Needle Size Help!

[Joudodo]

I'm sewing a leather end on a guitar strap (pic attached). The leather piece I am sewing is about .085 inches thick, I'm sewing the folded bit so I'm sewing through about an 1/8 inch of material. I broke a few needles so I have a few questions...first what size needle would you guys recommend? Second, I am using an industrial sewing machine, a Mitsubishi PLK-B series, and I am a little confused about industrial needle systems. Do I have to use a specific needle system for my machine or will any needle system work as long as its an industrial round shank needle? Finally what speed would be appropriate for sewing something like this? Thanks!

[KAYAK45]

What "B" do you have? There are about 5/10 out there and all different, one way or another.

A: Yes the needle system matters!

B: Slow as you can go.

Nice machine, by the way, no matter which one.

PPS: Welcome, thanks for joining!

Edited August 13, 2012 by KAYAK45

[Joudodo]

What "B" do you have? There are about 5/10 out there and all different, one way or another.

A: Yes the needle system matters!

B: Slow as you can go.

Nice machine, by the way, no matter which one.

PPS: Welcome, thanks for joining!

Thanks for the reply, it is the PLK-B0504. I've researched the needle system a bit and it should take any of the following 135x5, 135x7, 135x25, 1901, DPx5, and DPx7, however I'm not having much luck finding a leather point needle for any of these systems.

Edited August 13, 2012 by Joudodo

[KAYAK45]

Simple answer, good question! Call bob @ toledo industrial. He'll have the answer for you.

[Techsew Ron]

Thanks for the reply, it is the PLK-B0504. I've researched the needle system a bit and it should take any of the following 135x5, 135x7, 135x25, 1901, DPx5, and DPx7, however I'm not having much luck finding a leather point needle for any of these systems.

135x5 or DPx5 is a fairly common needle system that any sewing machine dealer will carry.

Ron

[CowboyBob]

The leather point needle is 135x8 & if you can't find them in your area we have them in stock any size you might need.

Bob

[Joudodo]

Great thanks for the info, just for clarity what do the numbers in a 135x8 needle represent?

[CowboyBob]

x5= round point,x8= leather point

Bob

[Joudodo]

x5= round point,x8= leather point

Bob

awesome, maybe you can help me out with one final question. The picture I posted in the OP was sewn with a size 125/20 needle, what size would you recommend for a leather point needle making that same stitch?

[CowboyBob]

Singer made these numbers up years ago to ID the different points like the longer 135x17 (round point) chnges to 135x16 for a leather point.

THEN to confuse the issue even more there is different types of point like right twist,left twist,narrow wedge & the one most people like to use in this type is diamond point it will make the best looking stitch.The twist points will give you a stitch the looks zig-zag & diamond point runs in a straight line.

HTH

Bob

Edited August 14, 2012 by sewmun

[CowboyBob]

The needle size is determined by the thread size?That's why we have the chart.

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html

[Joudodo]

Thanks a lot, I really know nothing about sewing but I am learning a lot.

[Joudodo]

I am currently using a V69 polyester thread, does this seem appropriate for the job I'm doing? It seems to get the job done alright, which I guess is all you can go by when sewing.

Edited August 14, 2012 by Joudodo

[CowboyBob]

Ok,with the size 69 if you want a nice fine looking stitch you can use a #16