Randall leather sewing machine needs a shuttle

[Vicki Vallencourt]

I bought this beautiful Randall leather sewing machine this past weekend and would love to use it but it needs a shuttle and bobbin. Does anyone have any they would be willing to part with or know where I could acquire one? Thank you!

[bruce johnson]

Campbell-randall.com 

@mbnaegle

[mbnaegle]

Yep, they're still fully supported. I try to keep things neutral on here as I don't want anyone to think I'm just one here trying to sell machinery or promote our company, but shoot an email over to service@campbell-randall.com and we can get you a PDF of the manual, and a quote for the shuttle and bobbins.

We don't have complete records for the Randall Lockstitch machines, but can tell you that they were made new between around 1910 and the 1940's or 1950's. I've only ever seen serial numbers up to the early #2000's, so I'd estimate your machine was from the 1920's or maybe the 1930's, and the black 'new-york' tag means it was factory rebuilt sometime between the 1960's and the early 1980's.

Campbell first developed their machine in 1882, but only wanted to lease machines. for 120 years the routine was that you would lease a machine from them, then send it back when you were done after 10-20 years, they would re-manufacture it, and ship it back out to a new client. Randall was established as a harness machinery maker and Campbell approached them to make Campbell parts and machines for Campbell to sell. Randall said "SURE! Just get us copies of all the prints," which Campbell did, and within a year or so Randall had ripped them off and made their own version of the Campbell with just enough changes to get around the patents. Campbell couldn't have been too happy about it, but it was good for the market because Randall only sold machines. So now people had options in that you could lease a Campbell, or own a Randall (also note that Landis also touted the "own your own" idea with their machinery). Both companies did very well in the coming decades with lots of diversification, until the late 50's and early 60's when the big corporations they had become part of were restructuring, and Campbell Bosworth Machinery split off from United Shoe Machinery, and the Randall Company was split up with the original leather machinery side being sold to a family in New York. who also bought Campbell Bosworth. So the competitors ended up under the same roof, but still marketed as different companies, until the mid 80's when they had a family spat and split into two different companies again. Then in 2006, we put them back together here in Texas, but were fully merged into one company. The lease program ended in 2000 and we've only been selling machines since. When we run out of the old lease machines to remanufacture, we'll have to start casting the frames again.

Campbell is the primary machine we build, being the "original," but we still fully support the Randall's. In the manual, there's a page of the Randall parts that do not interchange with the Campbell. We still sell both versions of these parts and we would just need to know that your machine is a Randall and not a Campbell. Otherwise Campbell is the default.

They're great machines. Keep your RPM's under 300 (most users are much happier running around 100rpm or less) and keep it well oiled. There's not a ton of adjustments on them, but the manual gives a good understanding of it. These machines also don't like Nylon. Polyester or natural fiber threads are best as you want something that lays flat and doesn't retain a coil or stretch. They're designed for sewing leather, while most other stitchers are designed to sew all textiles. You can't sew fabrics, webbing, or other woven textiles, but they'll make beautiful durable stitches in leather and can work with many synthetics too.

Edited June 30 by mbnaegle

[Vicki Vallencourt]

@mbnaegle Wow! Thank you so much for that information! I love these machines and the history behind them. They truly are a work of art. I got some email replies from Campbell Randall today. I was given a manual for selecting my parts. I’m really glad to see that they are still being serviced and receiving new parts. Thanks again for all the historical information. I really enjoyed that.

@bruce johnson Thank you!

[bruce johnson]

11 hours ago, mbnaegle said:

Yep, they're still fully supported. I try to keep things neutral on here as I don't want anyone to think I'm just one here trying to sell machinery or promote our company, but shoot an email over to service@campbell-randall.com and we can get you a PDF of the manual, and a quote for the shuttle and bobbins.

