Needle Bar Which way

[Essex Boy]

???

[XHAZE]

Left or right keep your needles to the bottom of the tube tip. The bar is on top.

[Essex Boy]

???

[ink_freak]

in my experience ive had loops turned both ways so u cant really go by that so make sure ur needles are against the tube and the bar is on top

[Essex Boy]

???

[BigDaddyInks]

in my experience ive had loops turned both ways so u cant really go by that so make sure ur needles are against the tube and the bar is on top

No disrespect ink freak, but I have never seen a needle that doesn't line up proper with the opening on the left when looking at the machine.
probably because I've never bought needles from any other place but one so who knows? just my 2 cents

[XHAZE]

You're right on the money there BDInk. I was lucky enough to become friends with a tool maker. We made tubes from stainless solid rod and some frames copying "87 (ish) Spaulding Rogers Deluxe out of solid blocks of aluminium. We also made some bars but I never gave a thought to the loop gap. I just flattened one side of the bar for needles. Some are left and some are right. I've never had a hassle either way with them but all the disposable bars (stainless) that I've bought are like you say, to the left. Is that just a "way it's done" thing or have I missed something??? :oops:

[BigDaddyInks]

as far as i knew, that was the standard but if ink freak got some that were opposite apparently not all manufacturers are complying with that standard.

[thew750]

Open end to the left. I've used thousands of needles and never seen one to the right, however I do check. Also bend the bar slightly, about 3in down from the eye. not more than an eighth to quarter inch. It will help line your needle with your armature and give your band a place to ride.

[Duger]

Just a thought, the bar should be on top which would put the hoop opening towards the frame. Or am I wrong on this?

[FORGIVEN]

I dont know if its me , ...but are you guys looking down the machine or are you pointing the machine towards you when you check the needle loop ?? I was taught that the opening in the loop should be facing right when you look down the machine (frame then tube)... I could be wrong but ........ :wink: and the needle configuration should ALWAYS be on the bottom !!

[Essex Boy]

???

[thew750]

You got it!!!!!

[Essex Boy]

???

[thew750]

Sometimes the simplest things become complicated. Funny like that!!!

[FORGIVEN]

Hey Essex Boy , you mentioned you been on the forum before the site crashed (got jacked ) , if you dont mind me asking ...what name did you go by ???????????? :wink:

[Essex Boy]

???

[FORGIVEN]

Cool , glad you decided to finally step foward !!

[BattleRoyal]

Open end left when looking at the front of the machine - front being where the nipple/grommet goes.

[EvilOfTheNeedle]

WTF is with all the ?????? Essex boy? its doing my tits in :evil:

[lotsix]

just make sure the damn needle is to the bottom...in the tube. Different manufacturers...and screwed up products could give you different loop openings. The only thing that matters is the needle to the bottom.