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John, Thank you! I like the Canvas Idea too, got plenty of that laying around here. I do appreciate you sharing your experience! So, what do you think of using this material to stop bobbin spin? (Just an idea since I noticed fisherman were using it for their reels) https://www.ebay.com/itm/224616408026?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3D5e1fa7c7873e416ea0979ad6e66621ea%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D224616408026%26itm%3D224616408026%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A6dac2a95-ad19-11ec-a6ca-0a82b2046f20|parentrq%3Ac6d81e4d17f0a7b27cc6df0afffaa564|iid%3A1 I agree, it's a bit of a risk (sandpaper) and I did worry about my hook. But the sandpaper is quite smooth, worn dorn with use already. You are right, Hirose hook isn't cheap! Thankfully I priced those out already and I don't have to replace my hook. At least not yet!!!!! Yes, keeping it oiled. Machine is oiled at proper levels. Self oiling, but I also drop some on wherever it needs.I buy the Lily white oil or equivalent and get it by the Quart. I have (3) Industrial Embroidery machines that like to drink oil. LOL.

Okay Constabulary, thank you! That's exactly what I was hoping for, some clue as to what others are using. I did find some in my stash (like Singer) but mine are newer, very flimsy. I ended up throwing them out. The one you show in photo looks much sturdier! I like those. Which machine are you having to use them in? Got some of the Star ones ordered a while ago and they arrived a few days ago, still have to try them in the machine and will do that on Monday. The felt idea, I like that!!!! Wow, that would have been a quick fix!!!!

That's very precious! I love kids. I have a current project with kids... Twin boys who want to learn how to sew. They are very smart, just (7) years old and excited about everything. I got them a little $20 sewing machine from Walmart, should be here tomorrow. Gonna take it to the shop and we are going to learn to make stuffed dinosaurs. LOL. They want to sew very badly so it seemed appropriate to get them a mini kid size machine they won't get hurt on. Actually, I know you can get hurt on those too, so safety is going to be the first lesson. Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into. LOL. The cool thing is, when you teach a kid to sew, they will remember you forever. At least that is the case with myself and the people who spent a little time with me. It will be so fun for all! Crazy but fun.

John, Hello! Looks like your first post here. Anyhow, great to get your input here as well! I'm gonna read all you have written a few times just to be sure I pick up what I can on the check spring thing, that is my next fine tuning on the machine! You are right about the anti-backlash thing, to put something under the bobbin to keep it from spinning, right? I found an old piece of sandpaper and cut (2) pieces to fit the bottom of my bobbin case. It worked perfectly! Also, my bobbins that Seller gave me with the machine were aftermarket, didn't fit as mentioned. I bought the correct bobbins which seem to fit diameter wise, but look like they are sitting kind of low, I'm not sure. Anyhow, I popped the bobbins I had back in the machine with the sandpaper discs, since I'm not having issues with that any longer. When I have more time, I'll adjust it out to get correct bobbins to work like they should. I'm trying out official backlashing springs as I go. So far, I don't like one style. Going to try another. Thanks for tips!!!! Keep posting, good info!

I love all the bling things! Keep posting, you have my attention. I want to do some of this kind of work. Thank you for sharing. I have a few tools, but will be gathering more!

Yetibelle, you are sooooooo right! That is exactly what I did. I had a bad photo copy of an old manual and couldn't see how to thread it. I watched the Atlas Levy video showing you how to thread, wrapped my thread around that post (although it seemed odd to me) and had problems with looping on top. However, I also had problems in my bobbin area - due to funky aftermarket "U" sized bobbin that left too much gap in the bobbin case, plus a flat bobbin tension adjustment spring. Oh boy! Mess everywhere. My machine is stitching perfect now. I'm glad you descibed what you did about the old style threads that were available. I remember reading years ago about "Z" twist and "S" twist and knew there were differences betwen poly and nylon threads we currently use, and what was available back when these machines were originally manufactured. Wow! Lots to absorb there alone, right? Great diagrams, by the way! Thank you! Next I'm going to try to restore an old Singer 127-W2 double needle. It's not my machine, my friend got it used and isn't sure what to do to get it running, but he wants to use it when he can get it running. He said there is a drawer (somewhere!) which is not attached to the machine. I have to find the drawer because he said it's got a lot of the parts for the machine! We'll see what there is to learn there! LOL. Coincidentally, that machine has two "dip sticks" and it lives in a forgotten corner my friend's Auto Interior shop. Funny thing is, I was trying so hard to learn more about the machines that had the oil gauges that my Consew 255RB has, and there was one sitting right behind me! I hope to post the pics soon, will probably do a separate thread and ask for help. It looks like a project. But hey, it's got some parts sitting in a drawer, somewhere! Yay!!! I think?

