Q: How do I prevent spitting with my Sidewinder?

1: Make sure you have sufficient band tension. You can watch the needle through the ink reservoir to see if it’s jumping around.

I prefer using one #28 rubber band.

2: Ensure you have a gentle arc through the needle bar with slightly more bend on the actual needle.

You can also put a slight back angle on the shepherds hook/needle bar loop of the needle bar, so that it sits flush with the back of the nipple when the a-bar is up.

3: Some needles have a larger than normal needle bar loop that causes more slop. crimp the sides of the loop with pliers. this will give a tight fit, yet allow the bar to pivot on the a-bar.

4: If the stroke is too long, it will spit and chew up nipples. Ideal stroke is 3.2-3.5 mm.

This may sound short in comparison to other styles of rotaries, but the stroke is very effective, and shouldn’t be compared to a standard rotary.

I recommend using my hard black nipples with the Sidewinder. I had them custom made to hold up to the stress of the Sidewinder.

Q: My Sidewinder ran great, and now it doesn’t put the line in as easy anymore. What should I do?

A: The main thing that needs re-set is the impact screw on the top/middle of the a-bar. The screw will eventually settle into the frame, and need to be turned in (usually 1/4 turn) to get it back to normal. In most cases, the a-bar will sit parallel with the frame. You will want to close one eye to see that properly.

In addition, I have added timing marks on the cam and frame. you push the a-bar down, rotate the cam until it touches the spring. the line on the cam should line up with the line on the frame. if it’s past, turn the impact screw in.

Sometimes, the stroke knob will get turned on accident.   The longer the stroke, the harder the hit.