SCOUTER Report post Posted February 3, 2008 I lay down a beautiful stitch when going straight. (I know, big deal) The problem is when I get to a corner or have to make a turn. The top of the piece look great (for me)but when I turn the piece over it looks like the tension let up for a few stiches. I was thinking that it could be because as I turn the piece I am drawing slack from the top and when I begin to stich again it takes a few stitches to tighten up. I'm going super slow and not jerking the handle... Thanks for any help! Ok Here is the top Ok Please don't laugh... The bottom... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Randy Cornelius Report post Posted February 3, 2008 Here is what seems to work for me. When I get to a corner I leave the needle all the way down. Lift the pressure of the foot, turn the leather, let off the pressure and continue sewing. Hope this was some help. Randy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drac Report post Posted February 3, 2008 (edited) it looks like you need to adjust both top and bottom tension. it should look the same top and bottom when you do the stitching. plan on spending a day on that like I did and try not to throw things either. *L* also if you didn't get the roller guide, I'd recommend getting it. well worth it. and do like randy said too. Edited February 3, 2008 by Drac Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwc Report post Posted February 4, 2008 That looks exactly like my bottom stitches. I posted about my boss skipping stitches and not being able to use a larger thread. Needle, bobbin and top thread all matched but I just won't catch with the big tread. Do you have to adjust the bobbin and top tension for different threads? I thought I had it going on pretty well till this weekend. I know it's operator error.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TracyMoss Report post Posted February 4, 2008 That looks exactly like my bottom stitches. I posted about my boss skipping stitches and not being able to use a larger thread. Needle, bobbin and top thread all matched but I just won't catch with the big tread. Do you have to adjust the bobbin and top tension for different threads? I thought I had it going on pretty well till this weekend. I know it's operator error.... I have repaired, re-timed, and used alt of sewing machines. Your best bet is to always use one size smaller on your bobbin thread. That way the top thread doesn't have to be so tight to pull the bobbin thread up through. Trust me this is best. Also, the heavier the leather, or thicker, you need to use a LARGER NEEDLE. Just because a needle works on 12 oz. of leather doesn't mean it will perform as well with 24 oz of leather etc. I personally hate the Tippman, they change hand a lot for a reason. But, they are portable and if you do any sort of traveling w/ them (ie. trade shows) I can see where a working one would be somewhat handy. As for turning the leather with the needle down, watch out, you may twist the needle on heavier items and caused pulled or missed stitches. Also with the Tippman, as I have found, you absolutely must engage and fully cycle the lever arm or things go wrong. As far as tension, the Tippman is not near as resilient as other machines. You must readjust if you make a drastic change in thread or material. I hope some of this may have helped. I know it is a little bitter towards the Tippmann, but I do despise them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCOUTER Report post Posted February 5, 2008 Tracy, Thanks very much! I never even considered using a lighter weight thread in the bobbin! Your tips are truly appreciated. As a amateur machinist I have met a few guys who work on/fix sewing machines. They like watchmakers have a unique skill that's hard to "learn". Thanks again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
