Getting a Landis #1 going

[Getting a Landis #1 going]

I have received my manual from Proleptic, It is much more complete than the one from the Smithsonian,which was mostly testimonials.  I had hoped for something bound for $14, rather than a stack of Xeroxes, but the information is there.

 

The manual talks a lot about the devices for waxing the thread, heated pots of molten wax through which the thread is drawn.  Will it sew with dry thread?  Can one use pre-waxed thread?  The only leather-sewing thread I am familiar with is the pre-waxed stuff sold for use with sewing awl.

Anyone have a source for needles?

[Getting a Landis #1 going]

Thanks again for all the help and kind words. I found the manual at two places, one as a PDF from the Smithsonian Institution Library,second ordereda print copy for $14 from www.Proleptic.net. Very helpful folks at both places!

[Getting a Landis #1 going]

Thank you all for the helpful replies and the welcome!

I actually am in contact with someone who works at Campbell-Randall, and they are ceasing to support the Landis #3, so can't help at all on the "#1"

Have placed a call to the Landis number...

Big Sioux, where is the "Shop Talk" place you mentioned as likely to have a manual?  I did not see a sub-forum here by that name, but maybe I missed it. And thanks for the heads-up about the needle bushing

[Getting a Landis #1 going]

I rescued what appears to be a Landis #1 sewing machine from a barn, and would like to use it as an improvement over my trusty sewing awl for making knife sheaths, tool holsters, belts, straps, and slings.

 

Can anyone direct me to a source for operating and/or parts literature?  Needles?

 

This looks lie a fantastic forum.  Thanks in advance.