 

There is zero reason for you to stay neutral, you are in Conroe and not Switzerland.  I was happy to see your name pop up here when you first joined. There is a real lack of understanding about these big old machines and parts sourcing. The guys that knew them inside and out (like my late friends Sam Huey and Keith Pommer) are thinning out. Please feel free to promote away and any information threads or history you want to post will be welcome. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Campbell-Randall. If I was still a maker and not a tool seller, you can bet my supplies would still come from C-R. When I transitioned to refurbishing tools and bench machines I appreciated the support and referrals from Dan early on a lot! 

[kgg]

@mbnaegle I can say I really enjoyed reading the history around these old machines.

kgg

[Wizcrafts]

During the mid-1980s, I was trained to sew harness straps and reins on a Randall Lockstitch machine from the early 20th Century. The straps and reins tapered from about 1/4 or 3/8 inch at the folded ends to a solid 3/4 inch along the length. That machine laid down the most perfect stitches using yellow 4 cord Barbour's Irish linen thread. It chugged along at 300 rpm, which translated to a about 3 stitches per second. The thread ran through a waxpot filled with Super Ceroxylon clear thread lube/wax, which is still available from Campbell-Randall Co.

When straps were much longer, or time was of essence, I switched to running a Union Lockstitch Machine, built around 1940. It ran at 15 stitches per second when I floored it! Campbell-Randall is still the rebuilder and seller of the ULS machines. They stock parts, needles and awls for it, as well as the Campbell and Randall Lockstitch macines.

I've owned two Union Lockstitch machines, so far. I have a friend in Roseville Michigan who owns and uses one Union Lockstitch and three Campbell-Randall Lockstitch machines. I can honestly say that unless one never oils or maintains them, these machines will keep working as designed for over a century.

This information was totally unsolicited. I am simply sharing my personal experience running their machinery. It was and continues to be targeted at the harness making and repairing industries.

[mbnaegle]

@bruce johnson @kgg @Vicki Vallencourt 

Thanks for the kind words guys. I enjoy curating the history of our companies and have bene planning on starting a thread or two about it (when I find that "round-to-it").

@Wizcrafts Thanks for the testimonial!

I guess my "neutral" side is more that I'm a believer in investing in quality "classic" tools and machinery, and I think needle and awl lockstitch machines are the best at sewing medium to heavy weight leathers (compared to other modern rotary hook closed eye needle machines on the market), but some might take that as I'm just trying to sell machines since ours (the Campbells, Randalls, and Union Locks) are the only manufacturer supported needle and awl stitchers left. New machines are not cheap though (about $8000 these days), and we typically have a long waiting list for them, so whatever you can use to get your product made is a win. I'm happy to see any used machines out there get put to work as it keeps the machines reputation rolling.

I do plan on doing some more technical threads and videos, especially on the Campbells and Unions. I tell people often that there's a reason these machines were designed with a tool tray on the front. You've got to be comfortable and familiar enough fine tuning them every now and then same as any other sewing machine, but all the guys I know that get over that hurtle love the machines in the end. For example with the Union Lock, which has a very polarized reputation for needing periodic adjustment, it has ABUNDANT points of adjustment that can slip out of time, but once you understand how to put it all in place and keep it there, that machine will run forever because as things wear you can keep tightening them up. Campbells and Randalls can and do get run into the ground, needing extensive repairs and parts replaced eventually, but we haven't had one yet that we couldn't save. Those cases are rare though. We have one Campbell on display in our lobby that was on lease for 70 years needing no major repairs or rebuilds and it still sews great.

They're not difficult to operate either. True, I grew up around them, but my first time running one was when I was around 10 or so at a trade show with 5-10 minutes of instruction from my dad, and It was a blast.

