Needles for 29K171 thread injector

[MagicPaddler]

I recently received a 29K171 for helping a friend. After a little cleaning and oiling I took a thick terry cloth towel and folded it so it was 4 layers thick. It sewed that with ease. I have used it on a couple of projects but on the last job I pulled on the fabric and made the needle miss the hole in the needle plate. That was my only needle. I have found some internet locations that sell parts but would like suggestions on places where people have gotten good service. Also what size needles should I get? I use the machine for heavy cloth and have not used it for leather. It has a electric motor and a homemade clutch and a crank but I would like a variable speed motor for it. Do you have any suggestions as to a source for low cost low speed variable speed motors?

[GT]

Nice Moshin! What size needle is in it?
Try here > Singer 29 class >>> http://www.cutexsewingsupplies.com/s...les/Categories
I get a lot of my needles and parts from these guys and have never had an issue with them. Fast shipping and they will answer your phone calls everytime.
Far as Motors, I bought (3) 1HP servo motors off a guy on Ebay for about $150 ea.
You can slow them down to nothing or by turning a dial, make them take off like a squirrel on crack.

[VictoriaGuy]

I'm not familiar with that machine, but a quick search seems to show that the needles are common:
29x4
29x3

There are quite a few suppliers who list those needles, so you should be able to find them, though not at the local fabric store, I think.

About the motor: a lot of folks are retrofitting industrial sewing machines with servo motors to replace the clutch motors. eBay seems to have listings - I was checking them out a few months back.

You've got a few more things to type into the search engine now!

Good luck!

[GT]

I think you should just sell it to me for short money and forget about all those motors and needles and such.

[MagicPaddler]

Thanks for the information. The 29X3 needle comes is in size 16 through 24. I will take some measurements of my broken needle and then give them a call.
I like the old thing and it does come in handy sometimes so it is not for sale.