sewing stingray

[pete]

I notice that stingray is becoming really popular for inserts and such. I've also seen that comment that a lot of you are breaking needles.

Am I going to have any trouble using a regular home model singer if I'm only sewing through a

small(+/- 1 oz)skin and 1-1.5 oz wallet lining?

please advise as I have never used a sewing machine and I'm going to get my wife to do it.!!!!!

pete

[whinewine]

I notice that stingray is becoming really popular for inserts and such. I've also seen that comment that a lot of you are breaking needles.

Am I going to have any trouble using a regular home model singer if I'm only sewing through a

small(+/- 1 oz)skin and 1-1.5 oz wallet lining?

please advise as I have never used a sewing machine and I'm going to get my wife to do it.!!!!!

pete

A problem could be that the stingray hide is composed of very small calcium or bone 'bumps' on the leather matrix and a sewing machine needle hitting these bumps could dull/bend/break.[ Just my speculation] I have laced SR by using lacing punches, but I have never tried to sew it, either by hand or by machine (including my Boss).

You brought up a good, point, Pete: Guys, just how is this done?

russ

[MADMAX22]

I jsut got done hand sewing my stingray inlay. It was a pain in spots and not bad in others.

The strip or dot in the center that is white is composed of larger calcium deposits which are hard as bone or anything else that is pure calcium. The rest of it that is composed of smaller little dots are easier to work around.

I used a awl and at times a scratch awl to push holes thru for hand sewing. The big deposits of calcium I had to work around.

As for machine sewing I have heard of sewing from the back side. I have also heard of using a dremel to smooth out a stitch line.

[bruce johnson]

Pete,

I heard about all the problems sewing stingray too, and was reluctant to use it for a few years. I also heard the little beads on the stingray would turn to dust if a needle shattered them and might as well be pouring sand into your machine. Probably happened to someone I guess. I am knocking on wood here. I have yet to break a needle or have any problems sewing the stingray. I mostly use the L/R point needles. I like the look a little better. On the 1245, I sew it with a 140 needle for the #138 thread or a 160 needle for #207. On the 2000, I usually am sewing #277 on top and use a 200 needle. I am sandwiching it between two layers of vegtan which might help stabilize the needle path. Still I have yet to break a needle or even burr one up. Sewing it on a home machine with skinny needles and lighter thread probably brings a whole different set of factors though with sewing. Biggest problem I had when it was topsewn was edging it. Those cut beads are sharp enough to slice you pretty good, although blood washes off the stingray easy enough. I used a dremel and sanding drums and got the best results. I think that is what Jerry VanAmburg was doing with his exposed edge stingray too.

[Andy]

I just finished up a stingray rig for a customer,

http://andysgunthoughts.wordpress.com/cust...ray-1911-combo/

It worked fine in my Adler 205. (207/277).

Andy

[BruceGibson]

"Those cut beads are sharp enough to slice you pretty good, although blood washes off the stingray easy enough..."

Heck, if bleeding's involved then it's right up my alley.

[hides]

I hand stitch SR all of the time. Contact a jeweler and get a couple of jewelers drill bits. These can be chucked into a dremmel moto tool. by pre drilling the project the needle will pass through easely and with out any problems. I finish my edge with dye and a slicker compound, then do blind stitches by spliting the leather about 1/4" back from the insert area. Roll the leather back and run my stitching wheel. I then drill the marked holes. I stitch it and then glue the split back togather with contact cement. if your edge finish is on, any contact cement that squishes out can be rolled up into balls and discarded. this method is great if you want a tight border to the insert and dont want thread to distract from your inlay.

also these bits work wonders with newer style craft tools you wish to re-work. I know of no other place you can get the bits than from a Jeweler of jewelers supply house

[mmirob]

I notice that stingray is becoming really popular for inserts and such. I've also seen that comment that a lot of you are breaking needles.

Am I going to have any trouble using a regular home model singer if I'm only sewing through a

small(+/- 1 oz)skin and 1-1.5 oz wallet lining?

please advise as I have never used a sewing machine and I'm going to get my wife to do it.!!!!!

pete

I have sewn several SR holsters on my Tippmann. Here is what I have learned. First it depends on the size of the hide. The larger hides 10 or more inches (measured width across the "Pearl") have much larger beads as you get closer to the pearl. These larger beads will absolutely divert your needle slightly and make for what appears to be sloppy stitching. If you are stitching in these larger areas it is best to use a dremel with cutting wheel and grind or groove your stitch line. You do not have to go through the beads but simply groove it so your needle will track straight. As you get closer to the hides edge (smaller beads) you do not have to worry or groove at all, stitch away.

I have never broken a needle but can see where it is possible so I do wear glasses. You will crunch some beads which I believe will ultimately dull a needle.

It is one of my most favorite exotic hides. It is simply beautiful and so durable. It stays shiny, wipes clean with a moist towel, and looks great for a long time.

[Jimbob]

Just done my first stingray wallet.....wow

The Adler 267 could not handle it, broke needle right away....so I went to the Adler 105 and had no problems....but the stitches looked sloppy.

So yes it makes a difference what needle we use.

The Adler uses 200 LR needles...so a very firm an stiff needle.

The idea with the stitching groove I like...will try again soon.

This shine and beauty of SR is amazing!!

Lets see how many more people can report their experience with ray leather!!!

Jimbob

[Bob Blea]

I bought a ray skin about a year ago and my experience has been that it's sat on the bench staring at me while I stare at it. I don't have a sewing machine and I've heard about how hard the little beads can be, and I don't want to try and push my sewing awl through them (at least not my good Douglass one). I hadn't considered pre-drilling the holes till I read it here. I might have to give that a try. I wanted to use this as an inlay in a notebook, but haven't taken on the project just yet. This has been encouraging....

Bob