Singer 29K Needle Question

[lwoirhaye]

Hi folks. Can anybody tell me what the correct needle length is for

the 29k machines?

I'm yet another of those nutcases battling a 29k. It's a 29k60

long arm patcher. It's a beautiful machine and I stubbornly believe

in its potential. Based on many factors I think it needs TLC, but

is far from knackered.

When I first got it I went to a local upholstery shop to get the

correct thread and needles. The people were nice but their English

was a little sketchy. After all my diagnosis I've discovered that

I have needles in the wrong system. I believe they are too long

by a small amount. They sold me needles for walking-foot upholstery

machines, but these are, I've now surmised, a slightly different

length than 29k system needles.

I'm pretty handy and I would like to cut down one of my needles

to determine if the needle length is the source of the problem. I

measured the needles I have with a dial caliper. They are in

the 1.720" range.

I've learned a great deal from posts here about the 29k machines,

so thanks to all who share their knowledge here.

[CowboyBob]

They use 29x3 or 29x4,they probably sold you 135x17 which is also the same length approx 1.75" long,what problems are you having with it?

Bob

[lwoirhaye]

They use 29x3 or 29x4,they probably sold you 135x17 which is also the same length approx 1.75" long,what problems are you having with it?

Bob

Ok. 135x17 is correct. The upper thread is birdnesting, getting pulled down

under the shuttle carrier where it wraps around the shaft the carrier pivots

on. My understanding is the thread is supposed to go around the shuttle,

pulling the loop underneath the shuttle. My theory was that the needles

were too long and the thread was being pushed too low at bottom of the

stroke.