The Upholstery Forum

I'm making a top for my 1932 Ford roadster using pinpoint vinyl convertible top material. I've had no problem plowing thru several layers of the vinyl using my Consew 226 but when it comes to the back window problems arise. I did a test of three layers of vinyl and a sample of the 40 gauge DOT plastic window material. Every so often the machine will "thud" telling me it's not happy with that much vinyl/plastic. Is there something I can do such as oil the needle to help it slide thru? Should I continue and try to ignore the thuds or will it eventually brake the machine?

I don't have any experience with this but my first thought is maybe a leather needle?

Not sure how hard the plastic for your window is, sounds like it might be harder than normal plastic used in upholstery. Most plastic in upholstery like j-clips is somewhat soft. I believe veg tan leather is harder than most plastics in upholstery.

What size needle are you pushing through it?

The thud maybe from not having momentum, how fast are you sewing this?

Thread is polyester size 138 and needle is, as I remember a 130. Machine has been converted to servo. Plastic is not hard so much as thick. Sewing thru two layers of vinyl and the window is no problem but add a third layer of vinyl is when the problem starts.

Jammie I took your advice and increased the speed. The machine hummed right thru everything nicely.