spenzher

Sandy, Thanks for the suggestions. How was the lever offset? Like the vertical position it was in? And which eccentric? Thanks, Spencer

So, I've been tackling this issue still for a while. I've tinkered with everything I could and don't really have a definitive answer. Everything is in spec, it sews perfect, but the reverse lever still has some wiggle when I sew from like 5 to 6 (on the dial, is like 5.5 to 4.5 sitches per inch, max stitch length) . I know the dial indicator can be adjusted too far where the feed dogs will hit the sides, so I've adjusted it so it won't. I can also hold it from moving without any ill effects. The spring is definitely weaker the more the lever can travel upward.

Have you tried using different thread for the top thread? I had some thread once that would twist right before it got picked up by the hook and would make an extra big twisty knot. This made the knot impossible to be pulled up onto the needle hole, resulting in loose stitches and was indicating loose top tension. I wonder because I see some stitches look crooked like mine were. I switched to a different spool and the problem went away. I'd try using a different spool (still sticking with 138) and see what happens.

Floyd, I got an engineers manual for the 341 from Uwe, but I don't think it says anything about the issue at hand. I'll post it for reference. Juki_LS-341N_Engineers_Manual.pdf

I'm having this issue with my juki 341 as well. The reverse lever ticks just a little. I believe it has to do with the sliding reverse mechanism (see video). This tick started when I adjusted the stitch dial to lengthen the stitches. It's most prominent when I'm at the max length. The dial is just a screw that moves the reverse lever slightly down which decreases stitch length. My theory right now is that the dial can be adjusted too far so that one of the levers connected to the sliding mechanism is pushing beyond its designed range so it starts going in a weird direction. My other is that there is a bind somewhere between the rocker shaft lever (the one that moves the top feeds/needle bar back and forth) and the reverse slider bar. I noticed the lever only moves at each end of travel from the slider. The tick also stops if the stitches are shorter, so the angle where the slider is at definitely matters. Still figuring it out. I'm wondering if I could remove one of the levers to see which one is causing it. My machine is timed and has been sewing correctly with this issue so I'm hesitant to start doing that. I've also removed the feed dog/needle when diagnosing.

Did you ever find out what was going wrong?

Hey guys I want to say I've read all your replies and I want to thank you for taking the time to reply. I'm disappointed but it makes sense. I didn't realize that the alignment of the parts would have such a poor tolerance, I mean, Im taking a class on fashion and they say the garment industry is one of the biggest, there's gotta be good feet out there lol. I'm going to follow your advice and use a dremel to cut some clearance next time.

I'm thinking that was the issue. I still am waiting to try a new set. By the way, where/what website is a place to get quality presser feet? I see Toledo sewing

Okay update. I bought the foot at a local store that works on the industrial machines, so I brought in the head and asked them what was up. They ended up telling me that it was OK that the needle was rubbing the side of the foot. I was livid. I was not about to run my machine with a needle that was practically bending, and I couldn't believe that the store would disregard the integrity of the machine like that. Anyways, I returned it. I think it was a faulty foot, but I have yet to try it out on another foot, however I have one coming in the mail in a few days. Disgruntled but determined to find the fix.

Here's more pics, I don't know if I got the angles you asked for: http://imgur.com/a/ys1UZ

That's why it doesn't make any sense. I would expect resistance from the bar, something wrong, but nothing really is besides this alignment. I'm specifically talking about the side-to-side alignment, not front to back. I have that properly adjusted to fit in the feed dog hole squarely. I'll take more pics when I get home. I'm thinking I just have a bunch of bunk presser feet.

It seems worse with this foot, I have another that fits better, but they both sit left. I have a feeling it was like that and I've just noticed. I think this foot I just got is worse than the others.

So, kind of an interesting issue I'm having, I was hoping some of you may have seen it before. I noticed when I got a new pair of feet that the needle was almost scraping the very left edge of the inside presser foot. At first I thought maybe the presser bar was bent, but I was able to slide the bar out with no issues when I disassembled, and there isn't any play between bar and rockshaft. I've replaced the needle, and the needle is dead square in the feed dog hole. Ive made sure the back presser bar/foot is straight. To get the feed dog hole and the inside presser foot to line up I would have to rotate the presser foot left (see pictures). Is there a bushing or something that is worn? Are the feet faulty? Thoughts? Pictures are here: http://imgur.com/a/FRsQ0

This is a real treat to see everything not actually blurred out, What an improvement!

This is great research! I know the two are linked, but I never occurred to me that they share the same pressure too. Good work! I was just wondering about this too, perfect timing.