japanese shuttle hook?

[esantoro]

Would there be any benefit to my replacing the Chinese shuttle hook in my 441 clone with a japanese shuttle hook? Would I see better stitches, or is it simply that the Japanese shuttle hook would last longer in a production environment where the machine is being operated for 10 hours or more a day seven days a week?

Ed

[Bob T]

Over the long run, the Japanese shuttle hooks are going to perform better, be less succeptable to damage and produce better looking stitches. Having talked to someone at Cambell Randal about the very same issue, they told me they feel the Hirose shuttle produces the best looking stitch and does so for a very long time. I was thinking of replacing my Koban with a Koban and they recommended the Hirose as being the better hook in the long run.

[Art]

Hi Ed,

Just back from Fort Worth. At 800 spm it will take some time to wear out the shuttle you have. I would do that before ordering a Japanese one, but when you do get a titanium one if you can, although this is again not really necessary at slow speeds. Quality parts usually last longer, but I feel it is questionable to replace before you get any wear. Now they do make machines that stitch at 12,000 (yes you heard me right) spm and for those the hooks need to be made of unobtanium to get good wear characteristics.

I talked to Jerry and Steve of Artisan at the show; their number is (888) 838-1408. Concerning Leatherworker.net, if you are having trouble with ANY machine and you can't find the help you need here, you can call Steve and he will help you over the phone, no charge, no obligation. Between Steve and Jerry, they have over 60 years experience with many types of machines and they are willing to help.

Art

Would there be any benefit to my replacing the Chinese shuttle hook in my 441 clone with a japanese shuttle hook? Would I see better stitches, or is it simply that the Japanese shuttle hook would last longer in a production environment where the machine is being operated for 10 hours or more a day seven days a week?

Ed

[esantoro]

Thanks, guys. I don't think I ever stitch at 800 spm, much, much slower. I won't stress it and will spend the money on other more necessary things like leather and bag hardware.