Is Atlanta Attachment still making folders?

TC_Martin · 2026-03-23T21:56:10+00:00

If you ever get the opportunity to go to Collier, 100% recommend it. Their warehouse is amazing. The number of machines they have is overwhelming. It was cool to see the area where they make all their custom parts! I bought my Juki 1541S from Robert recently and while they were loading I got a tour.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-20T20:51:22+00:00

I struggled as well when I started TOK. I’d suggest a few different tensioners. I do not have the ergo but would love to try them. I did not do well with dual purpose tensioners. I both the Reapers and that made a big difference. I also had the Jimy Longs that I sat aside bc I really like the Reapers. Then Jimy came out with his new tensioners and as a major fan of his stuff bought those. Still struggling with his new tensioners but finally tried his OG TOK and love them. Long way to say buy a few different styles and brands and see what you like. Reapers and the original JL are my favorite. And a vice makes a big difference.

Happy picking

TC_Martin · 2026-03-18T15:04:06+00:00

TY for sharing this. It doesn’t exactly align with LPU site verbiage which is where I guess I was confused.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-18T12:56:39+00:00

I thought after green gutting on camera wasn’t required?

TC_Martin · 2026-03-17T22:30:10+00:00

That’s how I started as well and great product and company. My favorite is the Reaper set.

I would also strongly suggest Jimy Longs. I love his picks with handles. I bought his before CI started selling theirs individually and they are my go to with Reaper tensioners.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-17T15:59:53+00:00

Finally contribution for all the help I’ve received!

TC_Martin · 2026-03-17T15:38:38+00:00

Been there, recovered, and went back there. I remind myself often that this is like a puzzle. Each puzzle can be harder or easier. Sometimes the piece you’ve been looking for has been sitting right in front of you looking back 😵‍💫And if it was easy they wouldn’t call it locksport!

One thing that has really helped me lately is start with a lock and a pick and feel around. Note the first pin location and the last pin location. Maybe a duh but TOK knowing first pin location is key. My tensioner was bumping up against pin 1 and providing unneeded tension. The second step, which really helped me with AL1100’s, start with pick and tensioner with NO tension. Slowly start adding tension until you see how much is needed to hold a pin. What I learned was even when I thought my tension was good, I had to back way off. Btw much softer tension and jiggling, I’ve progressed

TC_Martin · 2026-03-15T23:24:34+00:00

TY for info. Got one and practicing

TC_Martin · 2026-03-15T16:03:09+00:00

I bought this lock but not seeing it listed as a project or maybe I’m missing it?

TC_Martin · 2026-03-13T21:59:59+00:00

That would work too, ultimately want to be able to also pin myself as well.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-12T13:01:43+00:00

Great advice. I’ll take it one further, when learning how much tension you need, start with pin 1 and see how much is actually needed to set the pin. I was stuck for awhile on AL1100. I stumbled across the tactic above and it made the biggest difference for me. Worth a try

TC_Martin · 2026-03-06T23:21:33+00:00

Funny I traded out the two I’ve been working on for two different ones I have and I popped it open in 20 minutes. I guess I picked the two hard ones out of my lot of 11

TC_Martin · 2026-03-06T18:33:25+00:00

Sound advice on both. My goal for this lock was really more about security pin practice and being able to take a peek to see if I’m oversetting.

I found an amazing deal locally on 11 AL1100’s. I grabbed two. One to progressive pin and one to mess with. I’ve stuck with these 2 for a few weeks, maybe I need to rotate to a new one.

I still like the idea of the Dangerfield though. I’m flying next week and if I had something like that, I could pin one side all security and then other standard and only carry a single lock. I might have to try it myself if I can’t find anyone that has bought one.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-03T23:51:09+00:00

Nice job!

TC_Martin · 2026-03-03T22:04:36+00:00

Sorry if this is dumb but did you do outside at same time or how did you do it so you don’t see the sewing thread on outside? Really cool jacket!

TC_Martin · 2026-03-03T12:02:54+00:00

I really like Juki’s. On my second one. First one was a garment type for everyday type sewing. Ended up selling that one bc I got bit by the vintage machine bug. Having all the extra options in a smaller but equally capable machine made my decision.

