Anne Bonnys Locker

Always start with the basics. Is the top end threaded correctly? New needle inserted correctly? Right size needle? Bobbin in the right way? Is your bobbin smoothly wound? Damage to the bobbins? Is the thread feeding freely? Next step is to have a closer look at parts: Any roughness on the shutle? Strip off the tension discs and look for damage to plates or post?

1/ No. In fact when you get the machine I suggest you spend a week or two playing with different thickness materials using black and white thread. This will show up tension issues clearly and you will be forced to learn how to set tensions 2/ If you are going around a project then backtacking is not necessary. As you get to the previous stitching you may need to lift the foot to get into the original set of holes but ( and others will disagree) that is only critical on high stress parts of the job 3/ NFI

Bob has an excellent reputation for backing up his customers. Have you done a lot of machine sewing in the past? It is unfortunate but many problems come down to user issues with the machine, not the machine itself. Yes there might be a machine issue but as a dealer I have often found that the description of the problem and the actual problem are two different things when I visit the customer. I have dealt with needles inserted the wrong way, not up to the stop, threaded the wrong way, crap thread, bobbin inserted the wrong way, customer adjustments etc, etc. Technically there is no great difference between the Cobra and Cowboy machines and Bob and Steve both provide excellent backup

I don't feel so bad now! As a very small business I cannot afford to stock all of the hundreds of types of binders available and I usually just order specific ones if I cannot find another local supplier for the customer.

Garment weight at best. This is a tailors machine and only intended for a maximum of #69. You can push it to #138 but be prpared to regularly replace the bobbin case. The 188 is a "modernsed" 103k and as standard were supplied with a built in manual bobbin winder rather than the external one as per a proper industrial. A good machine for the serious home dress maker at best.

Not sure a post bed twin needle is what you need. A cylinder bed that you can build a flat bed for is probably a better option. Usually twin needles are only used in very specific circumstances and if you don't need it then all you have done is increased the complication of the machine.

Steve, Agree they are the most versatile but I have spoken to a lot of people here in Australia doing light work who were talked into a 441 and it is just too 'cumbersome' for the work. My approach is always to look at the actual work done. One guy I know was sold a 441 for doing chaps when a 335/cw8/LSC/LSW/227R etc was all was ever going to need. As soon as someone starts talking 8mm I know they really mean 10mm and then a 441 is really the only option

It is easy to misthread that type of top tension

Essentially a Sailrite

Have had a number f disagreements with mechanics over this. Mechanically oiled machines will be starve at such low speeds BUT bearing wear is based on load and speed so when you reduce the speed you proportionally reduce the wear. On most older machines the bearings are very high quality and massively overdesigned so simply manually oiling on a reguar basis will give you decades of use.

Hard to work out why it would shred the 138 on top if that is what you normally use. If the timing is out by a poofteenth of an inch it may cause an issue but usually is a top thread only issue. Start at the basics. Is the hook in the middle of the needle scarf? Any burrs on or under the needle plate or hook/shuttle?

Send a PM to Singermania (Steve Bonnet). He is in Bundaberg Queensland

Raven, A few sales at Steamfest - A shame the event is defunct as the organisers appear to have gone belly up. I put the phone number on the box, machine and instructions because I want you to call if you are having issues. 99% of problems can be sorted on the phone but if they cam't be then I will replace the machine - simple as that. As I have found when working for other people the best reffernces come from people who have a problem and find that I will bend over backwards to sort it out. It is only when a customer has an issue that they really find out if the seller cares. BTW, working with Dij Dijor to try and create a new Steamfest.

LOL Gordon, know not everyone agrees with my opinions but I do try to play devils advocate a fair bit.

Karina, Your apologies are fully accepted and I have to offer mine in return as I may have had a drink or too when I posted my last reply. Take care and enjoy your 29k. If you need parts then contact Bob Kovar at Toledo as if he does not have it then it probably is not available.

I have worked on a lot of older machines - particularly Singer 7 and 132k6 - that have been running bonded nylon in larger sizes over a period of decades. It tends to eat into the tension posts and take up leaver as it has a very hard finish. It could be that the quality of bonded nylon in the US is of a higher standard than that available here.

It is easy to make a flat bed for any machine in a couple of hours.

Karina, Think you did not read my post! I supported your decision to buy the 29 because it was the best option for you. Not sure why you feel the need to have a go at me. I simply gave the pros and cons of each option and threw in the possibility of buying direct from China. I am not in the business of trying to sell product to people when it isn't the best thing for them. Cannot understand your antagonistic reply

Finally I have my act together and ABLE Sewing is importing some heavy machines: GA5-1R GA441 GB6-181. Very heavy canvas and horse rug machine that makes the 132k6 look like a toy. Call me for details Darren Brosowski Goulburn NSW 0415 353 748

Been off for a while due to interweb issues but I am now back! For Leatherworkers in the land of Aus I have an expanded range of machines and for everyone I have opinions that I have no intention of keeping to myself

One of my customers needed a machine for 8mm of harness leather with 277 thread and the only machine I had was a 42-5. Tested it out as a treadle and it worked like a dream. Needle plate and feed dogs are no longer available but this may be fixed soon This is the king of flatbeds.

This is a Seiko built machine and apart from the odd annoying clutch problem on high milage machines they are excellent

The 441 style is the ultimate machine for every leather working shop. However I will always question whether it is the best machine for the majority of your work.

From an engineering point of view the frame is just too light for the purpose of the machine.

Brand names really are not relevant. The 0618 class is essentially a Mitsubishi walking foot with an "M" class bobbin and 192/193 series feet.One of the big things to check is that the shuttle positioning finger is where it should be as quite often they are right on the edge of the shuttle if the dealer has not set up the machine properly.