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Handstitched

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Everything posted by Handstitched

  1. G'Day, Thank you all once again. I have printed off a copy of the application guide. Just reading through the guide, I might try the Loctite 222 'Low Strength ' for now and see how that goes,if a need a stronger one later, then I'll go for the Loctite 242 Medium Strength.( the blue Loctite that Bob mentioned) . It will depend on how frequently I change feed dogs for different jobs etc. So far , I haven't had any problem with the needle bar screws. Before and after each use of my machine, I do a quick check over, and make sure its clean, and cover the threads and the machine when finished. ( its just a habit that I got myself into). But I will be paying closer attention to screws etc. from now on. I'll be off to the hardware shop tomorrow. ( its Sunday here right now, and the shops are closed in my town ). Thanks:wave: HS
  2. G'Day again, Thank you for the suggestions and input. I had thought about using a loctite, but just wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but reading your posts puts me at ease, although choosing the right one will be important, like 'Northmount ' mentioned. I wanted to point this out in case anyone else had a similar problem ( or made a similar mistake to mine ) Sewing on these machines are a breeze and vertually noiseless, so yes, certainly pay attention to any noises that are out of the ordinary, listen to it while sewing , it may well save you a lot of $$ one day. Thanks once again HS
  3. G'Day from Western Australia, After spending the arvo sewing belts, I did notice a strange *click click click* on every stitch, or every time the bobbin went around. We all know the sound or the 'tune ' of our own machines, and this was out of the ordinary. It was due for a service anyway, so I took the retainer plate off, removed the bobbin/shuttle case to check the feed dog. The screw holding it in place was loose. Hence the 'click click click'. It was either because I didn't tighten it up properly when I changed feed dogs, or it has worked loose over time. I'm guessing it was the first suggestion...OOPS!! I'd hate to think want would have happened if I didn't take any notice of it. All fixed now....and nice and quiet All the best, HS.
  4. G'Day, It certainly is in great condition after 40 years. But it does look like croc or gator. I hope you post a pic of what you make with it . HS
  5. G'day again, (Its still very hot here at the moment) The machine next to it, is a Necchi domestic machine ( the model number escapes me right now) Julia Supernova I think. I bought it at a local market for $20. Its in perfect working order, and comes with extra feet and accessories, handbook and a bunch of cams that fit in the top of the machine, and allows me to do all sorts of embroidery type stitches including fancy zig zags etc. Not bad for $20 bucks . I've only used it a few times. It can sew thin leathers like garment, and upholstery etc. but nothing thicker than that. But because it can do embroidery type stitches, it does use a LOT of thread. I'll try to take a pic for you later. I have two others in my shed, that I sometimes have uses for parts etc. All the best Handstitched
  6. G'Day, I've just posted this arvo, about my machine in "'Thickness Test- Q Stitch Colt' . similar to Cobra machines " Thats a great investment you have a there. They're pretty impressive machines. I've had my machine for approx 4 years now, and never looked back, and no regrets. Happy sewing !! Best Regards, Handstitched
  7. G'Day from a VERY hot Western Australia. Anyone that is considering buying a leather sewing machine of this type and had any doubts about what they can sew, I did a test for my own curiosity. I got 5 layers of a reasonably firm 4mm veg tan leather ( 20mm is the maximum thickness) ,and put the machine through it paces. It never missed a beat, or in this case, it never missed a single stitch. I'm very impressed. I've sewn some thick material before, but not THAT thick !! None of my jobs will ever be as thick or as extreme as that anyway, but it is comforting to know what my machine can do. No doubt, there are machines that can go beyond that thickness and although my machine is a clone of a 441 , it performed beautifully, as will all the other good quality machines like it. For anyone on the market for one, you can have absolute confidence that these machines are up to the task. Its the best business investment I have ever made. Look after it, and it will look after you. All the best Handstitched
