Rib Stitch Needle - Homemade

[planecrazzzy]

Hey Guys,
Save your money... These are easy to make...

I made this one with a 308 Stainless Steel welding rod ( TIG )

First , I flattened one end... I used a Ball peen hammer and a Vise.
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[planecrazzzy]

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Next , I used a center punch.... Then drilled a 5/64" hole into the 3/32" rod
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PS Now that I've made more... After I drill the Hole...
I take a slightly bigger bit...and touch the hole.... (Both Sides)
It bevels the edges and takes off the sharp edge.

[planecrazzzy]

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After I drilled it.... I went back to the vise and Ball peen hammer...

Slightly tapping it "BACK" to the round rod....

Which elongated the hole...

Then smoothed it out , removing burrs

[planecrazzzy]

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Smoothing it with scuff pad... I also checked it with a drill bit guide to make

sure the needle went completely through the hole...

[planecrazzzy]

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After... I cut the needle 12 inches long... and semi pointed the other end...

and polishing it smooth with a scuff pad...
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Later, I might bend the end , Like the ones you buy...
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Also, I'll make the curved ones... or what ever I might need...
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Once I use it... I'll see if I need to hollow the thread area...

I should be able to do that with a skinny cut-off wheel...

But I think it'll have enough clearance now...
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Gotta Fly...
JAM
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[planecrazzzy]

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These are working great...

I made a 6 inch straight one for working the Tail easier...

and I'm going the need a 6 inch curved one...
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Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

Something a store bought needle ain't gonna do...

I had to turn my curved needle into something more like a Cork Screw...

It needed to go around a "V" Stringer...
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The Temper in those you buy... won't take this kind of bending...
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Gotta Fly...
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[planecrazzzy]

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Hey Guys,
In this picture you can see the needle takes the Flat Lacing just fine.
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Gotta Fly...
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