Yes indeed I do and I've two gadgets, depending on the job in hand.
Recently did some mods on a sail foot, re-roping and adding more reinforcing patches.
If you use multiple threads, especially those well waxed, there is quite a bit of extra friction to overcome when drawing the thread through.
Up to 4 threads , the needle can be easily pulled through with a smooth-jaw scrolling plier....this tool is also very handy for passing the oversize needles.
Once you find yourself having to use even more threads, (the reason for proper needles having such a lonnng eye), neither they or the needles will easily pass through multiple layers of such weight canvas s'...so their entry must be pre-started with a suitable size pricker.
To tension up such multiple threads (roping work). the best device is a stitch-heaver.
Real heavers were a T section of steel or smooth hard wood, often fluted along the length , though mostly square section if made in hardwood...
You take several winding turns of the thread bundle, around the long section and then just keep on turning the handle to reach the tension needed.
The original heaver, would often have a dimple at the long end, this was to engage the head of the needle and enable it to be pushed through the entry hole, where access by hand was impeded.
Another way of tensioning, is to make a small version of a heaving mallet ....and this is very much the speediest option.
That sail I worked on, had 12 layers of Duradon at tack and 8 to 10 along the foot and , for a thread for use in this region, I stripped down some Polyester mooring line and used the single 3 or 3.2 mm filament.
The drawing -through of the needle with scrolling pliers, though smooth jawed, does leave minor marks which are easily smoothed down with
0001 wire wool.
I have never been enthusiastic about the extended collar that is found on a proper Roping palm, as a means of hauling tight the stitch by , effectively , strangling the root of my thumb.
Finally, longtime sewing of heavy canvas, causes an inevitable diagonal scar on the tip of the forefinger, .......get yourself a finger stall of the type used by fishermen who cast beach rods and use a fixed-spool reel to do so. These stalls are made of tough stuff which prevents the deep cuts made by the ultrathin superstrong lines that cut through bare fingers as easily as a cheesewire through Cheddar.
Regards All
Ceeg
