harnessman Report post Posted February 14, 2010 Hi All I recently picked up a old American Straight needle stitcher in pretty good condition. It came with a bunch of #7 needles and Awls. I purchased some new #5 needles and awls and found that there was a big difference in the awls and was wondering if anyone can shed a light on they why. The old awls that came with the machine are triangular in crossection, much like a hand stitching awl. The new awls are round with a ground wedge shaped (chisel?) end. Why the difference? On another note, I plan on building an attachment to sew boxes with this machine and I know I saw a tutorial somewhere for setting up a needle and awl machine for doing this where they ground the awl asymmetrically. Silly me did not book mark it and I can not find it again. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryano Report post Posted February 19, 2010 Hello, I was told the old diamond point needles were used for sewing soles on shoes and costly to manufacture. The new style needle is just easier to manufacture. This is just word of mouth though. Don't know how accurate the information it is. I attached a Campbell stitcher attachment brochure that has the box stitching attachment in the lower left corner. Don't know about regrinding the awl, but I do know the foot has to be removed to sew this way. This is all the information I have. Take care and good luck! CHS-Brochure.pdf CHS-Brochure.pdf Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryano Report post Posted February 19, 2010 (edited) Hey I found the corner stitching thread you were referring to. It also mentions grinding the awl. Kind of ironic, I posted it. lol Here is the link: http://leatherworker...showtopic=19908 Edited February 19, 2010 by ryano Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harnessman Report post Posted February 21, 2010 Hey I found the corner stitching thread you were referring to. It also mentions grinding the awl. Kind of ironic, I posted it. lol Here is the link: http://leatherworker...showtopic=19908 Hi Great information! There is a whole world of attachments out there that I know nothing about. Wish I could justify spending the $$$$ on a Campbel. Maybe in a couple of years as my hobby must be self supporting or I might be looking for a new wife as well as a new sewing machine! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
