Landis 12 Breaking Bottom Thread

[THein]

I've got a Landis 12K I bought a while back. I've resoled maybe fifteen pairs of boots on it. The last couple pairs, I've had trouble with the bottom thread ( the welt side ) breaking after stitching about an inch. I've cleaned and checked out the various pieces the thread contacts where the breakage occurs but can't seem to pinpoint it. I tried backing off the tension a bit and then tightened to where the lockstitch disappeared. No gain. If I sew one single piece of sole bend it will stitch two to three inches and still break.

It sewed pretty good when I got it and I haven't been tinkering with it. With so few pairs of boots I can't see that I wore it that much. If something did move, I don't have a manual so I have no idea of dimensions to set any parts. (The guy I bought it from said to set the hook and awl apart about the thickness of a finger nail,,,,my Uncle Charlie had finger nails as thick as a horse shoers rasp! )

If anybody has some input, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Terry

cowboyup at sasktel dot net

Edited May 6, 2011 by THein

[dirtclod]

Does the thread pull off the bobbin freely ? If it doesn't the thread may of pulled over to one side or the other and breaks when you sew. I have had that happen on machines before.

[steve hansl]

Is the thread lifter lifting the thread off of the needle correctly?The needle and awl might be out of adjustment.To set the awl I loosen it up then feel for it on the backside so it is flush with the holder and tighten.I too set the needle roughly a nail's thickness away from the awl.