Work9to5

And thanks again. Did the trick. Wish you were closer Cowboy. I'd pay you for a short class on overview of machine functionality .... I've been taking notes since I've started testing the machine and I'm thinking about starting a new thread topic. Geared towards the singer 111, consew 225, juju lu-562 and variants. Basically compiling and outlining worthwhile topics related to machine details and functions. With title headers such as tension, threading, operation of stitch length adjuster, etc. Being able to compile my info and possibly help other beginners in the future. I would start a general discussion in bold or caps and write my personal notes with pics below (un-capped/bold) and then go back an edit my original topic notes after responses have been posted pertaining to topic, correcting or adding info. With one topic at a time, starting with the basics. Do you (Cowboy) or Wiz or other forum mods think this would be a worthwhile topic discussion to start?

Unfortunately my success with the machine was a limited run. The feed dogs are not moving now. In fact the whole "main shaft" under the machine is not moving when the belt moves. I believe I caused this while trying to use the stitch selector perhaps. Just found the Naval repair manual (go Seabee's!) for the 111w. And down the rabbit hole I go

Switched needle position. Long grove on left. I loaded 138 cause I was feeling daring. No snags, presentable stitch on both sides. Five minutes later... Very excited about the this machine. Going to move on to leather tests and then start a small project test next.

Haha, corrected. It's like forgetting to turn the petcock on when you get your first bike I guess. Thank you Cowboy, REALLY very much appreciated. That might explain the top thread kinks lol And my first diamond pleat! (Done before I switched needle to the correct position) It's ugly but that alone would've taken me half hour by hand.

Okay guys, thank you for the input. I'll look into it and report back. My gut feeling from your pointers is that bottom tension is causing it. As I have top tension backed out pretty far.

Resized photos to fit using app called "photo compress". Thanks Wiz

Ok, so I've been playing with my new to machine and have figured some things out. I'll put my main questions in bold so they are easy to find. SHOULD I BE ABLE TO SEE THE BASE OF THE NEEDLE THROUGH THE HOLE ON THE "NEEDLE ARM"? Or is this hole provided to run thread through, before going to needle. (See photo 1) I was able to clear up bobbin tangle issue and can now bring up the bobbin thread through the dogs. Hoping it does not tangle again. FROM THE PIC DOES ANYTHING LOOK OUT OF SCEW? (Photo 2) Perhaps that curved hook should be moved more towards the bobbin holder? When it tangled I found that it was getting wrapped on the tiny "bar" that is part of the bobbin holder that touches the "feed dog plate". I am now able to stitch with it. Pretty exciting! Two issues. 1.) TOP STITCH DOESNT LOOK RIGHT TO ME, TOO STRAIGHT? TOO MUCH TENSION? While the bottom looks better to me. Thoughts? top- photos 3 and 4 bottom- photo 5 When I take it slow and hand crank I'm able to provide a nice even stitch. The clutch motor can move pretty fast. But if I'm careful I'm able to control it ok. I have tried doing a moderate fast (for me stitch) without the use of the hand crank. WHEN I GO AT A FASTER SPEED THE MACHINE WILL TEAR THE UPPER THREAD, causes? its 92 ploy bonded with a 22 needle. I do not think rubbing on the needle point is causing it. It seems to rub and pull with the material and the bottom string at a higher speed. Causing more tension in the top causing a burr to form in the string before it pops. Thank you ahead of time. I am a contributing member of a popular motorcycle forum. And started in the same way with that...asking questions and reading. Now 7 years later I'm a question answer and "goto guy" with certain model's engine. I hope to get the same enjoyment and knowledge out of this site and leather work as I have out of that site and motorcycles.

Ok guys thank you for the responses. I actually have the manual. I went through it before trying to operate. Followed the oiling procedure from it. I also did a ton of reasearch before buying it and after from the web (videos) and particularly this site. I believe I have it threaded correctly, when I took off the thread that was on it when I got it I followed to the letter it's path with the new thread. And I double checked via a couple YouTube vids. I have the day off so I'm determined to get to the bottom of this. I will re-thread her again today to double check and attach some pics. I am hand turning to get the needle to pick up the bobbin thread. For some reason it's having trouble doing this. I'm having to turn it around 20 times before it will "catch" the bobbin thread. When it does catch. I do pull the bobbin thread through the feed dog and am holding top/bottom threads to the back of machine before trying starting a stitch. When I do get it though an line up to stitch, it will either get tangled on the bobbin right away or runs a couple stitches (like two) and then tangles. I did change the needle out from what came with the machine. It came with a leather point needle. I switch it out because I wanted to use some cheap vinyl thread to test and figure out the machine. I have tried going back to a leather needle and matieral to see if this alievitates the issue, it does not. The reason I brought up needle height is I can't really find any info on it. Plus this machines' "needle holder" is slightly different from what I've seen. It's got a hole in it which I can tell if its purpose is to use a thread guide or to help with needle placement. It's hard to tell what I'm talking about without seeing a pic of it, will upload pics within the hour. Btw- I don't care who tracks me or sells my info to who as long as along the way I figure everything about this machine and it helps me to be a better leather worker

Hi guys, looking for a bit of help. I just bought my first industrial sewing machine. A singer 111G156. I got a great deal on her. She operated normally during the inspection. Really beautiful stitches. And in great working condition as far as I could tell. Got her home and oiled and put in a new bobbin (one in her was plastic and wasn't in great shape. I'm having some trouble now that I've changed the string out. The machine won't stitch. From what I can tell the bottom bobbin thread is tangling and won't "loop" so it can be puller up in order to stitch. I'm using a size 22 needle. And I've tried 138 and 96 thread. Both producing the same issue. And ideas on where to start to diagnose this problem would be appreciated. Could the height of the needle be producing this problem? Any help is appreciated, thank you