jerolim 7 #1 November 19, 2015 Hi master riggers, I have been using schmetz needles (standard Round point tip) sizes 140-160 for heavy container cordura work. I have noticed on small step wide zigzags needle heats up to the point that it can be bearly touched with finger and it melts upper thread's strand. This results in mess in needle's eye, skipped stitches and upper thread breaking. In normal straight stitches I am going much slower so this problem is not so significant. I tried cooling needle with silicone spray and it helps a little. If I go slow enough and stop after few centimeters (and wait for needle to cool off) stitching looks beautiful. When I remove fabric from machine, and step on it - heating of needle problem disapears. So, I am sure it is due to needle (or upper thread) in cordura friction. Is there any other remedy to this problem ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RiggerLee 61 #2 November 19, 2015 A lot of machines have a little thread guide that holds a peace of foam soaked with lube just above the needle. That's to wet the thread, reduce friction and help cooling. You might be able to add one. In more extreme cases you'll also see then set up with air from a compressor to cool the needle. Think automatic machines like a tacker. Cordura is not normally that bad. Try some of the coated fabrics some time. Rubber coated is hell. LeeLee lee@velocitysportswear.com www.velocitysportswear.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alexg3265 0 #3 November 19, 2015 try a titanum coated version of whatever you're using. I wasnt having issues but i was getting the oil smoke and my needles were getting really really hot and sometimes breaking the upper thread on my zig zag machine. I just happened to run out of one size and ordered the titanium coated ones by mistake. Theyre the gold looking coated ones. supposedly they hold their point better but meh. I have noticed i have to be really rippin now to get it to heat up like it was before. It was a noticeable difference. Sewing toggle tips is where it gets hot... 6 layers of type 4 and hot glue....I was that kid jumping out if his tree house with a bed sheet. My dad wouldn't let me use the ladder to try the roof... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gowlerk 2,266 #4 November 19, 2015 Info on that in this .pdf fileAlways remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
