Replacing Canvas Leaders

[mcthirl]

I don't know how long the Millie leaders are.  I made a set for my Ult 2 from cotton duck I bought at Hancock's.  I made the take-up roller leader from 48" wide material, and the top and back roller leaders 36" by buying 72" fabric and cutting it in half.  I then sewed a 1" pocket on the cut edge of the back and top leaders, and on one of the selvege edged o the 48" piece.  I also serged both cut ends of each leader.

 

Why so long, you ask.  Partly because it was simple to size them that way.  No cutting on the take up, and a single cut down the middle for the top and back.  But mostly, I did it that way because I wanted long leaders.  I sit and pin my quilts from the front of the machine. It was a bit of a struggle with the original short leaders.  With a long take-up leader, I can roll out as much leader as I need to comfortably pin.  The excess leader fabric takes up almost no space on my rollers.

 

I used double sided tape to attach my leaders to the rollers.  It allowed me to carefully lay down a straight line of tape - I think I used the seam in the roller as a guide to keep the tape line parrallel to the roller.  After the tape was set on the roller, I removed the tape covering, and carefully stuck the selvege edge of the leader fabric to the tape.  After that was done, I put masking tape down the entire length of the attachment -half on the fabric, half on the roller.  I also put about six or eight strips of masking tape perpendicular to the roller, about 3/4 of the length around the roller.  I did both ends, and several pieces throughout the length.  I added the masking tape to provide additional strength to the joint.  After a while, the masking tape becomes almost permenent, and won't come loose.  Pay attention to the direction the roller turns the leader on so that you don't fold the fabric back over itself when it's rolled, thus putting more stress on the joint.  They've been on nearly 4 years now, and have performed to my satisfaction.  Hope this helps.  Jim

[mcthirl]

Hi Jim

 

Thank you for this, very helpful, I will use your instructions to make my new leaders.

[paintwithbarb]

I just got my first Millie and I was surprised that the leaders was just taped on with regular masking tape.... 

[RitaR]

We used the weld line, and duct taped the leaders to the bar.  We taped both sides.

 

It really wasn't hard to replace them.  But. lol, There were two of us working on them.

 

Rita

[Terrib]

Can the canvas leaders be washed and dried?

 

[jimerickson]

From what I've heard, No.  Shrinkage and distortion being the problem.  I don't have first hand experience however, so I might be wrong.   Best buy a new set.  Jim

[AnyStitch67]

Hello (I'm new) I bought an APQS Ultimate II, used, and have removed and washed the canvas leaders!  Now, I need to remove the old glue and clean the pipes.  I tried using a razor blade knife (carpet cutter type).  Too tedious - the glue does not even flake off, powders.  It would take forever!  Any suggestions?   Then, what solvent to remove traces of glue after scraping the worst of it? 

[dbams]

AnyStitch67, you have tagged on to a post that is almost 4 years old.  You may get a better answer by starting a new post with your question.  Sorry i can answer your question myself.

[Cagey]

I would suggest contacting APQS, and ask them the question.  

 

If you want to get going on the project, you might try isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or brake cleaner.  Just be sure not to drip any of the liquids on the floor, or it may leave a stain.  Best of luck with your project.  

[SueD]

If one of the earlier comments is correct, that the leaders were attached with Liquid Nails, here's some info from the LiquidNails website on removing their adhesives.  

 

For smaller applications:

Step 1.  

You’ll need to soften the adhesive or caulk. To do this, heat the adhesive with an electric heat gun or blow dryer.

Alternatively, you could coat the adhesive with petroleum jelly or mineral spirits for at least 12 hours to a day. Be aware that mineral spirits are not recommended for tub surrounds, vinyl, plastic, painted surfaces, or varnish.

Step 2.

Then scrape the adhesive off using a putty knife, or a flat edge.

Step 3.

Wipe your surface with mineral spirits to remove any remaining residue.

[brandonmane]

On 3/30/2021 at 7:35 PM, SueD said:

If one of the earlier comments is correct, that the leaders were attached with Liquid Nails, here's some info from the LiquidNails website on removing their adhesives.  

 

For smaller applications:

Step 1.  

You’ll need to soften the adhesive or caulk. To do this, heat the adhesive with an electric heat gun or blow dryer.

Alternatively, you could coat the adhesive with petroleum jelly or mineral spirits for at least 12 hours to a day. Be aware that mineral spirits are not recommended for tub surrounds, vinyl, plastic, painted surfaces, or varnish.

Step 2.

Then scrape the adhesive off using a putty knife, or a flat edge.

Step 3.

Wipe your surface with mineral spirits to remove any remaining residue.

What putty knife do you think should be used? Tell me some that i can get for myself that will not scratch and do their job. The best ive been able to find is a high end edc knife and that is no good as a putty knife.