Wizcrafts

Yes, you must move the bobbin winder so it fits under the hand wheel, which drives it. There is a drive release lever on the hand wheel that lets you load the bobbin without driving the shuttle or top end. You can use the front mounted tension disks to tension the bobbin thread while winding them. Otherwise, those disks can be used for darning.

Perhaps your bobbin is out of round and is binding intermittently. Or, maybe the top thread is twisting out of the tension disks then back in. Check the thread path and quality along the path. Also, make sure you are using the proper needle and thread combination [Reference]

Here are 3 manuals covering various sub-classes of the Adler CLass 30. I think that the 30-15 is a short arm, large bobbin model that probably uses System 332 needles. Those are similar to the Singer 29x3 and 29x4 patcher needles. Nowadays, most of us use System 135x16 and 135x17 needles that have a cutout scarf above the eye, I have a 30-7 that uses a longer System 332LLG needle. I don't think your machine uses those needles. adler_30_-10-50-70.pdf Adler_30_Instruction_Manual.pdf adler30servicemanualpdf.pdf

I already have a straight stitch machine for light work. But, if I didn't, I'd look at a Consew or Juki straight stitch machine (like the DLN-5410NJ-7). Since I don't sew very fast, I would look at a manually oiled machine rather than a self oiled model. You might also consider a top and bottom feed walking foot machine, maybe even a portable walikng foot machine.

I sometimes use a 1920s Singer 31-15 straight stitch machine for flat, thin sewing work, like wallet interiors, pants hems, linings, and other thin leather jobs under 4 ounces. It is a drop feed only machine that takes all manner of presser feet, including an actual roller foot. I limited mine to #69 bonded and under. Heavier thread usually requires heavier tension and pressure springs and I keep this machine for very light work. Being a tailoring machine with drop feed, there are three different combinations of throat plate and feed dog, ranging from very close narrow teeth to wide spaced out aggressive teeth. The roller foot conversion kit includes an aggressive single row feed dog that fits under the roller wheel, plus a matching throat plate. In effect, this converts a 31-15 into a 31-20 machine which is favored by boot makers doing decorative stitching on boot uppers with thin thread and thin needles. The 31 class uses a Class 15 bobbin that goes inside a bobbin case that pops into the shuttle under a sliding plate on the left side of the needle.

See this page on Ismacs for some details about the Singer class 6 machines.

Apparently, your thread is overly twisty. When I have twisty thread it usually twist clockwise. So, I counter it by threading through to holes in the top post in a counterclockwise direction. If your machine doesn't have a post with two or more holes, wrap the top thread CCW around something along the path. This should counteract the twist and give you enough loop for the hook to pick off. If this is the case, replace the thread ASAP.

Try this manual.

This is but a free hint. Loosen the top and bottom tensions somewhat, then balance the knots to land in the middle. Try your test stitching again and see if the lower tension helps to get equal forward and backward stitch lengths. If so, you've saved a major headache with under body adjustments. Mind you, those still might be necessary if the thread lies too loosely.

Might I offer a suggestion? If your motor is a toaster, instead of buying another one like it, why not cop a boo at the motor I use; the Family Sew FS-550S? It has a simple rotary switch to limit the top speed.

A pedestal stand can be lowered to about the same height as a sit down table. The pedestal has two square pieces that slide and have holes for big bolts to lock the position down. I have sent a question about the ability of the stand to drop down to sitting height to Leather Machine Company. I also asked if they will custom drill and position a pedestal to a customer's desired height. Lowering the table also requires the foot lift chain and motor control rods to be shortened.

Possibly, but it will be very expensive. This has been discussed before on Leatherworker.net. Use our search engine, or search Google like this example: convert pfaff 335 to 4 way feed motion site:leatherworker.net

Zac; FYI, unless you become a member nobody can reply to you via our private messages or email system. Furthermore, all replies to posts in the Help Wanted forum must wait to be approved before being unhidden. You have not provided any contact info either, nor a location.

Ferg, I believe you had a CW, not a CH. The CH is a 441 clone of the Juki TSC-441. Yours is a clone of a Singer 153. http://www.seiko-sewing.co.jp/en/products/cwseries/

I order Singer 29k replacement springs for both large and small shuttles. They fit! In fact, I buy Singer replacement shuttles and bobbins. The Adler 30 series was a high lift clone of the Singer patchers. The longer needles, higher lift and slightly longer stitch length are the main differences I find between my 30-7 and my previous Singer 29k172.

I have a bunch of domed cap rivets in various diameters and bought concave setting tools to match them. I haven't had any problems setting them as long as I use the correct setter. You may have received the wrong setter.

If you can take your pick of all these brands, how many are sold by dealers in your area who can offer parts and service? At least find dealers who speak the same language and will spend time with you on the phone if you have operational problems. When I started buying industrial sewing machines I quickly learned to avoid dealers who did not offer any after the sale assistance. After you gain some hands-on experience with an industrial sewing machine, you can buy online and fix any problems yourself. Just don't do this the first time around. If you have no dealers around, try to find somebody who does upholstery, even boat upholstery, and ask them if they are selling any unwanted walking foot machines. I have done this a few times and scored some really nice machines. Machine brand names I would trust, from your list, if set up first by a dealer, are: Juki, Hightex/Cowboy, Consew/Seiko and Adler. You may be able to find a used Singer walking foot machine in an upholstery shop somewhere. Check boat docks and marine supply shops that might do sail and cover repairs.

Remove the screw and bend the bobbin tension spring down a bit. Reinstall and tighten to tension the thread. Order replacement springs.

If the two photos on the right are the top side, either your top thread is jammed somewhere or the bobbin thread has come out of its position under the bobbin tension spring.

Another way to sew through gummy glue is by running the top thread through a lube pot filled with liquid silicon. It is not 100% foolproof but better than sewing dry. Or, if you don't have a lube pot, use Weaver bonded thread which is heavily lubed already.

A quick Google search revealed many hits for System 135x16 titanium needles for sale in Canada, including these: Ebay.ca

I have some of their bonded nylon thread and it is fine.

You did not say what make and model your sewing machine is. However, if it is a walking foot mahine that uses System 135x16 or 135x17 needles, you should buy tiotanium needles to avoid or reduce gumming up the needle's eye. The same advice applies when sewing through seam tape.

Please don't take this as a professional option, but, couldn't one buy a longer less obscure needle that has the same upper shank diameter as the original and grind the top down until those needles are in time with the hook? This would help fill in the gap where nobody makes a particular system for your old machines but longer ones would fit if trimmed down.

See this sub-forum and my comments where there are several posts about reducing the size of images for posting to forums.