The sewing machine

[James MacMillan]

Ok so the last post was in December, but I have something that might be worth while, even if late. Please allow me to contribute my 40+ years of sewing knowledge. Your old metal case, metal gear New Home is a gem. Worth getting service on from a competent modern shop.

Usually "bobbin" problems - a mare's nest under the fabric - is the result of improper threading of the upper thread path. I know it is counter-intuitive, just believe me.

Thread breakage every 30 seconds or so is caused by a couple of things, bad needle, needle installed properly, thread spool on its side when it is supposed to feed off the top of the spool, (like with the cross wound spools common today) or vice versa (as with the traditional straight winds).

The solution to the needle problem is to get a new one and be sure it is installed right. The wrong orientation on the thread spool can be solved with a thread stand. They are $7.00 at the local fabric store. Oh, and sometimes, even with "quality" thread, you can get a bad spool. Try a different spool before looking for a thread stand, it's cheaper.

Good Luck!

First off -

from Sunny Southern California, just outside the back gate of Camp Pendleton!

Now a question - or request. Please give more information about the thread stand. My wife, who is an accomplished quilter and my neighbor who is a very good seamstress, haven't heard of this.

[cacunn]

Now a question - or request. Please give more information about the thread stand. My wife, who is an accomplished quilter and my neighbor who is a very good seamstress, haven't heard of this.

James
Check this link to Joann's Fabrics I think it is what SheScot is talking about

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd12768

[James MacMillan]

James
Check this link to Joann's Fabrics I think it is what SheScot is talking about

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd12768

OK - Thanks. Both my wife and neighbor use much smaller spools, and I guess that's why they didn't recognize the item.

[berserkbishop]

Sew. . . .or not. Anyway, I am getting irritated with my complete incompetence on anything to do with sewing. In my life, there really hasnt been anything that I have put my mind to that I wasnt able to accomplish, but this sewing machine is like rocket science to me! If I cant handle this what makes me thing I can make it as a NUKE? I have taken it to a shop where I hoped to get help, but the people seemed to only be knowledgeable on "their machines." I am not going to go out and drop $100+ on a new machine when I have one that would work fine if someone with some know-how tinkered with it. . . . Oh why oh why does Grams live so far away? Ok, I am done ranting. After not being able to figure out how to wind a bobbin (that is what the little spool is called right?) I have called it quits until I can find someone who can give me an in person tutorial.

BB

[SteveB]

BB,
You will be a great Nuclear Engineer. You may be a little frustrated at the moment with a very old fashioned form of mechanical engineering. Be assured that if you can master this minor problem at some time before your trip to boot camp, it will be to your advantage. May I suggest talking with some of the young ladies in your neighborhood? They may be able to help you learn the sewing machine and its weirdisms. While in the Air Force, I took my machine with me after basic training. It was a great money maker as I was able to quickly sew insignia on uniforms for men and women on my base.
I became very popular, and had a great time.

[berserkbishop]

Here are a few pics of the contrapion. I think I messed up the tensioner when trying to adjust it. . . .

[Pleater]

Your machine shares some features with my own - to wind a bobbin you place it on the small spindle on the top at the right hand side.

The spool of thread is placed on one of the plastic spindles on the platform behind the casing. It will flow more easily on the one with the red felt disk as that is a friction reducing device. The thread is led around the metal tensioner, which is at the back mounted slightly above the case level, and brought to the bobbin. A couple of windings around the bobbin will have the thread ready for loading - as long as you wind it the right way. Winding the wrong way results in it being flicked off when you try to start the process.

The trick now is to discover the control which disconnects the motor from the needle and transfers it to the bobbin winding spindle. When the bobbin is full it will be pushed out of winding mode by the shiny metal over filling preventer.

On mine to get into winding mode you simply put sideways pressure on the spindle so it slides to the right with a reasuring click, but on yours there seems to be a button nearby which could perhaps be involved. It could be to engage, or release the bobbin winding mode. Try a few presses and pokes - it won't do any harm - trust me on this - if you exert only gently pressure and have your brain engaged.

The wire guide on the tensioner needs to be rotated clockwise so it is on the other side of the disks about where the numbers 1 and 2 are in the photograph. It is under tension when in the correct position, and you must have released it when fiddling - try to repeat what you did the first time and look for rotational possibilities.

The metal pillar and collar on top of the machine to the left is to control the pressure on the sewing foot. If you open the inspection cover part of the casing on the left - it is hinged at the back and rotates around the vertical so you can change bulbs and clean/oil the mechanism - you will be able to see the spring coiled around the vertical rod. Pressing the pillar increases the pressure, the further down the greater the pressure. Pressing the collar at the base of the pillar releases the pillar and it will rise to the highest position and lowest spring pressure.

You see how the base of the machine is mounted within its case? There is a case coloured clamp at the front right, if you rotate that you will be able to tilt the entire machine backwards on the shiny metal hinges (being careful not to have it collide with anything that might break the spool holding spindles etc) and clean/oil the mechanism beneath the machine. Check the clamp is engaged before moving or using the machine or it could tilt unexpectedly.

Its not rocket science - you can do it.