Hockeymender

Here are a couple photos that may help. The First shows the thread being pulled thru the slot in the bobbin case. The second shows the thread which has been pulled thru the slot pulled UNDER the bobbin tension spring. Install the bobbin case (be sure it "snaps" into place) and cycle the needle. Should pick up the bobbin thread.

You want to make sure the thread is inserted properly in the bobbin case. Make sure it's under the spring. Let about three inches hang loose from the bobbin case and make sure the entire unit "snaps" into place in the bobbin carrier or case. With needle threaded, rotate the hand wheel towards you. As the needle drops into the "needle hole" it should emerge with the bobbin thread. If you are doing this and still no joy, PM me and we will go from there.

Guess the first question is: was it sewing and will no longer pick up the bobbin thread? If so then it's most likely a timing issue re hook to needle. That will require readjusting the hook point to the needle scarf. Report back and we can go from there.

Needle position is controlled by the pedal. There a several different settings available. Mine are set to stop needle down every time I stop sewing. To raise the needle, I just "heel back" on the pedal. Setup is pretty straight forward. You can select maximum speed, needle position, slow start and some others I've forgotten. As for the belt, the motor position is very adjustable, however that may not mean you will have to get a longer or shorter belt depending on your setup.

I have two with speed reducers and two without. Unless you are going to sew some very thick materials, or need to run at a super slooow speed I would say no speed reducer is required. These motors can be set for slow start, just to address the other issue mentioned.

I would recommend the Goldstar GBSM 550S. I have four of these motors and have had them in service for over a year. So far I have not had a single problem with them. Being 550 watts they provide plenty of punching power, and the needle positioner is a huge help as well. Setting up the motors and positioners is very straight forward and only took about ten minutes. Here is a link to to product page for more info: http://store.allamericansewing.net/goldstar-gbsm-550-brushless-servo-motor-550-watt-34hp-with-needle-positioner I have NO affiliation with the seller of these motors, just know what works well for me.

Glenn is correct. Whenever Pfaff and Adler have produced machines in the same class the Pfaff is always the smoother running machine, at least that has been my experience. The Adlers are great machines, just not as smooth as the Pfaffs IMHO.

The 69 is an excellent machine. Used one as my mainline machine for years. Loves 92 thread, but as Glenn stated it will sew 138. Has a large hand wheel and that lends to give the machine a little more power. The only negative is the bobbin size, it is not as large as the bobbin on the Pfaff 335.

I would really like to spend a day with you on the job....I'm sure what I could learn would be very helpful, both in mechanics and about different machine types. It would appear your job never gets stale.

Two years old.

Want to get some input here regarding where to set the stitch length when timing the hook on a Pfaff 335. I have been told that it should be set to zero. Then, I was told by a very experienced mechanic here in this area to set the stitch length to what the machine will be sewing during use. Have tried both but can't say I've seen much of a difference. Thoughts?

Thanks for the link to the Kilbowie film. Been a couple years since seeing that. Never tire of watching those industrial movies, especially the ones dealing with sewing machines.

Reminds me of this video I came across a while back. https://youtu.be/wNxhZwiThvw

Kind of sad to see that machine leaving our area Uwe. It was one of a kind.

Yep.....what Glenn said.

The thread exchange: www.thethreadexchange.com

That machine will sew 138 all day long. I know, I had one.

That's not even close to accurate. Mine came set up with a servo and a speed reducer and I can run that one stitch at a time. The motor price did not rival that of the machine head. I would hate to think of trying to be precise with a treadle on that type machine.

Very interesting info. Not quite sure how my interest in scissors began, but here I am. Having far more than I can ever use I hardly need any more, but I just can't say no when I happen across a pair I really like. I knew as soon as that video began I was in trouble. I am really looking forward to getting them and putting them to work.

I watched the video and ordered a pair of scissors from them. I have a weakness for good scissors, and I believe theirs will be some of the best I have ever had.....we shall see.

You could also contact MJ Foley Co. They are one of the largest Juki dealers in the US. 586-948-6070 Ask for Luke.

No plate on the machine stating the model number? Every machine I own has a plate (most times on the front) that has that info on it.

Might want to post this in the "machinery for sale" section.

With proper care and maintenance, and provided the machine is not being run eight to ten hours a day, five days a week, the Cowboy machines should last for many years. I would say it's not out of the question to expect 20 or 30 years of service from them IMHO.

I second what Glenn said. I've made a career out of trying to get binding to lay correctly around thumbs and fingers of hockey gloves. Without stretch it will be a tough go.