mclarke Report post Posted March 8, 2012 I am hoping that I can get some advice on sewing. I am a newbie to leather and sewing for that matter and am having problems with the feed dogs/walking foot leaving marks on the back of the leather. I have tried to reduce tension and even physically filed down the feed dogs but am still having problems. I have attached 3 pics that can hopefully give reference of the problem. I am having the biggest issue with Horweens Chromexel. I love the leather, but the track marks ruin the project. Any sage wisdom is appreciated. Thanks Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted March 8, 2012 Matt, With that machine, all you have to move the leather is the feed dogs. They stick up quite prominently and will do a pretty good job of marking softer leathers. If a setting is available to reduce the height of the dogs, then give that a try, but you have to have the dog to move the leather through the machine. Since the dogs are all it's got, I guess they decided to make them effective. Art I am hoping that I can get some advice on sewing. I am a newbie to leather and sewing for that matter and am having problems with the feed dogs/walking foot leaving marks on the back of the leather. I have tried to reduce tension and even physically filed down the feed dogs but am still having problems. I have attached 3 pics that can hopefully give reference of the problem. I am having the biggest issue with Horweens Chromexel. I love the leather, but the track marks ruin the project. Any sage wisdom is appreciated. Thanks Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted March 8, 2012 I assume that where you said you have tried reducing the tension that you were refering to presser foot pressure. If not, reduce the spring pressure on the presser foot. CTG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted March 8, 2012 (edited) Try filling in the feed dog teeth with rubber dipping compound. I did that to one of the feet on my patcher and it still feeds fine, but leaves no marks. Tool and hobby shops sell this dipping compound. I got mine a Joann Fabrics, where the hand tools for beading are sold. If/when the coating wears down just add more to the feeder. Back off the top tension adjuster until it wither is barely catching the threads, or the material starts to lift with the needle. This is the lowest pressure setting you can use effectively. There is an aftermarket roller presser foot for that machine. Edited March 8, 2012 by Wizcrafts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Report post Posted March 9, 2012 I don't know anything about that machine, but on some machines you can adjust the height of the feed dogs. Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted March 9, 2012 (edited) The stitcher in this post is a Neels' model 5, a.k.a. CB2500, a.k.a. GA5-1. It is not a walking foot machine. It is a bottom feeder, using the feed dog teeth to move the material. The presser foot is static, The needle only moves vertically. It has a sewing capacity of 7/16 inch, with #346 thread. Lowering the feed dog very much will reduce the ability to feed leather. A slight reduction might help a bit. Edited March 9, 2012 by Wizcrafts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimi Report post Posted December 8, 2014 I know its a bit late,but did you solve your problem?? there is another option for your machine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites