[Balloon-makers] Singer Oiling and Gremlins

[cpack]

Norm and Adam,
Agreed. I use a light mineral oil.I still believe some gremlins can swim in
oil ! Most of us seem to have a set ritual when our machine begins acting
up. My ritual is:
Needle - bent, dulled, orientation.
Thread - path, obstruction, condition, tension.
Lubrication - oil and wax
Operator - right technique, skill, method
Mechanics - hooks, timing, loose stuff
Sometimes ,even with the attention to the above, the machine and I squabble
about until one of us wins. My head tells me it is a mechnaical device
governed by the laws of physics but my heart can't keep from addressing it
as "the old girl". This Singer, with 60 plus years of experience, makes me
the junior member of this balloon sewing team. Part of the Zen of balloon
crafting I guess.
Are you guys getting ready to work on any fall/winter projects?
Fly safe,
Curtis
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Adam Barrow" <Adam.Barrow at Beonic.com>
To: <balloon-makers at taleos.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2007 7:23 PM
Subject: RE: [Balloon-makers] Propane tanks and sewing machines


> Hi Curtis, I agree with Norm.
>
> I have a singer 212, and I have to drown it in oil to stop the
> shredding.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: balloon-makers-bounces at taleos.com
> [mailto:balloon-makers-bounces at taleos.com] On Behalf Of Norm Best
> Sent: Wednesday, 8 August 2007 8:55 AM
> To: cpack; Paul Vincent Craven; balloon-makers at taleos.com
> Subject: Re: [Balloon-makers] Propane tanks and sewing machines
>
> Curtis          On your older Singer . it might be , not enough 3 in 1
> oil
> on the ball bearing , you really have to drown it .      Just a thought
> .
> Norm
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "cpack" <cpackdo at citynet.net>
> To: "Paul Vincent Craven" <paul at cravenfamily.com>;
> <balloon-makers at taleos.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2007 9:16 AM
> Subject: Re: [Balloon-makers] Propane tanks and sewing machines
>
>
> > Hello Paul,
> > I have a newer single needle Yamata that I am well pleased with. My
> double
> > needle is a 1930 - 40s Model Singer which I both love and hate. When
> it
> > runs
> > smooth it is a joy to sew with. When the gremlins are active it
> shreads
> > thread and tensions change by the minute.
> > Big hooks allow longer continuous seams without the hassle of changing
> mid
> > seam. Sewing smaller balloons ( gores 50 - 55 feet or so ) it isn't a
> > problem but longer gores can run short on thread.
> > I  was able to get a look at one of the small composite tanks at XLTA
> > Amherst this year. Zach brought a tank minus the plastic outside
> frame.
> > The
> > capacity may be smaller but three could be used if weight is not a
> > critical
> > issue. I have found it is much easier to deal with multiple lighter
> tanks
> > rather than one larger tank. We strive to keep each component
> "liftable"
> > by
> > one person.
> > Be aware that some tanks are not tapped for multiple service ( liquid
> and
> > vapor) and so alternate means may be needed ( i.e. using a combined
> liquid
> > and pressure relief valve ( such as the Sherwood PV3250ALG)  and using
> the
> > pressure relief port for a vapor service valve.Composite tanks are an
> > exciting development in ballooning.
> > Fly safe,
> > Curtis
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Paul Vincent Craven" <paul at cravenfamily.com>
> > To: <balloon-makers at taleos.com>
> > Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 8:03 PM
> > Subject: [Balloon-makers] Propane tanks and sewing machines
> >
> >
> >> Hi, a few questions:
> >>
> >> Has anyone tried the composite tanks yet? I can only find them up to
> >> 33 lb / 8 gallon. I'm used to flying 10 gal tanks. I'm debating the
> >> merits of smaller composite tanks vs larger steel ones.
> >>
> >> Second question, seen any good sewing machines on the market lately?
> >> I'd prefer a used one probably. Split-needle bar would be nice. Any
> >> opinion on these brands? I've used Adler before, but they are out of
> >> business.
> >> Juki
> >> Artisan
> >> Highlead
> >> Yamata
> >>
> >> Are big hooks better?
> >> _______________________________________________
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> >>
> >
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> >
>
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