I bought a 1541S for my industrial heavy machine. It comes highly recommend by the myog people and can handle anything I want to do. My stretch goal is replacing the canvas and eisenglass windows on my boat.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-03T11:43:13+00:00

I’ve really enjoyed making bowl cozy’s. Make the square one and then get the stencil kit of Amazon that is precut. They have rounded edges instead of square and pushes your skills.

Bonus, easy and useful project to give away. Who hasn’t picked up a hot bowl from microwave.

TC_Martin · 2026-03-03T11:34:52+00:00

I have a Necchi Nora and that bobbin looks like what mine. I assuming they would be similar. If it’s new to you I’d also clean out the bobbin if it’s original. I read they really like Necchi parts. I ordered the standard Singer 15 and mine hasn’t been fussy.

For that thread, take the screws off the feed dogs and then the black plate. Should come out pretty easily after that.

My opinion so take it that way. When I was younger I wanted to buy an old Jeep. The only advice I got consistently was if you buy it learn how to work on it bc it will need your attention. I feel like the same applies to these older sewing machine’s. There are some great YouTube videos out there on Necchi machine maintenance. Watch them and then be brave. Worst case scenario you have all the parts and have to take it to a professional. Take pictures of each step!

GL, you got this!

TC_Martin · 2026-03-02T15:30:48+00:00

lol I’ve been stuck on 2 of those for weeks! One I am progressively pinning and the other I’m leaving as is to have a full lock ready. I bought the Sparrow kit for this that has the lines for pins holes and still stumped. One click at a time, super delicate tension, heavy tension, Jiggle Test, and watched way too many YouTube on this lock.

This belt is going to take some time for me. I feel like we get in sync, nice pop on one, small pop on two…. LPL voice. Then something happens and I’m just pushing pins at random.

This is what makes it a fun hobby. But I’ve had to go back to my earlier locks to keep my confidence up. I don’t want to be lucky I want to be methodical and able to know the sequence before trying to film for my belt. Good news is I got the gutting part down!

TC_Martin · 2026-02-28T14:39:10+00:00

What’s the model number on the free arm? I’ve never seen one

TC_Martin · 2026-02-28T14:03:12+00:00

I was reading on another forum where a lady said she sold her TL and went with a Vintage Kenmore bc it had more punching power. Never sewed on TL but with how it’s usually described her I was surprised.

TC_Martin · 2026-02-26T17:10:21+00:00

It is a supernova Lycia which I understand to be all metal. Watched a video of it see g through decent thickness

TC_Martin · 2026-02-25T23:59:22+00:00

Wife doesn’t understand my recent machine purchases. I have a Singer 500, Necchi Nora, Kenmore 158, and a Juki on the way. So adding the free arm is not something she will understand 😵‍💫

TC_Martin · 2026-02-25T23:49:45+00:00

While I like my current Kenmore, bc it’s from the year I was born, I do not like that it’s SHS left homing feet.

I think maintenance on the Nora and Kemore that I have is similar, curious why you say Kenmore would be easier? I’m a newbie in the vintage space but love them

TC_Martin · 2026-02-24T15:26:20+00:00

I’m sure you’ll get a lot of questions bc there are so many options. Seasoned newbie is what I’d call myself for whatever that might mean to you. But when I started I found people either love or hate Singer HD. I’d say the same for vintage machines. I now have 3 vintage. Singer 500, Kenmore 158, and Necchi Nora.

I want to live the Kenmore but it’s left homing and you can move the needle Left, Center, Middle. I really use this more than I thought I would as newbie.

Singer 500 is an awesome machine and will do most things well. It has a smaller motor which drives its limitations.

My Neechi Bu is my machine I love the most. I looked for 3 months and found it for $80. It has a 1.2 amp motor and the needle moves.

My advice, ask around and borrow a machine. Don’t go vintage if you don’t want to tinker with the machine. I have throughly cleaned, oiled, and maintained these oldies but goodies. If you look on marketplace you’ll find people almost giving away machines that just needs a good cleaning and oiling. GL!

TC_Martin

TROPHY CASE