Top stitching belts and straps

[hidepounder]

Hi Ray,

The best way is to dig a groove and sew in it. You can also press a groove with a screw crease, just wet the leather and crease it, you don't need to get it hot. I used the roller edge guide, and haven't used it in years, a finger works about the same, I learned that way on the Campbell where the slowest speed was fast. If you are sewing an intricate pattern (and a holster qualifies for that) groove it; it takes a little while to be comfortable, but pretty soon, you don't even think about it, kind of like backing up a semi (or articulated lorry?).

If you want an edge guide, pm me with your addr, I have a few somewhere around here.

Art

Art,

I have removed the "nose" of the inside presser foot on my Adler, so that I can see where I'm sewing. Have used it that way for 8 or 9 years and it really helped me....what I don't know is if there is any down side or hazard in doing this. What are your thoughts about these kind of modifications?

Bob

[UKRay]

Art,

I have removed the "nose" of the inside presser foot on my Adler, so that I can see where I'm sewing. Have used it that way for 8 or 9 years and it really helped me....what I don't know is if there is any down side or hazard in doing this. What are your thoughts about these kind of modifications?

Bob

I just spoke to Braithwaites, the UK suppliers for Highlead and their technical guy said the little circle of metal was simply a needle guard to stop people from poking their fingers under a descending needle. I said I didn't feel any urge to poke my fingers in there so the guy said there was no reason to keep it.

Just for information, Braithwaites are the UK dealers for Highlead machines but they only stock a basic foot and suggest that anyone who needs anything different should file bits off the foot they supply until it does what the person requires. This seems a little savage to me but...

Prices in the UK bear no relationship to US prices and, in the main, are much more expensive. Sadly the shipping costs pretty well kill any potential savings on bobbins and small stuff. The basic foot seems a fair bit cheaper than any of the feet sold in the US but tthere are no other accessories available. You can forget any kind of plate, harness foot etc.

Ray

[badger]

Ray,

If you need mods done to a basic foot, bring one when you visit and we'll chop the little sod down

Badger

[Art]

Hi Bob,

On the center presser foot modifications, you cut a small slot or v-notch so you can see where the needle enters the leather, leaving as much of the original foot as possible. Then you have to polish the hell out of everything using sand cloth, sand string, or whatever so that the thread (upper) will not catch on the foot. I usually deep six the skeg too. As far as that guard wire thingy that they put on the new machines/feet to keep you from doing stupid things, that gets lost after about 10 minutes.

Art

Art,

I have removed the "nose" of the inside presser foot on my Adler, so that I can see where I'm sewing. Have used it that way for 8 or 9 years and it really helped me....what I don't know is if there is any down side or hazard in doing this. What are your thoughts about these kind of modifications?

Bob

[hidepounder]

Hi Bob,

On the center presser foot modifications, you cut a small slot or v-notch so you can see where the needle enters the leather, leaving as much of the original foot as possible. Then you have to polish the hell out of everything using sand cloth, sand string, or whatever so that the thread (upper) will not catch on the foot. I usually deep six the skeg too. As far as that guard wire thingy that they put on the new machines/feet to keep you from doing stupid things, that gets lost after about 10 minutes.

Art

Thanks, Art, I feel better knowing that I haven't created a future problem. It's worked well for me for several years, but I know that doesn't mean I might not be in for a surprise! Now I won't worry about it!

Bob

[Rock76]

Hi Bob,

On the center presser foot modifications, you cut a small slot or v-notch so you can see where the needle enters the leather, leaving as much of the original foot as possible. Then you have to polish the hell out of everything using sand cloth, sand string, or whatever so that the thread (upper) will not catch on the foot. I usually deep six the skeg too. As far as that guard wire thingy that they put on the new machines/feet to keep you from doing stupid things, that gets lost after about 10 minutes.

Art

Hey Art, any chance you might be able to post a picture of your modified center presser foot? I'm interested in trying this but am having trouble visualizing what the notch should look like. Thanks!

-Adam