Campbell's, Randall's and Landis #3's are what I consider 2nd generation needle and awl machines. The first generation machines being Landis #1's and similar early low speed machines (better than hand stitching, but long since outdated), and 3rd generation machines being high speed Union Locks, Landis 16's and Cyclones. In my opinion, that 2nd Generation really got things right. They relied on cams and levers and oscillating shuttles (mostly) in their designs and are mechanically very durable and well built. They operate comfortably at a decent pace that operators can keep up with without having the work get away from you. The 3rd gen machines could go faster, but it's like driving a car where just because the car can do 200mph, doesn't always mean the driver or the road are up to it. They also often have more complicated parts making them more expensive to produce, which is  a big part of why our Cyclone had so few machines made. The needle and awl design is what really makes these machines unique though. That action of punching and threading the hole, going back and forth from either side, with the needle or awl feeding the work, mimics hand stitching and produces very little puckering on the back of the work when compared to a closed eye needle machine. That process also enables some unique abilities like corner stitching. Like Wizcrafts noted too, the Campbell/Randall machine has an automatically adjusting looper that will keep a uniform stitch when sewing up and down inclines, while other machine need tension adjustments when thickness's change.

So yes, I'm biased, but I'm also the kind of salesman that I don't want to "convince" anyone of anything. Good products should sell themselves and it's the companies job to support it best as possible. The cost of building these machines is one thing we couldn't fudge if we wanted though, and we learned a long time ago that we'll never be able to compete with imported machines in that regard. Fortunately, there's been enough like minded clients out there who want to invest in a premium machine that will outlive them, so we keep kicking the 140 year old tech around .

Edited July 1 by mbnaegle

[Wizcrafts]

7 hours ago, mbnaegle said:

Like Wizcrafts noted too, the Campbell/Randall machine has an automatically adjusting looper that will keep a uniform stitch when sewing up and down inclines, while other machine need tension adjustments when thickness's change.

Having owned and sewn on ULS machines, I can confirm that they are unlike modern single needle machines. I've owned several heavy duty lockstitch machines, but none can come close to the tightness of a properly adjusted Union Lockstitch machine. Admittedly, they take some time to learn how to operate and adjust them. But, it is worth the effort. I even taught myself how to sew thinner leather projects on mine. I was able to sew single leather 10-12 ounce bridle leather belts on my ULS machines. In some cases, that included sewing fishtail stitching patterns; aka: gunfighter stitching. I still use the knowledge gained on old ULS machines when sewing fishtail patterns on belts using my current big Cowboy cb4500.

For anybody reading this topic and having a ULS or Randall lockstitch machine, I will share a tip I learned from experimentation to avoid ratting a previous stitch when sewing over it in a design, or to end a row by sewing over the starting stitches. As you approach a previous stitch, if you carefully rotate the work, or reposition the angle of the barbed needle, you can sew right next to an existing stitch without ratting it with a forward facing barb in the needle. I taught myself to just angle the stitch line to one side as the needle came up and the looper threaded it. As the barb comes down, I made sure the previous stitch was at an angle to the barb. If one masters this, you can sew inline over the starting threads  without ratting them on the way down. Feel free to test this free tip! It was also important to choose the smallest needle that still held the top thread in place without dividing the thread strands. A filled needle is less likely to catch a previous stitch!

Last time I checked, Campbell-Randall stocked needles and awls in a wide range of sizes. I always used an awl that was one number larger than the needle. If the finished project holes look too big, tap the surface with a steel harness makers' hammer.

[mbnaegle]

11 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

Having owned and sewn on ULS machines, I can confirm that they are unlike modern single needle machines. I've owned several heavy duty lockstitch machines, but none can come close to the tightness of a properly adjusted Union Lockstitch machine. Admittedly, they take some time to learn how to operate and adjust them. But, it is worth the effort. I even taught myself how to sew thinner leather projects on mine. I was able to sew single leather 10-12 ounce bridle leather belts on my ULS machines. In some cases, that included sewing fishtail stitching patterns; aka: gunfighter stitching. I still use the knowledge gained on old ULS machines when sewing fishtail patterns on belts using my current big Cowboy cb4500.

