LloydChristmas Report post Posted January 27, 2018 (edited) I'm new to leather working, looking to purchase a post bed roller feed machine, and I have the opportunity to grab an (almost new) double needle Pfaff 1294. I'm going to need to do both single and double needle work, so I was wondering if it'd be possible to use this machine for both by removing one of the needles when need be? I'm sure having 2 separate machines is the ideal way to go, but my budget won't allow it, so I just wanted to double check that my idea will work before I pull the trigger. Any/all advice or help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Edited January 27, 2018 by LloydChristmas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted January 28, 2018 I don't know about this particular machine. But I think "think" most double needle machines can be run with a single needle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ogoki Report post Posted January 31, 2018 (edited) I do it all the time on my twin-needle flat bed and post bed machines. The only drawback to the twin-needle post machine is that the post is twice as wide and can be a little restrictive if you are running certain shapes over the post (e.g. the tightly curved heel of a boot upper). Edited January 31, 2018 by Ogoki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
R8R Report post Posted February 1, 2018 I had a double need Juki 1560 and was strongly warned by a reputable shop against running it single needle. The explanation was they are designed to handle the stresses balanced across both needles and running it single loads the stresses laterally to one side and can lead to uneven wear on the needle bar, bushings, etc. Aside from that the presser feet are crazy wide and a pain in the ass to sew assemblies with narrow allowances. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ogoki Report post Posted February 1, 2018 I can't imagine that uneven wear of parts would be a concern in a hobby setting... or that the needle bar would feel the difference, except maybe in the unlikely event of a single needle mounted on a really wide gauge set... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gunnarsson Report post Posted February 1, 2018 Well... It doesn't seem like a very good idea to run for example a Singer 112 at the maximum 2" separation between the needles (if I recall correctly), and then only using one needle while sewing something tough close to the machines maximum capacity, there would be quite a bit of leverage on the needle bar etc. But set for perhaps 1/4" or 1/2" width I doubt there would be a problem. Sure, somewhat uneven load, but nothing crazy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handstitched Report post Posted February 2, 2018 (edited) G'Day, I have a Seiko STW 28-B . It was a twin needle, but I haven't had the need for a twin needle set up. ( The machine was pretty much given to me ) . I use the Consew 226 manual for this as they are very similar . 28-B manuals are hard to find. I've had it for at least 6 years . I use mine mainly for horse rug repairs, canvas work, shade sail repairs etc. and medium leathers using industrial strength threads and suits my needs . Its regularly serviced and it works fine . Had no issues with any imbalance or uneven wear . Its 51 years old. Its a bit hard to see, but if you zoom in , you can see the ' twin needle bar' but its set up with a single needle. Hope this helps HS Edited February 2, 2018 by Handstitched Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
