 'Cheesehead' from here in Wisconsin.. Randy

PM sent, Trox..

Thanks Itch..

Thanks again, Trox. I found a website where one can download Juki 441 sewing machine manuals, but all they had was the a parts list. I'll keep looking. The manual that came with the machine left me starving for more information. Nothing beats experience for learning, but I surely don't want to damage anything.. Randy

Sounds good, Mike. I look forward to it.. When you PM, leave your cell number so we can text or call one another. I'll do the same..

Mike...maybe sometime if you're traveling to the WI Northwoods you can stop by and I'll give the nickel tour..

Hey....now there's something I can relate to! Thanks Art! Randy

Congratulations DFW! Looks like we received CB4500s at roughly the same time. I too am very happy with the machine.

Trox....I very purposely maintain some open area in my shop. Its a multi-use shop wherein I can drive my Polaris Ranger inside to work on it, or when I'm bringing in material for a woodworking project, etc. Most of my large and heavy tools are on lockable casters so I can wheel them out when needed, and get them out of the way when not in use (lathe, planer, drum sander, drill press, welder, bandsaw, even the assembly table can be rolled around).

This is great help, Trox. Thank you! Shucks, I'm surprised I didn't break the needle earlier based on what I've been doing. Also, regarding the broken needle parts, the tip had broken off at the eye and was stitched to the bottom of my workpiece. Oh....and I should have expounded that my bobbin had gone empty at precisely the same time.. I'm learning..

Thanks for the tips, Trox..

Thanks Mike. Yes, I'm sure it was 'operator error.' I must have been pushing or pulling and not realizing it. BTW...congratulations to the Crimson Tide for winning the SEC Championship..

Thanks Wiz. I've oiled all the places indicated in the owners manual. But honestly, I'm not terribly impressed with the pictures in the manual or the lack of detail. I'm confident, however, that between Bob and guys like you here on the forum, I'll get the info I need. Thanks again..

I broke my first needle today on the CB4500 while I was negotiating a tight turn. I was turning the flywheel manually at the time. With the needle down into the leather (maybe not quite to it's 'full' extent downwards??), I turned my work piece and 'SNAP' went the end of the needle. Any tips on making sharp machine turns will be appreciated. Incidently, this was a turn of nearly 180 degrees.