TSquared Report post Posted December 12, 2012 This is off topic so I hope the moderator of this forum doesn't kick us off. When I was in the army in the early 70's I worked for a dentist who had me ship an autoclave, an adjustable chair (in three parts) and all kinds of drills, picks, and an overhead light to his home in Virginia. Our company armor sent home the parts to build M16 rifles. He got 20 years in fort Leavenworth for that stunt. Eric, the dimensions for the cover that has the lower feed dog in it is 22mm wide, 65mm long and 3mm thick. Some one used an engraver to put 5339 on the bottom of the plate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmar836 Report post Posted December 12, 2012 Wow! Great story! Any tutorials out there for adjusting the foot heights and pressures in a logical sequence. Just a bit ago I was sewing thick layers - not too much for the machine but enough to keep the feet high enough that my tension was off and the feed occasionally wouldn't work over thicker parts. I had set the feet lower when trying to adjust them so they don't lift as high now and, when they are forced near their lift limit, the former happens. Ideas? Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted December 13, 2012 Wow! Great story! Any tutorials out there for adjusting the foot heights and pressures in a logical sequence. Just a bit ago I was sewing thick layers - not too much for the machine but enough to keep the feet high enough that my tension was off and the feed occasionally wouldn't work over thicker parts. I had set the feet lower when trying to adjust them so they don't lift as high now and, when they are forced near their lift limit, the former happens. Ideas? Dave When sewing thicker material, your tension release pin may be opening your tension disks just enough to loosen your top tension. If you're going to consistantly sew thicker stuff, you'll want to check that. Most Singer manuals tell you to set the pressure just tight enough to feed properly. I sew on scrap with the pressure starting out loose then tighten as needed. The machine does have a limit which will vary greatly depending on the type of leather as to the thickness. Understanding the adjustments and not being shy about trying different settings will benefit you in the long run. Both you and Tom have a much better understanding of how your machines work. Long term, this is essential for you to get the most out of them. As a side note in regards to the tension releasing. Some new machines have the option of taking out the pin that releases the tension and using a manual tension release that's mounted on the front of the machince. Juki and Mitsubishi both have that feature which is nice. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSquared Report post Posted December 17, 2012 Eric, Any luck finding parts in your parts drawers? if you did, send me an e-mail to fourpointwelder@yahoo.com with your address and I will send you money for shipping and any related expenses. Thanks, Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted December 18, 2012 Eric, Any luck finding parts in your parts drawers? if you did, send me an e-mail to fourpointwelder@yahoo.com with your address and I will send you money for shipping and any related expenses. Thanks, Tom I've got the dogs and plate and bar. What kind of shape are your feed dog screws in? I've also got the small screw and guide for your bar. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSquared Report post Posted December 18, 2012 Great news! The feed dog screws are marginal, the long one is "ok" the short one is almost destroyed but could be used. Thanks! Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmar836 Report post Posted December 20, 2012 This is getting good! Can't wait to see Tom's machine come together. Was redefining the fingers of some gloves I have on my latest - a 201K. Did okay until the hemmed edge of the goatskin. Switched to the 111W and dusted it! Will still back off and break the top thread if I'm sloppy - due to the pressures and my inability to modulate lift height of the vibrating foot vs its pressure against the feed dog(it can be retimed to the point that it seizes the machine). I still am a little unsure of the foot "max lift" height adjustment. Also if I reduce the height of the tension release lever to reduce its effect, I lower the foot heights. Not caused any issues but if I got over 3/8" under the feett, it would cause tension issues. Up to those limits it works great! Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted December 20, 2012 Around the world a small number of smart companies are starting to get the idea that not everybody wants to buy the cheapest rubbish out there. There are companies in the West that have gone back to local production of high quality goods and charge accordingly and I suspect that in the long term they will survive because they are not trying to compete on minimum margin. We all remember when we could buy a pair of "name brand" boots or jeans and they lasted 10 years of daily wear. Today the same product is the same price and lasts two years at most. I do most of my shopping in thrift shops unless I have the dollars to get something very well made. It is time for me to visit Roccos in Melbourne to buy some hand made boots as the last two pair are stuffed after 6 years of everyday wear. These babies cost me $50 pair for one off boots and have been through all sorts of abuse. A $50 pair of imported ankle high boots for the same price would not have lasted 6 months. Always remember when buying something the "price" and "cost" are two very different beasts. Hey Tom, Yeah, we'll be making jeans again as soon as we finish the size run samples. In the past we've made Levi's and jeans for The Gap. Those are all imported now. The company we'll be contracting for is Bills Khakis. They are located in PA. I do know they go up to a 46. Ours will hit their warehouse in late winter I imagine. There are still companies willing to do business in the US, and customers willing to pay the higher price. We'll likely become there main jeans contractor. Could you check the part number on those feed dogs? I believe I have a set but want to verify. I also have a plate to match. I absolutely won't accept a dime for the parts. The dogs and plate are used but in great condition, honestly, they will never be used. I'll check for a needle bar tommorow, time permitting. What shape are your feed dog screws in? Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted December 20, 2012 Love the way you work Eric, Every machine owner needs to know how to set the machine up to do what they want. I find that the few "mechanics" (and that is a very broad term) in Australia want to keep secret the workings of machines. Considering that there has not been any traineeship in mechanics here for over 20 years this is a joke. When sewing thicker material, your tension release pin may be opening your tension disks just enough to loosen your top tension. If you're going to consistantly sew thicker stuff, you'll want to check that. Most Singer manuals tell you to set the pressure just tight enough to feed properly. I sew on scrap with the pressure starting out loose then tighten as needed. The machine does have a limit which will vary greatly depending on the type of leather as to the thickness. Understanding the adjustments and not being shy about trying different settings will benefit you in the long run. Both you and Tom have a much better understanding of how your machines work. Long term, this is essential for you to get the most out of them. As a side note in regards to the tension releasing. Some new machines have the option of taking out the pin that releases the tension and using a manual tension release that's mounted on the front of the machince. Juki and Mitsubishi both have that feature which is nice. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSquared Report post Posted December 20, 2012 Eric, Just wanted to let you know I contacted the Bills khakis company via Internet. They told me there jeans are stiched in the US but the fabric is imported. The lady said they are looking for a domestic source to make a 100% made in USA product. Turns out they have a retailer about 25 miles from where I live. Wife and I are going shopping this weekend. Retail price on 46x30 pants is 105.00 each. I pay about 60 for levi brand now. I am going to try their product to see how it compares. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted December 20, 2012 Eric, Just wanted to let you know I contacted the Bills khakis company via Internet. They told me there jeans are stiched in the US but the fabric is imported. The lady said they are looking for a domestic source to make a 100% made in USA product. Turns out they have a retailer about 25 miles from where I live. Wife and I are going shopping this weekend. Retail price on 46x30 pants is 105.00 each. I pay about 60 for levi brand now. I am going to try their product to see how it compares. Tom We're doing a lot of samples for them right now for all of their jeans. We hope to start denim production in the next two weeks, having completed those samples a bit ago. I can't vouch for others that have sewn for them, but I can tell you ours will be of superior quality. We were a Levi contractor for years. We could easily end up being their main jeans contractor. We are working on courderoy samples now, which present a unique set of problems for the machines, but they look good. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted December 20, 2012 Love the way you work Eric, Every machine owner needs to know how to set the machine up to do what they want. I find that the few "mechanics" (and that is a very broad term) in Australia want to keep secret the workings of machines. Considering that there has not been any traineeship in mechanics here for over 20 years this is a joke. Thanks for the kind words Darren. I just think when I'm done and gone that it would be a shame if I didn't share stuff to help folks. I'm paid well in the factory, so I have nothing to gain by keeping everything to myself. It's like everything else mechanical. If you learn each parts of a machine and how they work together, a lot of people can take care of issues themselves. There's nothing special about me, I've just done it since 1980. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSquared Report post Posted December 20, 2012 What is special about you is your willingness to SHARE. I don't know too many people who are willing to help complete strangers. Everyone who benefits from your 30 years experience (I am sure it is way more than the few of us you are currently helping) appreciates your assistance. I would bet that people all over the world will read this information either now or in the future. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmar836 Report post Posted December 23, 2012 Ditto. Merry Christmans and Happy New Year to all! Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSquared Report post Posted December 30, 2012 Eric, I lost my Internet thanks to the fine folks at time Warner since the 21st. Just got it working again. I checked my yahoo account to see if you had posted your address but didn't see anything. My spam folder was also empty. My email address is fourpointwelder@yahoo.com. If you get a chance, shoot me your address and I will send you $ for shipping costs. Thanks and have a happy new year. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted December 31, 2012 Tom; If I could edit your post I would. You need to remove your email address from your last replay. Think about email security and spammers trolling forums for fresh meat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSquared Report post Posted December 31, 2012 Wiz, You are correct but I didnt see any way to get Eric's address off line without giving an email address. The web address I used is my general mailbox created just for this type of thing. Is there a way to post in this forum that is hidden? Have a happy and prosperous new year, Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmar836 Report post Posted December 31, 2012 I think spelling it with "at" and "dot com" might be a little safer. This time of year is so busy for some he's probably backed up. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSquared Report post Posted December 31, 2012 Happy New Year to everyone at Leatherworker.net. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted January 1, 2013 Happy New Years all! Back in town after some much needed time off! Back to the grind on Wednesday, and back here! Be safe everyone! Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted January 2, 2013 Eric, Anyone who shares knowledge is special! There are a bunch of guys here who share that knowledge when they could be charging for it but you are right in saying that when we are done what we have is useless unless shared! Thanks for the kind words Darren. I just think when I'm done and gone that it would be a shame if I didn't share stuff to help folks. I'm paid well in the factory, so I have nothing to gain by keeping everything to myself. It's like everything else mechanical. If you learn each parts of a machine and how they work together, a lot of people can take care of issues themselves. There's nothing special about me, I've just done it since 1980. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSquared Report post Posted January 8, 2013 Hi Eric, Any luck finding a short screw for the lower feed dog? I need to get my machine put back together before I loose any parts. My wife found the feed dog under the table. The only way it could have gotten there is if the cat or one of the dogs brought it up from the basement. LoL. I have been checking my emails and spam folder for your email. I could have missed it during the week I had no Internet. Please let me know what you need, check money order or cash and I will get it right out to you. Thanks, Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted January 8, 2013 (edited) I don't want to step on anyone here but I wanted to let you know we pretty much have every part,screw,nut,bolt,needles,feet & etc in stock for this Singer 111w machine. Edited January 8, 2013 by CowboyBob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted January 9, 2013 Hi Eric, Any luck finding a short screw for the lower feed dog? I need to get my machine put back together before I loose any parts. My wife found the feed dog under the table. The only way it could have gotten there is if the cat or one of the dogs brought it up from the basement. LoL. I have been checking my emails and spam folder for your email. I could have missed it during the week I had no Internet. Please let me know what you need, check money order or cash and I will get it right out to you. Thanks, Tom Yep, message set Tom, and ONLY postage will be charged, not negotiable. We got in 5 pallets of leather for welding outfits for the Dept. of Defense. It's a 5 oz grey suede and will be sewn with Kevlar thread. We got our jeans line almost set up and everything looks good for us to have a good year. The contract for the leather welding gear just fell into our laps as another contractor did the dreaded "failed to perform". That's about the worst thing you can do as a DOD contractor. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmar836 Report post Posted February 13, 2013 Any progress, Tom? Have a new feed dog, throat plate, and several zipper and welt feet for my 111. Just haven't put them on yet - no leather projects right now. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
