Darren Brosowski

MADMAX22 There are three different external bobbin winders on the market and the one pictured is the mid range version. The gold coloured type is the simpler and, naturally, cheaper version. Top of the line is the ADLER type that has a worm driven arm that run the thread across the bobbin.

Could be as simple as the feed dog rubbing on the needle plate. Check that the spring on the stitch lever is secure and not floating around

The worldwide market for 441 machines is 2-3000 per year and by Chinese standards this is tiny. Several companies might assemble the parts but when you consider that the moulds for the casting cost $US50,000 there is only on company that is casting the bodies. The forge tooling for the two conrods is probably another $US10,000 so there is only one supplier. The important thing is who sets the machine up before it is delivered. Some work beautifully out of the box but others take a lot of work to get running.

If the picture is the top then I agree with SARK that it could be the take up spring. The inner grooving foot should not cause a problem unless there is a burr on it somewhere so check that first. If the foot is clean an smooth then check the take up spring. There are two springs and it could be as simple as the spring you see on the outside is not locked into the primary spring. The loop on the primary spring can break off and the secondary spring just flops around

Seiko clone Consew machines? Best laugh I have had in years!!!!!! Originally Consew - short for Consolidated Sewing - was just a marketing arm of Seiko. The machines were built on the same production line with different badging. I do not know what the business relationship is now but calling a machine a "clone" when it comes from the original manufacturer is pretty stupid.

Talk to Ron!!!! Could be as simple as shitty thread!

There are not any pulleys much larger that will fit on that shaft. Have you got the smallest pulley possible on the motor?

Had a similar problem on a Boss that a mate had. The thread was dark brown but it was absolute garbage. The two biggest problems with sewing machines are thread and needles

132k6 but the stitch length adjustment is slightly hidden

The machine looks "tired" at best but the base looks good. In that condition $50

Cowboy and others advertising on this page offer equivalents to the 227 and CW8. Why not talk to them first? I sell a lot of second hand machines but tend to shy away from more modern styles as with a lot of work they tend to wear critical components and can be more difficult than a new machine. A good new Chinese machine with servo motor is usually not a lot more expensive than some of the clapped out machines seen on eBay

Who the hell is your needle supplier? I cannot buy good needles wholesale for that price. The GB needles in smaller types such as the 135X17 are not generally made in Germany or it would say so on the packet. Cowboy Bob said on one thread that they are made in India. They are good needles but I prefer the "DOTEC" needles from Taiwan. 10 packs are always a lot more expensive as the package and the machinery to get them into the package are expensive

Very much sounds like something is loose. If everything is tight it will hit the same pot every time - right or wrong

Dave, all of us keep learning as there are thousands of different machines out there. Wiz is an absolute encyclopaedia of sewing machine knowledge but I doubt that week goes by where he does not learn something new.

The Singer 114 is another option! There are also Japanese "Treasure" brand machines that are a 114. I have an Indian built version called the 1114 but it is a bit rough.......

Very cautiously I will say that it will do the job - at least for a while. A single needle industrial embroidery head will cost more but they are designed to do a high number of cycles and so will handle the load better. There are a range of Cowboy machines designed for this type of work on cowboy boots but they are expensive. It all comes down to how often you need to use it

Maddmax22!!!!!!!!!! The adjustment for that is in the manual. If the reverse is variable than there is a loose screw in the mechanism. Most of the time the Cowboy machines are set correctly but in transit things can move so I need to make adjustments and tighten everything up. There is no inherent problem with the design of the 441 clones or the majority of the parts used so you need to look at the specific mechanism and adjust it. Usually the dealer sorts these things and any of the dealers on this site would be very unhappy if the machine arrived out of tune as it means they need to spend time placating the customer and then sorting the problem!! None of us mind the time with the customer but we are always unhappy that the problem arose in the first place.

Without doubt clones will hit the market. If someone was really smart they would get some modifications done to address the inherent problems with the Tippman.

Sorry Wiz, I was flicking through and did not properly read your post until after I put mine up. I do not mind the spelling of my name as long as people can find me!!!! I am putting together an order with my Taiwanese supplier so I will add some 42-5 bobbins. If people want them then please PM me to give me an idea as they are a slow mover and I normally only get 50 at a time.

Almost every machine that uses a standard shuttle type maxes out at M20 (#138). Anything heavier needs an open frame shuttle

A common issue with horizontal shuttles. Vertical shuttles are less fussy

That is a high speed straight sewer. Great for making shirts

95k40 is about as useful as a domestic sewing machine so do not waste your money. 31k47 is great for work up to about 4mm. If you can get it for 100 quid then it is a good starter machine. Save your pennies for a machine that will do the heavy work

Yetibelle, I have seen very few Chinese 29k clones that actually work and I would go as far as to say that most are the worst excuses for sewing machines ever marketed.

Ronnie at Techsew