Claes 8345/34 Patcher Needle Size

[Kristian99]

Hello everyone, bit of confusion over finding the correct needle for this patcher machine. After doing some reading I believe the machine takes system 88 needles? Problem is that they are a bit difficult to find where I am. Does anyone know if there are any other systems which would be compatible with this machine? Seeing tons of needles being sold in size 120/19 which is what I am looking for however they are not system 88. 

[Constabulary]

The only needle that could probably fit is the 332LG (this is the longer version of the 332 / 29x3). 332LG and System 88 have the same length BUT the 332LG has a slightly larger needle shank diameter than the System 88. So maybe they fit - maybe not. But to be honest I guess they wont but depends on the needle hole in the needle bar.

 

[Kristian99]

These are the needles the machine came with and they do sew great. But in terms of the "system" they would be 214x2 (aka 328 LR) if I am understanding it correctly. So totally different from the manufacturer recommended "system 88" and different from "332 LG" and somehow they still work... Just a bit confused understanding what a system is and how they differentiate. 

[shoepatcher]

What is the model of your machine?   This info is important!

 Claes made a model that would use the 214x1,1 needles  I believe it was a  8345 /40.   I would look for a shorter needle set screw.  That is a standard metric thread so set screws should not be to hard to find a much shorter one.

glenn

Edited February 8, 2023 by shoepatcher

[Constabulary]

I think the Mod. 200 came in a subclass for 328 / 214 needles. Here is a list of sub classes for the 8345:

 

 

[Constabulary]

Just checked again looks like they had a 8245 with 328 / 214 needles also. So it is well possible that your machine (subclass 43) takes 328 / 214 needles. BUT the 328 needle system is special cause different needle sizes have different needle shank diameters.

Personally I never have seen a 8345 with 328 needles. A rare machine and I know someone who wants one - right. Glenn?

[shoepatcher]

C,   Yep I want it!!!

the 200 heavy duty version was the 200-3A.  It had a lift of 15mm and used the needle system 328 as well.

glenn

[Constabulary]

alright - checked the parts list and looks like the 328 / 214 was the needle for the 40, 43 & 44 subclass. So if yours is a  34 (mistyped?) then it takes System 88 and if it is a 43 then it takes the 328 / 214 needle.

Confused?

[Kristian99]

4 hours ago, shoepatcher said:

What is the model of your machine?   This info is important!

 Claes made a model that would use the 214x1,1 needles  I believe it was a  8345 /40.   I would look for a shorter needle set screw.  That is a standard metric thread so set screws should not be to hard to find a much shorter one.

glenn

Changing out the needle set screw is definitely on my to do list. Have been cleaning it up this past week and re tapping a few stripped out threads. Only a couple things left to do like get a spool holder and change out those little plastic rollers. Here she is!  included the model number and it is a subclass 34. So I guess if I can get my hands on some sys 88 needles I will give them a shot as well. 

[Kristian99]

As always thank you for all the help! Will post soon regarding another Claes machine I will be starting on.