Your fish is wonderful!

Sorry, I wasn't sure... is CF Cystic Fibrosis? If so, sorry your Sister's Grandchild has suffered with nightmares. Very thoughtful of you to make something special for her to comfort her. Children love handmade things. I remember my Mom making Dreamcatchers for my own children when they were small. Yours is lovely.

Cool stuff. Nice to see the start, looking forward to seeing it all. Great job so far!

This is beautiful work, so glad you shared pics. Awe inspiring.

Marcie, Beautiful machine you have there! I've also been searching for new feet for a walking foot machine. I've purchased abour a half dozen sets of feet this past week. This morning I found the actual brand name of the manufacturer making most of the feet I have purchased at various places on-line. There is quite a fluctuation in prices I noticed, for the identical feet - right down to the number stamped on the feet. Not all the ads I have read give you clear information on the part numbers, or the machines the feet are for. So I have found doing a search like this brings up the most info for me... Give it a try: CKPSMS Walking (CKPSMS looks like the manufacturer) After entering "CKPSMS Walking" in search box, then select "IMAGES" Also, here's a good place to find some catalogs with diagrams and purchase - I just received my first order from them: Presser Feet Catalogs (diamondneedle.com)

Amazing job! Thanks for sharing with us! You put a lot of care into your work and it shows!

Wow! Isn't he lovely? I mean menacing! LOL. Great work!

Interesting Don! So, I'm wondering if you returned it? Were you able to verify if this is an Authentic Koban hook?

Wiz, I know this is an older post but wanted to say this: As you know, the Consew Sewing Machine I call "Big Barb" (255RB-2) that I bought weeks ago has had me studying everything I can find in order to adjust the tensions, replace any missing or worn parts and get her stitching accurately as I help out in a friend's Auto Upholstery business. Anyhow, in working with the Consew 255RB-2 machine, I found out something very interesting. My Old Sewing Machine Mechanic who gave the machine a tune up a few weeks ago answered my questions about the machine. One question was about how I should be threading the machine. I told him I'd seen a video (Atlas Levy) on how to thread the first tension disc #6 in the diagram that Yetibelle posted above. I told him how this Sewing Machine Dealer (Atlas Levy) shows you how to wrap the thread around the post on disc #6. I also told him about what some of the instruction manual show you how to to it, without wrapping thread around the post. So... this Mechanic had worked repairing Industrial machines at the same Sewing Machinne Repairs shop in Auburn, WA for 45 years. He is now 82 years old. He has worked on Singer, Pfaff, Consew, many others. He told me that the people who trained the Repairmen taught them to wrap the thread around that post on disc #6. He says that nowadays, they no longer teach you to do it that way. So he was familiar with both ways. Okay, there you go! Nobody is right! LOL. I guess if it works, it works!

Oh Boy, a Tipman Boss or Cowboy Outlaw! I'd love to have one of those, or some sort of cylinder arm to do some of the heavier stuff. Looking forward to seeing what you get.

Smart question Waldog! I had noticed that know too on the clone machines. So glad you asked the question and the pros here answered. I'm also wanting a Juki 1541S, but trying to use and fix what I have now until the day comes when I can buy a brand new machine. Good luck to you! Let us know if and when you buy something new!

Tio, Looks like you are having fun and you are creative, that's for sure! I love your hand built table, I have totally done things like that. Built myself a portable table (doubled as a box) for a walking foot machine. Had to add a portable motor too. It got the job done when I needed it. I learn as I go!

Oh goodness, well you get better quick! You have something to look forward to, fixing that machine up. So fun and sometimes frustrating all at the same time! Bobbin winders are pretty cheap, so that won't set you back too bad. Good idea about ordering all at same time, that's what I try to do too. Diamond Needle was $22 approx. to ship it, I think they had lots of options for shipping which was nice. Yeah, I'll let you know how it goes. Looks like they have been in business a long time. They said they do not sell the machines, just parts. But you know that. I know of I have some of their needles around here someplace. LOL. Okay, get some sleep and have some chicken soup and some comfort food and spoil yourself.

