Re: Helmet efficacy test

On Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:29:17 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

On 3/25/2025 1:32 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:

On Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:22:55 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
 

A significant amount of sewing time for a $40 retail product.

 
It's not too difficult to make cycling gloves.  However, it does
require some practice and experience.  The problem is that no part of
the glove will lie flat on the sewing machine bed plate.  That means
that fixtures, jigs, attachments and preforms don't work well.  I can
easily find automated glove making machinery, but they're all for blow
molded rubber or for knitted gloves.  The leather palm and knitted
back of the typical bicycle glove do not lend themselves to
automation.  The leather palm can be preformed, but that creates a
problem for store display and packaging, which are best done flat.
<https://www.google.com/search?q=automated%20glove%20making&udm=2>
For me, the problem was making the stitched leather seams inside the
glove reasonably comfortable.  Some of the gloves I've seen don't even
bother with this and simply leave a lumpy seam inside the glove.  I
tried Latex glue instead of stiching, but found that the glue was
messy, aged badly and would not remain very flexible.
 
When all else is likely to fail, machine sewing the gloves, without
automation, is probably best.
 

Right, it certainly is.
>
I have sourced my own private label gloves in three
countries so I'm familiar with the relationship between
pattern and cost. Most cycling gloves are indeed flat which
does lower cost somewhat. Also, less detail = fewer stitches
= lower labor cost.
>
Compare $15~$20 Pakistani cotton-back goatskin cycling
gloves with $140 Italian driving gloves for example:
>
https://www.fratelli-orsini.com/collections/mens-collection/products/arturo-cognac-hand-sewn-italian-crochet-driving-gloves-from-lambskin-leather

I noticed the sewing machine in the above photo:
<https://www.fratelli-orsini.com/cdn/shop/files/Factory-Fratelli-Orsini-Naples-Italy-Gloves-3_ca3eaf4f-0d4c-48f2-898f-988ca9329603_1000x1000.jpg>
I vaguely recall seeing a similar machine in the 1960's, but can't
recall the maker. 

I had to do some Googling to find what is usually used for sewing
gloves.  It's called a "post bed" sewing machine.  The small diameter
post fits nicely inside the glove fingers.  Modern:
<https://www.google.com/search?q=%20post%20bed%20sewing%20machine&udm=2>
and vintage:
<https://www.google.com/search?q=vintage%20post%20bed%20sewing%20machine&udm=2>
I've seen these at trade shows but have never tried to use one.

Yes lamb costs more than goat, but still.  Even at the $120
sale price.

I previously mentioned that I use Wells Lamont 4133 Women's Medium and
Small gloves (because little else will fit my hands) for handling
firewood and machinery:
<https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/workwear-and-safety-gear/work-gloves/7558240>
$10 per pair.  Cheap, but not very durable.


--
Jeff Liebermann                 jeffl@cruzio.com
PO Box 272      http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272
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