Outsole stitch- channel

[abababa]

Hi guys,

With business more likely to be slower over the next 12 months I thought I would try and hone my outsole stitching.  I wasnt trained on these and have been talking customers into rubber soles or turning them away.  Got my 100 year old junker doing a good stitch but the channel looks messy. Is a new cutter needed? Is there any way to clean that up without tarnishing the surrounding leather?   What is the process after you channel? How to make it look tidy? Thanks

 

[Auto Key Wizard]

Try wetting the sole first, stitch then hammer the channel closed

[abababa]

Simple as that! Thanks for the advice. 

[Flash]

5 minutes ago, abababa said:

Simple as that! Thanks for the advice. 

Also need to apply adhesive before laying the channel.

[Michael Attard]

Hi

 

I also wet the sole before I stitch them I use a bone to smooth out the groove,

Run the bone the opposite direction you stitch to close it comes out beautiful

[petercoulson]

Try grooving with the direction of the blade and don't pull the shoe against it

[abababa]

15 minutes ago, petercoulson said:

Try grooving with the direction of the blade and don't pull the shoe against it

I have tried this.  I find i cant control the channelling and it keeps jumping ahead despite my best efforts.

[Ian platt]

Make sure you keep the sole flat and not at an angle  make I tend to make 2 passes one light to make sure the channel is right  then second to get the full depth  your old machine  looks like it’s stitching well !

[abababa]

Thanks for the advice all.  It is stitching good.  It takes a bit to get used to as you have to stitch the sole without looking at the channel. 

I'm getting the hang of it slowly.