Sojourner, did you order parts yet? I ordered, should be here tomorrow. They even had a dip stick (oil gauge) for my old Consew! Hope you find the parts you need too. How's it going? What size bobbins does your machine take? Asking because today I was told that my the Consew 255RB-2 and the 206RB-3 take the same size bobbin. I didn't know that. I have what is called their "Large" bobbin, equivalent to a "Style U" and the ones I bought on Ebay were close, but not exact. Jacksew/Sun Coast Sewing told me the ones they had on Ebay were not the same as the ones that come with the new 255RB-3 machines. They said make sure to call them and tell one of the Reps I want the ones that come with the new machines. They said something about the ones on Ebay being cheaper bobbins and agreed with me that they don't fit so good. Hmmm. Something to be aware of. I did order some from Diamond Needle already that look right, they come tomorrow. The Ebay ones are going back.

Weird but this Works! After having lots of problems with loops and thread jams, I had determined that the bobbins I got with my machine were too small. So I ordered some new ones on Ebay only to find they are the same exact bobbins that came with the machine! They are U/Large but they don't fit! They are larger than an M, but slightly too small for a Consew 255/ U. Ordering bobbins again, this time from a Company called Diamond Needle Corp. They look different than the others, hope they work! I ordered a bunch of parts for my Consew and a few parts for my Pfaff. Close to $130 I think is what I spent. This Company had decent prices and good Customer Service. Very friendly on the phone, but you have to order on-line. While I wait, I was really tempted to try and make Big Barb sew without loops and jams before my next order of new bobbins got here! Geesh. So, I read about all the tips and tricks I can find and come across one where somebody suggested cutting a disc the size of my bobbin out of sandpaper, also cut a hole in the center so I can drop it into the base of the bobbin case. I try that and whallah! She is now sewing, almost perfect! I decide that there is still quite a bit of space between the wall top of the bobbin and the slide plate and make one more sandpaper disc and drop it in. Then I sew again. Now I have a perfect forward stitch!!!! Even going over lumps and bumps, several layers of vinyl and foam, and seems too! I actually got some sewing done on a real upholstery job yesterday. The only problem is, when back-tacking, I'm getting a little tangle in bottom thread, but not big enough to be a jamming problem. If I hand-wheel it when back-tacking, that's a little better and can start and finish a line of sewing. Gotta figure out what's going on with the back tacking, but I'm going to get the right size bobbins in the machine first before I figure out that issue. I also have some new backlash springs coming (star shaped) and quite a few other parts like screws and other springs I plan to install. I'm hoping I have a good hook. I called a Consew Dealer this morning to get ready what that may cost. So this is just an update. I'll probably add some photos of how the stitch looks when I am at the machine again. So stay tuned. Thanks everyone for reading and also for your help/commeents and suggestions. So helpful!

Kathi, looking at your pics and reading again what you had written... I have a couple questions. 1- When did you send the machine to get the hook replaced. Was it years ago or recent enough that they will help you? What brand hook did they put in the macine? Is there a part number for it? Asking because I personally would want to know if the hook was one that is of a higher quality? Is it HEROSI (?) Is it another High quality brand? If it's not a high quality hook, exactly what is it? Did the Company who replaced it put that information on your Invoice for reference? 2- Are there any other parts that were replaced during the repair(s) and if so, what are the part numbers for those? 3- What bobbins do you have in it? Are you using one that is made for that hook? In other words, does it fit perfectly in the bobbin case? Is the bobbin thread stitching with no problems? If problems, what is happening to the bottom thread now?

Good Morning Kathi (Blue Duck) I hope you are making some progress with your machine. Just checking on you. I'm wondering if you have cleaned everything in that bobbin area. Try to remove all the dust, lint, stray threads. Then oil what needs oiling. Might help the parts to function better? If you can remove that bobbin case you may find some dried oil and some stray threads underneath. I'm not a mechanic, but it's always the first thing I will do, before anything else.

Adding my Thanks to the moderators! Love this place.

Oh Yes, MORE CHOCOLATE please! Hang in there, feeling your pain. Still dealing with regrouping after having to move out of my shop that was on a main street in the middle of town, open to the public. I'm transitioning still, working from home and also at a friend's (Customer's) shop. Hang in there! Stock up on Chocolate!!!!!!!!