x minit uk Posted November 2, 2006 Report Share Posted November 2, 2006 Some how managed to stitch the upper today whilst stitching some leather soles on, I have managed to remove the stitches and cover up as best I can. Does anyone know of a good way of hiding/disguising these things when it happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alxfer Posted November 2, 2006 Report Share Posted November 2, 2006 Know how you feel. I did it twice. The first time just after I started up I managed to put two stitches into the upper. I used a warmed wax stick rubbed into the damage and it hid ok. It was on the inside. The second time I was not so lucky. Couldn't hide the damage and held my hand up. I don't do things by half as they were 15 year old hand made jobs. Customer was great about it and was happy to take the cost of the through sole and heel as compensation. Hope you get success or an understandng customer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auto Key Wizard Posted November 2, 2006 Report Share Posted November 2, 2006 Keep stitching the rest of the shoe & do the other to match then tell him you created a lovely pair of brogues Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted November 3, 2006 Report Share Posted November 3, 2006 1. Glue down any little flaps of leather 2. Use 240 grit wet and dry (dry) and gently sand the area to get rid of any feathered edges. 3. Fill any holes which remain with either wax or SUPERGLUE (ouch incoming) 4. Re-sand 5. use your standard edge colour to cover the area 6. Use kiwi parade gloss, apply thickly and use a WET duster and work in small circles untill you achieve a nice shine. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted November 3, 2006 Report Share Posted November 3, 2006 1. Glue down any little flaps of leather2. Use 240 grit wet and dry (dry) and gently sand the area to get rid of any feathered edges. 3. Fill any holes which remain with either wax or SUPERGLUE (ouch incoming) 4. Re-sand 5. use your standard edge colour to cover the area 6. Use kiwi parade gloss, apply thickly and use a WET duster and work in small circles untill you achieve a nice shine. Lee Good post that Lee, thats exactly what we would have done. People might scoff at the super glue thing, but it hardens off the area so you can sand it down. Prevention is the best cure though, If you have a machine that often stitches the upper, it might be that you need to sharpen the awl at a different angle, so that it doesn't keep pulling the job in towards the machine. Or the awl may just need replacing. You may be surprised at the difference at re-angling the awl may have. The table may be worn also, that may need replacing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x minit uk Posted November 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2006 Great advice chaps, the super glue and sand it was the way I went and it pretty much covered it up. UK900 you are right about the awl, this morning I had to stitch a pair and although I managed to get round ok somethong did not feel right so I checked out the awl, it was slightly bent and the tip was very blunt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r.steph Posted November 4, 2006 Report Share Posted November 4, 2006 Superglue good idea.You learn something everyday.Ive ued stickwax in the past,seems its in short supply nowadays.Birch said they dont stock it now.Best way to avoid stitching the upper is to stuff cloth or paper inside to firm them up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted November 4, 2006 Report Share Posted November 4, 2006 UK900 you are right about the awl, this morning I had to stitch a pair and although I managed to get round ok somethong did not feel right so I checked out the awl, it was slightly bent and the tip was very blunt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted November 6, 2006 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 Good advice UK900 and some I may have given myself had I been quick enough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windycity Posted November 6, 2006 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 hi chaps i had probs with stiching uppers but made a guard out of trophy alu,channged the table also as I believe some pull the shoe in to the machine more than others, if you change the angle of your awl or make then i belive you mighyt also need to change your needle to suit, your'll have to check with keith or peter on this. I changed the table 15 years ago and added the guard and have not had to worry about uppers since then but my machine is really old so not up on new ideas or parts, i hope this is of some use. kind regards Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted November 6, 2006 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 I agree with Hugh, But I don't believe that a gaurd is needed if the machine is set up properly. I've just brought a Newish goodyear off a guy who couldn't get on with it, and preferes to blake all his soles on He had made a Guard for it... The first thing I did was take it off and make a few small adjustments and the thing is perfect. No stitching of the uppers. Just another thought... Sometimes it can be the operator, I remember training my son, He used to force the shoe into the machine too much when approaching the instep. There is a knack to outsole stitching, just like most things. If the machine is in good working order and set up correctly & the operator lets the machine do the work, instead of leaning into the machine like their trying to get an elephant into a mini. then you'll never stitch an upper. When I used to work for Mr T many moons ago, one guy in our shop would stitch the upper on a regular basis..... I never had a problem with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I concur. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlsdoncobbler Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 ever since this was posted the other day each time i stich a pair i think about it, quess what last 3 stiches on a pair of cowboy boots straight up on the upper not done this for years no real damage done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 Making sure that the Scotch edge is in the correct place helps. In addition, using a 'block' table, as on the K&B machines, can be helpfull for some. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh-Candoit (ENG) Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 Making sure that the Scotch edge is in the correct place helps. In addition, using a 'block' table, as on the K&B machines, can be helpfull for some.Keith Very important point Keith and has been overlooked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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