Them Darned Footprints...

[Coho]

Hmmm… I have a Mach 1 feed sewing machine that despite my rookie attempts to adjust it - leaves foot prints from the bottom feed foot on the back of my leather projects - a HUGE blemish on projects & very frustrating.

I would like to use the machine for more of my Holsters & other high finished products to reduce the time I spend stitching (all by hand right now) and increase my productivity (ex. I HATE hand stitching bullet loops !). Product samples :

Anyone have anything to suggest to minimize them before I finally get frustrated - sell it and purchase a Techsew 5100 ?

ARGH.

Edited December 6, 2013 by Coho

[Northmount]

Reduce presser foot pressure? Lower feed dogs? Grind the teeth down?

Wizcrafts has made many comments on reducing marks on top and bottom. Search his posts. He has provided a great wealth on knowledge and helps here.

I see you are a fellow Calgarian too!

Tom

[CowboyBob]

If your trying to do quality work you need a better machine like the 5100 that has the walking foot & smooth feed dogs to get a quality look.

[Coho]

I'll have a look for Wizcrafts posts & give it a try. If no go - there may be some new credit card charges in the near future.

[CowboyBob]

One thing to try is putting some Teflon tape on the bottom of the foot to decrease the drag on the leather.You might even be able to find some thin sheet Teflon @ a good hardware that you can cut to size & glue on the bottom.

[J Hayes]

Woodcraft may have teflon as well or a woodworking store.

[5shot]

When I had a ferdco 440 I used to put electricians tape on the bottom of the leather and then pull it off after stitching (I dyed first). You pull from both sides of the thread, splitting the tape like perforated notebook page. Once in a while a piece would get stuck under the thread, but you could grab it with a pair of needle nose pliers.

I still prefer the other option...a better machine. I wouldn't trade my Union Lockstitch for anything.

[Techsew Ron]

Hmmm… I have a Mach 1 feed sewing machine that despite my rookie attempts to adjust it - leaves foot prints from the bottom feed foot on the back of my leather projects - a HUGE blemish on projects & very frustrating.

I would like to use the machine for more of my Holsters & other high finished products to reduce the time I spend stitching (all by hand right now) and increase my productivity (ex. I HATE hand stitching bullet loops !). Product samples :

Anyone have anything to suggest to minimize them before I finally get frustrated - sell it and purchase a Techsew 5100 ?

ARGH.

There are some fixes but there is no real perfect solution to completely get rid of the foot marks using your machine. In order to feed, your machine requires a feed dog with teeth to grip and pull the leather into the machine. a walking foot machine features needle feed and alternating presser feet to avoid leaving marks.

Ron

Edited January 6, 2014 by Techsew Ron