Mercury 280L/ Thread size & needle size

[KatGil]

Hello! I just bought an industrial sewing machine. It’s a Mercury 280L. I was wondering if anyone has experience with this particular machine? I was hoping to use a #138 thread because I like the way it looks for bags and purses, does anyone know if this machine will tolerate that size of thread? Also should I use a #22 or #24 needle? Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated, I have always just hand stitched leather so this is all new to me. Thank you!

[chrisash]

I would suggest size 22

[KatGil]

Thanks for your input. So the machine would be able to handle #138 no problem? 

Would you use a different thread for the bobbin? Or could I use #138 as well?

[KatGil]

Annnnnnyone?

[dikman]

A quick search turned up this -

Have you googled for a manual?

[R8R]

This machine if spec'd same as the orig Juki will take up to a 24 needle, (standard size for it is 23). That, with proper tuning should handle up to 138 thread in the needle. Can speak to the bobbin as I've never ran one of these.

[brmax]

It probably should only be used for very light duty sewing. In a bit of search you may find this, sorry. So probably wise to use small threads in any case.