Landis 12K

[DavidP]

Hello,

I have been looking and cannot find anything similar to my problem. I just acquired a Landis 12K for my new hobby or side business of boot repair. The gentleman I purchased it from was using it prior to me picking it up. My issue is that I have broken 4 awl tips and bent or broken 3 needles since getting it home. It seems difficult for me to get the first stitch started on a new pair of leather soles. I have read the manual and maintenance books and everything appears to be in order. Can the thickness and hardness of the leather be the issue? I am using Live Oak Prime Giant 12-up for soles. Up to this point I have hand sewn the soles so I was pretty excited to get this stitcher. Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.

[DrmCa]

I can only suggest posting in the sewing machines section where there's more traffic for these sorts of questions

[Art]

The leather is moving at an inappropriate time. Pull it through by hand and see what's happening. If there is a groove opener on the needle plate, is it sharp and properly aligned.

Art

[DavidP]

The machine works fine when moved by hand and when no shoe on the rest. I can run it all day long when it is empty. I have come to the conclusion it is just operator error and inexperience. I think I might be pushing the boot too hard into throat of machine, as it is the stitches are only about an 1/8 inch from outside edge of leather. I am going to play around with different amounts of pressure holding a boot in place. As for the groover, it was not pushed down to the level of the leather. I will get it lowered and give it a try. Thanks for your help.

[Jess Jones]

Yes. you are pushing too hard. Let the machine do the work and do not control it or push. Just guide thats it. When needles break thats a clear indication on this Landis. Be very careful with this. Im not a safety sally but a boot maker on youtube was talking about this in a video and she caught shrapnel to the throat.

Edited December 5, 2015 by Jess Jones