For anybody reading this topic and having a ULS or Randall lockstitch machine, I will share a tip I learned from experimentation to avoid ratting a previous stitch when sewing over it in a design, or to end a row by sewing over the starting stitches. As you approach a previous stitch, if you carefully rotate the work, or reposition the angle of the barbed needle, you can sew right next to an existing stitch without ratting it with a forward facing barb in the needle. I taught myself to just angle the stitch line to one side as the needle came up and the looper threaded it. As the barb comes down, I made sure the previous stitch was at an angle to the barb. If one masters this, you can sew inline over the starting threads  without ratting them on the way down. Feel free to test this free tip! It was also important to choose the smallest needle that still held the top thread in place without dividing the thread strands. A filled needle is less likely to catch a previous stitch!

Last time I checked, Campbell-Randall stocked needles and awls in a wide range of sizes. I always used an awl that was one number larger than the needle. If the finished project holes look too big, tap the surface with a steel harness makers' hammer.

All good notes. Needles and Awls are still available for the Campbell/Randall lockstitch and Union lockstitch machines in the more popular sizes. There are a couple less popular sizes that we haven't replenished stock yet since needle manufacturers often have minimum orders of 10,000+ pieces, so we have to budget when we're going to stock-up for the next 100 years. In those cases, if someone needs something there's always a half size over or under in stock that can do the job.

You're right about the awls too. Needles are sized by the thread you are using (the manuals have charts telling you which to use), and your awl needs to be one size over to account for the hole it punches closing up a little bit (some materials may even require an even larger awl). If you wanted to sew with a 277 thread on a Campbell for example, you would want a CHS #1 1/2 Needle and a CHS #2 1/2 Awl. The needle systems and sizes are different for every machine and the size numbers don't correlate to any measurable dimension. Union Lock needles and awls only work on Unions, but CHS Needles and Awls can be used on other lockstitch machines with some modifications. The needles will work in Landis 3's and 16's, while the awls require the awl bar hole to be reamed out (slightly larger shank). I believe the same is true for Champions, and you may need to grind 1/16" off the back of the needle. I believe they'll work in American Straight Needle machines without modifications.

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, mbnaegle said:

All good notes. Needles and Awls are still available for the Campbell/Randall lockstitch and Union lockstitch machines in the more popular sizes. There are a couple less popular sizes that we haven't replenished stock yet since needle manufacturers often have minimum orders of 10,000+ pieces, so we have to budget when we're going to stock-up for the next 100 years. In those cases, if someone needs something there's always a half size over or under in stock that can do the job.

MB, when the ULS was main primary stitcher, I bought every size needle and awl available. First, I got them from New York. Later, from CR. If memory serves half right, I had needles from .5 through 6 or 7 and awls from 1 through 7 or 8. My most used combos were a #2.5 needle and a #3 or 4 awl. Some of the awls had slanted leather points. These made tighter holes for edge stitching. I was able to sew with thread sizes 69 through 554.

You're right about the reason for the tool tray. I kept the round wrenches in it, as well as packs of needles and awls.

Did you ever do business with Freedman (or Freidman) Harness in Toronto? That's where I learned about Campbell and Randall machines and how to operate them. They helped my with setting up my first ULS machine (from 1968). I brought that machine with me when I moved back to Michigan. I wish I had kept it. The then wife said why don't you sell that big ugly thing that's taking up space in "my" dining room. She's long gone, but so is that machine!

[Cumberland Highpower]

On 6/30/2025 at 10:30 AM, mbnaegle said:

These machines also don't like Nylon. Polyester or natural fiber threads are best as you want something that lays flat and doesn't retain a coil or stretch. 

I've heard that for 25 years but I think it's mostly a myth?  I've run hundreds of lbs of Nylon and Poly and everything is always 100%

 

 

 

 

Edited July 2 by Cumberland Highpower

[Cumberland Highpower]

On 6/30/2025 at 10:30 AM, mbnaegle said:

 

We don't have complete records for the Randall Lockstitch machines, but can tell you that they were made new between around 1910 and the 1940's or 1950's.

