Puritan needle help - general needle question.

[MecGen]

Hello

I found a couple Puritan machines. One high post, one low post twin needle. I will start with the high post, it was supposed to be working when last used MANY years ago. I quick test, and it does spin. Very cool looking machines. Full disclosure, I have limited experience with leather (none). I have a passion to restore old sewing machines and do some upholstery, but nothing this machine is designed to do. My plan is to restore these machines, full tear down, bring it back to working condition... brings me to my questions. 

The high post has no workable needles. Only two broken ones. Hours of research leaves me with some idea, especially that needles are extinct. The high post uses a spear for a needle. I have never seen one this size. Following Groz - Beckert size chart, it should be HN 83/65 195 63 which of course doesn't exist. 

Brings me to where I would need help. Do I really need a needle of this size ? I did find a shorter needle, but I have no idea what/how changing the needle length means in the world of leather. I know I would have to move the timing, but have no idea what needle ~ works with which thread ~ for what type of leather. The old owner used the Puritan for goalie hockey pads. I don't want to go through the cost of a rebuild just to find out it could never be used in its former glory. I would like to try my hand at making shoes. 

I have the contact info of the company Puritan, but before I order and probably break a bunch, I thought I would ask if another more readily available needle would work for now. I found a post about some Union needles that might fit. 

Thanks for any advice Frank

 

 

 

[MecGen]