  8. G'Day from Australia and a Happy New Leathercrafting Year. That looks pretty good. I make a lot of stubby holders, ( everyone has a different name for them) and heres just a few examples: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40990121@N05/3861507695/in/photostream/ I have also used small chrome spots/studs etc. for added effect, which look quite impressive with the 'skull ' designs. I also enjoy doing carved designs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40990121@N05/3861453943/in/photostream/ I use a 2.5-3.0mm veg tan leather , to keep cost down, but it carves just as nicely. I have set dimensions to fit the foam insert, and they are laced at the back. Some may recognise the 'skull' pics from a motor bike pattern pack. Feel free to browse the other pics on my photo page. Best Regards, Handstitched
  9. G'Day, After repairing horse rugs with my Seiko STW28B all day, I bent a needle....it happens. So,I changed the needle and while I was at it, I also cleaned and oiled the machine up, as some rugs can be quite dusty . But when I started sewing again, nothing was going right, my stiches were 'codging up' underneath, my thread was breaking when I reversed, and the machine just didn't sound right, I just put it down to too much oil somewhere or my tensions were all over the place, it was going perfect all day otherwise... ( the client also desperately needed their horse rug back for the weekend) .I ended up finishing the rug off on my Colt....around 11pm. The next day I went about solving my problem, on the Seiko. After a few hours of checking and re-checking , pulling my hair out from frustration , I checked the needle, it was in the WRONG WAY AROUND. groove to the right, scarf to the left. DUH!!!!!! I was tired and it was late...that my excuse!! HS
  10. Very impressive !!! Beautifully carved and nice colour. Well done. HS
  11. G'Day , Thank you very much, it is nice to get some feedback. I had to 'cut & paste' different parts of roses & leaf patterns , and then move them around until they looked right and suited the bags, but I am very happy with the end result. About the only thing I would do a bit different,is change the rose at the centre/ front , I had to fold the strap back into the keeper, otherwise it would cover the centre rose, but apart from that , I'm happy, and I very much enjoyed making them. ( PS. Why don't my emoticons work?...even though they show up when I type posts) have a great day HS
  12. G'Day , Its not very often that I show my stuff off , but after even impressing myself this arvo, I thought , why not:yes: . These saddle bags made to the clients requirements, won't be going on a horse, but have been slightly modified to go on a small motor bike for a charity bike run up north ( Western Australia). They look a bit too nice now to go on a motor bike. You can also see another pair in the background in the pic.( and my messy workshop) enjoy:yes: HS
  13. G'Day CG, I'm not sure if this is of any help, but I hope does , maybe for future reference. I had no idea how to remove the shuttle, but being self taught in almost everything........I do now http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=31115 good luck. All the best, HS
  14. G'Day again, I appreciate that the sewing machine technicians, and many others already know this,but every bit of info might help someone else that might new to sewing machines. But I had a minor quibble with the bobbin tension, the tension needed to be a bit tighter, as there was no tension at all . I had no idea how to do this , other than the scant info in the users manual, and theres no sewing machine techs where I live . So, the only way to find out ( like with everything else that I've done) is to work it out for myself. (The STW28B is normally a twin needle, but I have it set up for a single needle....in case anyone is wondering) I found it difficult and a bit awkward to get to the tension/adjusting screw on the outside of the shuttle ( my fat hands didn't help either), it was easier to remove the shuttle altogether. Heres what I did. I learnt that theres 2 tiny screws on the flat retainer plate that holds the shuttle in place.( good eyesight/ magnifiers and good light will be very helpful) First I magnetised a miniature/precision screw driver, (so I wouldn't lose the screws), and I then carefully and slowly unsrewed them, and carefully lifted the tiny screws out with a pair of tweezers,and I lifted the shuttle out. (the screws were a bit tight, so I positioned the screw driver in the screw and gave the end of the screw driver a few light taps with a small tack hammer , they then came loose,...and old mechanics trick). It only took a few moments to adjust the tension on the shuttle. Theres 2 tiny screws on the shuttle/bobbin tensioner itself, the one I adjusted was the one closest to the slot where the thread comes out. I then took great care not to lose the screws when putting it back in. And now, so far so good, the stitch now looks pretty good when I sew. Theres some pics, one of the machine and one of the shuttle, you may have to zoom in a bit to see those tiny screws. I hope this info helps someone else new to sewing machines. All the best HS
