CowboyBob

Either the thread isn't under the bobbin tension spring or the bobbin needs more tension or the spring needs to be replaced.

You have to take off the back cover plate & tighten the screw in this pic just alittle.

When you start sewing with the 346 it will have a tendacy to jam easier than thinner thread so you need to be sure to hold it(needle thread) the first 3-stitches.You will usually have to tighten the upper tension alittle when going to a larger thread. The screw that holds the race on you titghten all the way then loosen 1/2 turn,also make sure the give the shuttle some oil in the groove it runs in everytime you sew & everytime you change a bobbin.

If I remember correctly the stitch length is around 3 pr in.thread size up to#138

Myles,you might need to loosen the bobbin tension alittle.Here's a threading diagram.

Check for grooves in the thread guides were the thread rubs against them,burr on tip of hook,hole in bottom of inside foot could have a groove.

A sewing machine in a leather shop is one of the most important tool.Alot of the used machines like the old Singers were great in the day.We used to sell alot of them but parts aren't available for most of them anymore so we quit selling them for that reason,I don't want to sell boat anchors.Also 20-30 yrs ago all you could buy was a Ferdco for $6-7000.00 or an Adler around $5,000.00 so to get a new machine for 1/2 that is a bargain that alot of people don't realize.I know it's alot of $$ to someone starting out but it's a very important time saver to have a good realible machine & esp one that you can buy parts for 5-10 yrs down the road.I've had people tell me they've paid for their machine in 3-6 months from the orders they sold.

Where the ridges form is on to of the slot on the shafts.Is the single screw in the back loose?If so sometimes the careful use of a hammer & old flat screwdriver or punch will break it loose,hitting it from the inside.

On the 111w155 there's a collar on the bearing on the inside that has 2-screws in it that you need to loosen too,are they loose?.Before you try to slide it off you should look for high spots where the screws go & file them off & the bearing will slide of easier.That's usually why the wheel is hard to pull off because the screws loosen & then they burr up the shaft as people sew on it.

Don't expect to sew anything thicker than chaps with # 69 thread.They were made for sewing shirts,dresses & thinner material.

Sure, we have needles ,thread & parts for it.

It will use #138 & #22 needle & sew around 20 oz or 5/16".

Yes,I'm almost certain since you said your sewing along & it jams it leads to to believe that either your needle thread isn't threaded correctly OR your upper tension is to loose.So make sure your going around the second tension 1 & 1/2 times. Please give me a call if you need more help.Also hold onto the thread the first 3 stitches.

The 227R uses the same threading as above,very common to alot of different models of machines.

Maybe this will help?

You might want to check the shuttle & see if it is loose.Sometimes you can take it out(it's held on by 2-screws)& take the spring & ring off the back & clean it out,oil it & see what happens.

Are the 16x257 needles the same length as the ones that work?Are you putting the long groove on the left?

This is a very early unimproved model of machine that can barely sew 2 layers of shirt weight material.I wouldn't think of even trying leather on it.There is no way it'll live up to the story someone said about it sewing bridles & I'm willing to bet that is why they bought it & found out otherwise.

I'd like to see a pic of it?

It takes a needle & awl machine to punch through tugs like a Lands#3,Randall or Champion.

Maggie, You need to double check the model # of your machine,I think you have a LU562?When you reset the clutch you push the button on the rightside down & turn the handwheel backwards.Also when you go to sew you need to make sure the bobbin thread is above the needle plate & pulled to the back & hold the needle thread when you start sewing for the first 3-stitches(to prevent looping underneath)

I think that is an older european type of size for cotton thread that isn't used anymore.Maybe someone across the pond might know.

No,it won't handle #138,this machine is very similar to a Singer 241,251,281 only it has reverse.You might be able to use #92.

Hey Mike glad to see your back.

What no stand?