I have "one" piece of possibly solid evidence you might be able to use as a Rosetta Stone of sorts?.  Solid being open to how you read into it...LOL     I have a Randall with a serial just barely over 200 and someone scratched their initials and date into the machined surface front of the machine above the awl.  Dec 23, 1913.   I had the machine for 15 years before I noticed it under the patina. I'm guessing it's either an inspector at Randall?? or the original owner of the machine making his mark when he received it.

Edited July 2 by Cumberland Highpower

[mbnaegle]

1 hour ago, Cumberland Highpower said:

I have "one" piece of possibly solid evidence you might be able to use as a Rosetta Stone of sorts?.  Solid being open to how you read into it...LOL     I have a Randall with a serial just barely over 200 and someone scratched their initials and date into the machined surface front of the machine above the awl.  Dec 23, 1913.   I had the machine for 15 years before I noticed it under the patina. I'm guessing it's either an inspector at Randall?? or the original owner of the machine making his mark when he received it.

That's pretty cool! I'd agree I think it was an owner maybe marking when he got it. It's kinda neat to see all the history worn into old machines

 

With the Nylon thread, I've known some guys that can get it to work on Campbells and Unions and hat's off to them, but it's uncommon. I think the quality and age/condition of the thread has a lot to do with users success, but whatever you use If it works it works.

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, mbnaegle said:

That's pretty cool! I'd agree I think it was an owner maybe marking when he got it. It's kinda neat to see all the history worn into old machines

 

With the Nylon thread, I've known some guys that can get it to work on Campbells and Unions and hat's off to them, but it's uncommon. I think the quality and age/condition of the thread has a lot to do with users success, but whatever you use If it works it works.

I got my first ULS in 1986 or 87. I bought it off Tandy Leather. It was sitting in the middle of their parts warehouse, unused for years. There was nothing with it except the needle and awl in the head. No accessories or thread. Once I got a manual and learned how to thread it correctly, I used the large sizes of thread I already had from a Singer 132k6, which was my previous heavy duty machine. All my thread was bonded nylon. So, I used nylon thread in various sizes. I adjusted the pull up positioner, the looper, etc, until I got perfect stitches. I did this for most of the time I owned that machine. I tried running Barbour's Irish Linen thread, but it kept hanging in the barbed needle, or on the looper. I just couldn't figure out how to run linen thread through liquid wax without it sticking to the needle or looper. Arrg! So, I kept going back to bonded nylon. If I get another ULS, I will buy bonded polyester thread just to keep it happy! ;-)

[Cumberland Highpower]

1 hour ago, Wizcrafts said:

I got my first ULS in 1986 or 87. I bought it off Tandy Leather. It was sitting in the middle of their parts warehouse, unused for years. There was nothing with it except the needle and awl in the head. No accessories or thread. Once I got a manual and learned how to thread it correctly, I used the large sizes of thread I already had from a Singer 132k6, which was my previous heavy duty machine. All my thread was bonded nylon. So, I used nylon thread in various sizes. I adjusted the pull up positioner, the looper, etc, until I got perfect stitches. I did this for most of the time I owned that machine. I tried running Barbour's Irish Linen thread, but it kept hanging in the barbed needle, or on the looper. I just couldn't figure out how to run linen thread through liquid wax without it sticking to the needle or looper. Arrg! So, I kept going back to bonded nylon. If I get another ULS, I will buy bonded polyester thread just to keep it happy! 😉

When I bought my first Randall it belonged to a Jockey who did repairs down in Florida.  He ran Barbours 4 cord...But not in Wax.  He ran water in his lube pot.   Apparently it worked.   Stitching looked pretty decent and there was no residue of liquid wax or whatever.   Of course that means the thread would be dry in the leather w/nothing to really protect it down the road.    I never followed his advice other than just to try it out.

On the UL's I run mostly nylon mostly in oil.  On those machines there is a bit of a difference where the lock sets from nylon to poly. (stretch) but always works out well.   What you need is 2 or 3 UL's...That way you can set one for Nylon, One for Poly and a spare for Linen if you run it sometimes! LOL

 

Edited July 3 by Cumberland Highpower