Hi. I’m visiting from the woodworking world, hoping someone here can help with a hand needle question.
I’ve got a woodworking scratch awl handle designed for a replaceable tip that resembles a needle without the eye (the company’s out of business, so I can’t just order a new tip). The collet that takes the tip requires a very specific size – 3/32″, or 0.09375″. It occurred to me that there might be a hand needle the right size, but I’ve had trouble getting specific information on needle dimensions.
What I’m looking for will be 3/32″ for at least an inch, tapering to a sharp point, and as long as possible up to 3-5″. Can anyone tell me if there’s a hand needle that has those dimensions?
Thanks for your help.
Bill Houghton
Replies
Bill-- I immediately thought of leather needles. Try looking at the first needle here :
http://www.csosborne.com/needle_1.htm "Spring Eye Straight"
Hope this helps.
Annie in Wisconsin, USA
~~Doodlestein Designs Quilt Patterns
~~Finely Finished: Machine quilting worked on a treadle sewing machine.
See patterns, quilting, and National sewing machines at: http://community.webshots.com/user/damascusannie
Edited 8/22/2008 11:46 am by damascusannie
Look at this site and you can see some of the needles that are out there. I do not know what the diameter would be on any of these, but you might.
http://www.thefind.com/qq-craft%20needles/dd-267503448266225/category-craft_supplies
type in dollmakers needles for some longer needles
Edited 8/22/2008 5:28 pm by sewelegant
Rather than a sewing needle, maybe you should take a look at a potter's pick. It's very close to the size you describe, and it's tough enough to hold up to woodworking. The potter's pick has a tubular wood handle, and it's fairly easy to pull the metal pick out of it. Art supply and ceramics studios sell them for a couple of dollars each.
Another source might be a mechanic's pick--again, strong and available in various sizes. I doubt if either option has published specs available, but it's worth a shot.
Have you checked into Lee Valley Tools? That sounds like the type of woodworking tool they would be carrying, or something like it. http://www.leevalley.com If not, it is a fun site to look at. They may even be able to direct you to a replacement. If it is the kind of woodworking tool they can get into themselves, they will manufacture it. Cathy
Edited 8/25/2008 8:23 am ET by ThreadKoe
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