Lassiter Report post Posted January 5, 2015 I recently bought a used Consew 206RB 1 for my leather business. I intend to use it for lighter work like chaps and book covers and the like. I tried to use it a few days ago with 138 size thread. After sewing a couple of inches slowly, the top thread begins to fray and then break. I took it to a local sewing machine shop and after having it for a few days the guy called me and said that the 138 thread was too heavy for the machine. OK, I'll use size 92 thread. I'm having the same problem. How heavy a thread can I use? Anybody have any idea what might be causing my problem? Thanks in advance! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted January 5, 2015 Firstly: The machine will handle 138 thread just fine. Do you have it threaded properly, double check even if you think it is okay. Tensions set wrong. Too small needle for thread you are using. ferg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lassiter Report post Posted January 5, 2015 (edited) Yes sir, it's threaded correctly. I've played with the tension, too. Using a size 22 needle with the 138 thread and a size 19 with the #92 I've checked everything that the thread passes through on the top side of the machine. Anything that looked sharp was polished or replaced. Edited January 5, 2015 by Lassiter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted January 5, 2015 Have you insert the needle correctly? Is it probably the hook tip that "shreds" your top thread when it is going to catch the loop? Try to lower the needle bar a tiny bit. But before you do that check where the hook meets the needle scarf. It should be about 1.6mm above the needle eye. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lassiter Report post Posted January 5, 2015 (edited) I'll check it. Thanks Everything appears to be in spec...... Edited January 5, 2015 by Lassiter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdthayer Report post Posted January 6, 2015 If you’ve put a new after-market center foot on it lately, check for a burr under the bottom where the needle hole was drilled. I had one that the slag didn’t get removed from the thread channel where the stitch line exits the foot to the back.I thought that the thread was fraying at the needle eye, but it was the foot doing it.CD in Oklahoma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted January 6, 2015 additionally, check everywhere that the top thread goes for burrs; the complete thread path from spool, through the guides and tensioners, the needle (I thought 138 used a #23 needle, btw), the foot, the hook, the bobbin case (where it wraps around), and the hole in the needle plate. The machine I have had a slight gouge on the side of the needle plate from where the needle was deflected and hit it. Yes, that was enough to damage the thread. Use a q-tip/cotton swab and lightly rub across all the surfaces, if there's a burr, it should find it. If you have any rough areas in the paint, dress those too. If you find a burr/rough patch, you can lightly file/sand/polish it and that should at least help. Go ahead and plan on opening up the machine to look for burrs, etc. down in the working parts.....and while there, completely clean it. There's more than a few tales of skipped stitches, broken stitches, and NO stitches.....all caused by lint in the shuttle track of some machines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted January 6, 2015 (edited) When this happens on my Consew 206 RB-1, it is almost always due to the needle not being square. If it is just a little bit off, it will shred the thread. It will handle #138 thread all day long, and twice on Sunday. Edited January 6, 2015 by Colt W Knight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tramps Leatherworking Report post Posted January 6, 2015 I have a Consew 227 R-2 and it will not sew 138 thread with a #22 needle, I have to use a #23... I use a #20 for 92 thread. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted January 7, 2015 Tramps, Depending on the thread, a #22 needle is about the smallest needle that will handle #138 thread. We have a 767 Adler here at the plant I work at and we can get #138 to sew on a #22 needle but not always. Depends on the spool of nylon thread. glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tramps Leatherworking Report post Posted January 7, 2015 Glenn, on some machines, and needle/thread combinations it might work ok, mine just doesn't like a 22 needle with 138 nylon, or poly... When I bought my machine, they (Nick-O-Sew) suggested using a #23 with 138 thread. I have tried a #22 because I had some already and it will break the thread. (Your Results May Vary) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lassiter Report post Posted January 18, 2015 It appears to have been my choice of needle sizes. I went to a #23 on the 138 size thread and it stopped the problem. Thanks for all of the suggestions!! Larry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