  15. Dear Sir/ Madam, Every time I try to use the emoticons, they never seem to appear in my posts??. Is there something that I am doing wrong? Thanks Handstitched Name: Handstitched UserName: Handstitched IP Address: 203.206.7.75 Email Address: tcrenhartofohpwa@yahoo.com.au
  16. G'Day Grady, No doubt you've now had more info than you can poke a stick at. It took a long time for me to decide which machine to buy, but once I bought it, I was happy as a pig in...'you know what' . My machine is a 'Colt' by 'Q'Stitch in Queensland Australia, similar to the Cobra Class, or 4500 etc. Heres a pic of it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40990121@N05/4111321665/ I was a bit nervous when I first started sewing on it, ( because the only other machine I used before that is a Pfaff 60...it was quite a leap forward ) . But the more I sewed on it, the more I learnt, and the more confident I became. It has since adopted a nickname ' Brutus ', it's just a silly reference I made once , and it has somehow stuck. I have broken a few needles when I was learning, but thats only because of the operator (me) not the machine. I keep it well serviced, clean, and oiled up , and I always keep it and my threads covered up when not in use ( it gets dusty where I live ) . I find my machine forever reliable, and no doubt the other machines simliar to mine are just as reliable. Look after them and they'll look after you. Good luck with your purchase and happy sewing. All the best, HS:thumbsup:
  17. G'day Bob, Thank you so much for your reply. 'Mystery' solved. After reading that, I don't think I'll be buying it. No doubt it will sew and repair horse rugs quiet easily,( a business move that I'm about to undertake) but it would take a LOT of practice for me to get the stitches nice and neat. I maybe good...but not THAT good. And besides, I already have a machine that does all that (and more) anyway. ('Brutus' http://www.flickr.com/photos/40990121@N05/4111321665/ ) Plus another machine , also to assist in horse rug repairs (pic attached) , that works beautifully. Once again, thank you very much. All the best, HS
  18. G'Day , As my heading suggests, I have been offered a Singer 133k13 machine ( head only) ,but before I accept it ( if I accept it ) , I went looking for some info on the net, without much luck, as I know nothing about this type of machine. It is quite an old looking machine, and what have already learnt ( from observation) is that its a manual material feed machine (as in, no feed dogs to push the material through). It was turning quite tightly, but after a good clean and oil up it now turns sweetly.Also , theres no foot lifter/lever, it seem to do that as it turns , the foot is round. ( what a strange machine ...???) At this point , I have no use for such a machine, but maybe some more info would be helpful, and indeed a link to a free manual download. I have attached a file photo of a 133k13. Thanks HS
  19. G'Day again, Well, I finally got the Seiko machine home on the weekend, with a bit of help from my Father.( Those machines are heavy old brutes) The first thing I did before I even plugged it in and switched it one , was give it a good clean, remove dust etc.In fact, it was cleaner than expected. Then I gave it a good oiling all over, on every accessable moving part. Once I was confident enough, I plugged it in switched it on. It worked very sweetly indeed, smooth, quiet, no strange knocks , bonks, or any other strange noises. It is set up for single needle , with provisions for twin needle. I'm happy with single needle at this point. I ran it for a while to run the oil in (without thread). The motor doesn't look all that old. It came with thread stand, assorted spare bobbins, spare feet, spare needles, and two(new) full rolls of industrial thread. In amongst the spare needles, is a new needle for the boot patcher that I bought previous. (I don't know what that was doing there). I did pay the owner for it. I just need to learn how to thread it, and use it. I'll figure it out. all the best, HS
  20. Thanks once again for the advice. I have printed off that info that you have given. That 'lead' on a stand for the 53 , is also a supplier of needles , thread etc for some vintage machines, including patchers, so I will be giving him a call very soon. I seem to have machines coming out all over the place. There is a second patcher on the horizon that I have been told about by a friend , as well as a Seiko STW 28B ( in good working order) that a neighbour is willing to just give me, but I will give her somethng for it. Seems to be good start to 2011 as far as machines go. Best regards, HS
