Needle System Help / Explanation

[ArtV]

Sooo............ I think I have a problem but that's another conversation. 

I just picked up a Singer 241-11. I know it is not really a leather machine but the price was right and I wanted the table and I'll sew something with it.

In the manual it shows system 88x9 needles for the 241-11 and 16x257 needles for the 241-12 and -13. My machine seems to have the 16x257 needles installed and it seems to sew fine with the limited use I have given it. I bought it from a lady that had been using it for production work up until recently. 

My questions are............ what is the difference between the two systems? Are they interchangeable (they don't seem to be from limited research)? What would have been done to my machine to allow the use of the different needles?

The 16x257 needles seem to be a better needle for me considering that they are called for in the heavier machines. 

Thanks

[sandmanred]

This chart cross references many of the needle systems and includes key dimensions.

http://ismacs.net/needle_and_shank/needle-cross-reference-chart-round-shank.html

Many machines can adapt to different needle lengths by adjusting the needle bar height.  I don't know the limits of your machines or the differences between them.  There's a half a chance you can adjust them to run the same needle.  See what other folks with more experience can chime in with.

[CowboyBob]

No,the 88x1 are shorter & will not work,someone must of adjusted your machine to use the 16x257 which are easier to get & even available with a leather point.

[Constabulary]

Or you try for find a complete new needle bar that can accept 2mm shank needles and then switch to a more common needle like 135x5 or 135x17 (or the like). Thats not impossible but you have to look for them.