jumper03 0 #1 February 16, 2006 Okay, after running a few spools of thread through my machine making all kinds of stuff, I now know exactly what I want in a machine. The realization was brought about by the difficulty of something simple - sewing two plys of f111 together. Getting the machine to feed it is a positive, PAIN IN THE ASS. The fact that I only have 1 and a half feed dogs, no needle feed etc etc does not help the situation. So the next machine will have a walking foot, and symmetrical feed dogs. Any tips for coaxing f111 through an old singer? I tried increasing the foot pressure - just ripped the fabric. I tried to decrease the pressure, that sure as hell didn't work....Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,587 #2 February 16, 2006 For practice, you can keep a very small amount of tension on the fabric itself with your hands as you feed it through. Too much, and you can distort the patch, or have the thread end up puckered. But just enough to have the needle go through it rather than pull the fabric down into the hole because it's not feeding fast enough. You need enough presser foot tension to have the stitch length continue to be controlled by the feed dogs and not your hands; that's one of the traps of stretching basically non-stretchy fabric as you sew. Also, make sure that your needles are in good shape. Practice is really where it's at; you start to get a feel for what is too much tension. Keeping tension on the fabric is supposed to be a bad habit, but when working with cheap sewing machines, I found it to work beautifully, and I passed my rigging test with it. Of course, that was when we used bone needles threaded with sinew for the repairs Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marinho 0 #3 February 16, 2006 Hi Steven, I'd like to invite you to come over to our shop. We are located in Chester, SC. It would be a pleasure to help you out and make new friends. Our rigging facilities can handle any kind of repair and also any kind of manufacturing. It could be a great opportunity for us to learn from each other. Cheers,Gus Marinho Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #4 February 16, 2006 Depending on the type machine and throat plate, you should be able to change feed-dogs and plate. Unless, the plate is already set-up for the type feed-dog you need. I had to do that with one of my machines. Also, you might need a wider presser foot. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #5 February 16, 2006 One of the joys(?) of repairing parachutes is that your fabric is usually too thin (F-111) or too thick (multiple layers of Cordura and binding tape) for the machine to feed gracefully by feed dog. So you have to learn how to hand feed fabric through the machine. ALso, you have to maintain enough hand tension on the fabric that the take-up lever does not shrink things. Hand-feeding is an integral skill to machine sewing. Learn it. It is part of the business. Get used to it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 5 #6 February 16, 2006 Regardless of what machine you have it becomes an issue of finesse -- how much control you maintain. I think that you just need practice. Not unlike packing zp. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #7 February 16, 2006 QuoteAlso, make sure that your needles are in good shape. I learned this from an old, and I mean old, rigger. If things are not going well with the machine, your first action is change the needle. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #8 February 16, 2006 Steven, What machine is it? A lot of the time the machine is not setup properly before you buy it. Also the feed dog and needle plate can be changed to a more applicable type. To sew F111, a three row feed dog would be a better choice. It helps keep the sewing centered and creates a better feed. These parts are available and pretty cheap. Less than $15.00 PM sent. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service "The Icarus Service Center'Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leapdog 0 #9 February 16, 2006 I trained under Gus, He can show you how use your existing machine and not have that pain in the ass feeling when sewing F111. You should meet him if you get a chance. Great guy to get to know. Gunnery Sergeant of Marines "I would like it if I were challenged mentally at my job and not feel like I'm mentally challenged." - Co-worker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #10 February 17, 2006 Damion, The feed dog that he has is a leather setup and not intended for thin nylon. I, along with 90 % of the riggers can sew with that setup, but it is not correct. I discourage people from learning incorrect techniques from the start. MEL Skyworks Parachute service "The Icarus service center"Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #11 February 17, 2006 QuoteDamion, The feed dog that he has is a leather setup and not intended for thin nylon. I, along with 90 % of the riggers can sew with that setup, but it is not correct. I discourage people from learning incorrect techniques from the start. MEL Skyworks Parachute service "The Icarus service center" Good advise. It won't cost that much to set it up right. And you can use less Prozak. SparkyMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #12 February 17, 2006 Quote Good advise. It won't cost that much to set it up right. And you can use less Prozak. Sparky and my mom won't think I'm a sailor.... f****** squids....Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #13 February 17, 2006 QuoteDamion, The feed dog that he has is a leather setup and not intended for thin nylon. I, along with 90 % of the riggers can sew with that setup, but it is not correct. I discourage people from learning incorrect techniques from the start. MEL Skyworks Parachute service "The Icarus service center" so the one/half feed dog and foot is for leather? Hell, it's been working fine for almost everythign I sew. Its just the thin nylon that is giving me fits. We've got a local machine guru I'll check with to see if he has the stuff I need to switch out the foot and dogs. I really would like a needle feed though (and I'll put in a brand new needle)Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #14 February 17, 2006 Quote so the one/half feed dog and foot is for leather? Hell, it's been working fine for almost everythign I sew. Its just the thin nylon that is giving me fits. Yes, It would be for leather. I have the parts in house to convert that machine if you wanted to. MEL MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aironscott 3 #15 February 17, 2006 Steve- Using the right machine for the right job is a good idea. My canopy machine is a light duty, high speed, needle feed machine. I think that in a former life it made panties and bras so it smells good too. But having dedicated machines that do the jobs they are designed for is best. Not everyone can find or afford to stock their lofts with everything that they might need so sometimes it is important to have a machine or two that can be flexible enough to do a variety of jobs. Knowing how to set up machines with different feed dogs, feet, foot pressure, etc. just takes a little time and research to learn. Or you can just call Mel every few minutes like I do. Aaron“God Damn Mountain Dew MotherFuckers!” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #16 February 17, 2006 Quote Or you can just call Mel every few minutes like I do. Aaron I'm getting another set of feed dogs from him now....Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #17 February 18, 2006 Aaron, How's the files? MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aironscott 3 #18 February 18, 2006 Mel- That is a golden reference! Thanks for sharing that with me. I owe you one (more). I played with the numbers for a couple of hours the other day, cross referenced it with some of PD's trim charts, some other reference materials and came to the conclusion that you spent some time making that spreadsheet right. I tend to be a bit techincal like you taught me to be. Again Thanks! I'd PM you with with this praise but I hope that those that don't know you can read my testimony to your knowledge........I love you man......I'd like to think that I could come up with that on my own, but I didn't, and you did. Any chance you came up with the B- line length? I'll be your best friend when you do. Blues, Aaron“God Damn Mountain Dew MotherFuckers!” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