  21. G'Day , Well I finally got the machine home after a long drive.I did try knocking the price down, but he wouldn't budge....bugger ....it was worth a try. Anyway, looks can be deceiving, despite its appearance, it runs a lot smoother than I expected. I looked closely at how many stitches it can achieve. Still using the old needle that is still in it, it can do stitches 4mm long and I used a piece of 2.5mm veg tan off cut. I also tried two layers of 2.5mm veg (5mm) , still the same...4mm long, even with the old needle, it went thru easier than I expected. So, if it can do that, well, it is certainly going to do what I bought it for. I'll have to take some pics of the stitching. Also, after cleaning the little copper and brass plates, I discovered thats it's not a 55, but a 53, not a great deal of difference really. Apart from cleaning the surface rust on the arm etc, ,and giving it some TLC, theres not a great deal that I'll be doing to it. I won't touch the logo's etc that are remaining, I'd like to keep those. I am happy with it. There is also one more 53 (or 55) that I know about, that I'll be getting, but not sure if it is complete. I have also got a lead on a stand for the 53. All the best, HS
  22. G'Day, I did manage to get a closer look at the machine a short time ago, its is a single needle machine, but can take a twin needle if need be. The tensioners are all in tact but I couldn't find a stitch (length) adjustment, the owner said the stich was 'set' (?) thats a bit unusual. It all turns so smoothly too. But now I can't wait to get it home have a 'play' with it. But I did also say, "You are NOT giving me this machine for nothing....I'll definitely give you something for it" , thats what mates do . all the best HS
  23. G'Day again, I mentioned earlier in another thread that my "sewing machine bucket list is almost complete", and one of the machines that I was going to get was a Singer 132K6, however, since then I found out that a neighbour just so happens to have an industrial machine that she is willing to let me have. ( I will give her something for it , as 'theres no such thing as a free lunch' in my book) but anyway , Its not a 132K6, but , it is a Seiko STW 28B walking foot, which she had intended to use it to repair horse rugs. I spotted it on her back verandah after rendering her some assistance during a violent destructive storm at the weekend ( of all things). I have been searching the net, but I don't have a lot of info on the machine, so any feedback on this machine would be helpful, or even some pics/ links. I have sent an email to Seiko in Japan for some info, ie , 'What type of machine it is , what type of materials it can sew , and how thick ? manuals ? etc. What I have learned , that it maybe a twin needle (?) I am hoping that it can be used with a single needle as well? She is willing to let me have it, so I can't really complain too much about the brand or the quality of the machine. And yes, its all in good working order too, and although she hasn't used it , she has looked after it and kept it under cover. So many thanks yet again, all the best, HS
  24. G'Day again, Thanks heaps for the feed back. I think I will be spending some time (.....and some cash) to bring it up to scratch. I have no intention of putting heavy leathers through it perhaps, 2-2.5mm .... 3mm thick at the most.. But I will certainly put it through it paces to see what it can do and paying close attention to what parts are worn, how many stitches it does, but I won't be setting my expectations to high. If it does need some mechanical TLC, then the search of parts will begin. I also have a friend here in my own town that also has a patcher for sale , so I might be purchasing that as well. My machine 'bucket list' is almost complete. I have a Pfaff 60 , (my Mothers old machine ) which is ideal for thin/light stuff, can sew up to 2.5 mm. I have my Colt, ( as you saw in the picture) which is ideal for the thick heavy stuff ( great investment too) I now have all the adjustments just perfect now, and never misses a beat. I just need a patcher, for the 360 deg foot for doing odd stitches, and perhaps a Singer 132k60 (or simliar) for 'inbetween' stuff and for doing horse rugs etc. ( I have been asked to do those now) I will be buying that old patcher, but I will certainly pay attention to the feed back here when I finally get it home. But I'll give it a good oil up first. I'll keep you informed how it goes. Thanks heaps once again. HS
  25. Bugger!! Take 3 The file was too big....thats why. sorry about that:( OK....try this instead. http://www.flickr.com/photos/40990121@N05/5392883550/ hope that helps. (chech out the other pics if you like) Thanks HS
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