toxo Report post Posted September 12 (edited) So - The needles that came with the machine are DPx17 in sizes 130 and 160 but are round point. I've since bought some LR needles in sizes 100/110 and 120 but for some reason these are DPx16. Now before I buy any more I'd like to know what the difference is. The only reason I can think of for buying DPx16 is maybe I couldn't find DPx17 with a leather point at the time. I will point out that the DPx16s with the leather point seem to be working well. Thoughts peeps please. Thank you. Had a quick search on "Schmetz" and all it could come up with is DPx16LR. Edited September 12 by toxo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DieselTech Report post Posted September 12 I think the designation of the 16 & 17 denotes them for being fabric needles & leather needles. The cobra 26 calls for a 135x16 or a 135x17 If I got this right the 16 is a leather point needle for leathers. The 17 is a fabric or round point needle used for fabrics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toxo Report post Posted September 12 Just now, DieselTech said: I think the designation of the 16 & 17 denotes them for being fabric needles & leather needles. The cobra 26 calls for a 135x16 or a 135x17 If I got this right the 16 is a leather point needle for leathers. The 17 is a fabric or round point needle used for fabrics. Now there's a thought but t'other way round. The DPx16s that I've got are LRs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DieselTech Report post Posted September 12 3 minutes ago, toxo said: Now there's a thought but t'other way round. The DPx16s that I've got are LRs. I might have got it backwards. I am just getting into machine sewing leather. Lmao I'm sure someone can explain this better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted September 12 If you do a search on this site you will find loads of information on leather point versus fabric round point. The first article that a google search https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=site%3A+leatherworker.net+leather+point+needles brings up is https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/96149-leather-needle-selection/ 135x16 is a leather point. 135x17 is a round conical point. Leather points are available in different styles so the stitch line looks different. Choose the appearance you like and get that style of point. 4 hours ago, toxo said: The DPx16s that I've got are LRs. LR is a leather point. Leather points cut like a chisel, making a 'slot'. Round points make a mess of the back side of the leather as it blows out the back. See this needle chart Groz-Beckert Needle Chart.pdf Don't use leather points on fabrics as it cuts the threads instead of sliding through them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toxo Report post Posted September 12 1 hour ago, Northmount said: If you do a search on this site you will find loads of information on leather point versus fabric round point. The first article that a google search https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=site%3A+leatherworker.net+leather+point+needles brings up is https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/96149-leather-needle-selection/ 135x16 is a leather point. 135x17 is a round conical point. Leather points are available in different styles so the stitch line looks different. Choose the appearance you like and get that style of point. LR is a leather point. Leather points cut like a chisel, making a 'slot'. Round points make a mess of the back side of the leather as it blows out the back. See this needle chart Groz-Beckert Needle Chart.pdf 1.57 MB · 0 downloads Don't use leather points on fabrics as it cuts the threads instead of sliding through them. Thanks @Northmount. I have always used leather points but the info that came with my machine stipulated DPx17 needles and I couldn't understand why I could never find any with LR points. @DieselTechs explanation seems right because the DPx16 LRs that I do have seem to work fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted September 12 59 minutes ago, toxo said: Thanks @Northmount. I have always used leather points but the info that came with my machine stipulated DPx17 needles and I couldn't understand why I could never find any with LR points. @DieselTechs explanation seems right because the DPx16 LRs that I do have seem to work fine. Needle specs are the same except for the point. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toxo Report post Posted September 12 4 minutes ago, Northmount said: Needle specs are the same except for the point. Was looking for that specs page but couldn't find it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kgg Report post Posted September 13 2 hours ago, toxo said: I have always used leather points but the info that came with my machine stipulated DPx17 needles and I couldn't understand why You got to remember the leather sewing industry is a much smaller market then the fabric industry so most machines specify fabric needles like DPx17 needles (needle system 135X17). The spec's are the same for 135x16 and 135x17 except for the tips like @Northmount stated. Leather pointed needles (135x16) cut through while fabric needles (135x17) separate the fabric fibers. kgg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted September 13 2 hours ago, toxo said: Was looking for that specs page but couldn't find it. Needle Systems 135x17 and 135x16.pdf Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
