Tippmann Troubles

[LMullins]

Hey everyone. Just picked up an older Tippmann Boss and been having trouble getting it where I want it.

I cleaned and oiled it, and gave it a new needle as well as new thread (346 Tandy.)

I just cannot get the tension where I want and as such, I am turning to the experienced for advice. I can get kinda close but I'm either getting loops up top, or below. Is it top tension? Or bottom? 
 

this is my first experience with a machine and I've been following the online guides to some success but can't quite iron it out. 
 

Photo Examples 

[kgg]

2 hours ago, LMullins said:

and gave it a new needle as well as new thread (346 Tandy.)

What size of needle are you using with the V346 thread.

Here is a good reference chart for needle size versus thread size. ( https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html )

As a note you may have to go up a size depending on how thick and tough the leather is.

kgg

 

 

Edited 4 hours ago by kgg

[DieselTech]

I don't own a Tippmann, but I do own a 441 class machine that I use the Tandy polyester 346 thread on. If I am sewing softer leather I can get away with a #25 needle. 

But if I go to a harder/more dense leather like saddle skirting I got to use a #26 needle with the 346 thread or the thread starts to break or fray.

Also I am a newbie you could say to machine sewing. 

[Dwight]

Honestly . . . I have no idea of what size needle I've always used in my boss (20 yrs) . . . as I'm still on the bunch I got with it originally.

Don't recall where I saw it . . . but I saw a video that said "this is the way to size your needle for your thread"

Cut off a piece of string about 36 inches long . . . thread it thru the needle.

Grasp the thread in your two hands . . . wrapping it so you can hold it tight.

Slide the needle up against your right hand thumb.  

Hold the string level and tight . . . lift your right hand while you lower your left hand.

The needle should slide all the way down (fairly quickly as well) to your left hand long before you are holding the thread at a 45 degree angle.  If it hesitates . . . go up one needle size and try that again.

So far it had worked for me virtually every time.

May God bless,

Dwight