New Sewing Machine GA441 Sewing Machine

[CowboyBob]

34 minutes ago, Tim Schroeder said:

I don't think the shuttle was pushed all the way as far back as it will go. I was trying to show the hook was up against the shuttle race back plate and the only way to move the hook to the right to clear a bigger needle would be to change the back plate as the instructions say. I don't believe you can buy them anywhere. The manual also had a way to move the needle to left buy an adjustment in the needle bar guide. But wouldn't that move the needle out of the center of the needle plate and feed dog. Adjusting it for what I need probably wouldn't matter but trying to make a #28 needle clear might be a different story. 

Another question, there is an adjustment for needle bar travel, but I don't understand it. I don't know how to tell if it's too far or not far enough. My machine is pulling the knots to the top but then they go back down where you can't see them.

There is no needlebar travel adjustment only height adjustmentfor the hook to catch the loop of thread off of the needle..This is controlled by the thread tension adjustment & as long as your knots are hidden in the leather so you can't see them then the tension is correct.

[Tim Schroeder]

Ok Thanks Bob. I have that back plate seated properly now. 

[TomE]

@CowboyBob have you found it necessary to change the shuttle race on a 441 type machine to accommodate different sized needles?  I don't have a means of measuring but the position of the needle scarf for #21 and #25 needles appears to be less than 1 millimeter different.  My machine sews fine with both needles and appropriate thread, after adjusting the top and bottom tension.  I am assuming that if the shuttle is positioned correctly it can accommodate a range of needles.

 

[CowboyBob]

25 minutes ago, TomE said:

@CowboyBob have you found it necessary to change the shuttle race on a 441 type machine to accommodate different sized needles?  I don't have a means of measuring but the position of the needle scarf for #21 and #25 needles appears to be less than 1 millimeter different.  My machine sews fine with both needles and appropriate thread, after adjusting the top and bottom tension.  I am assuming that if the shuttle is positioned correctly it can accommodate a range of needles.

 

No, what "might" need to be changed would be the shim behind the race.BUT I've never have seen it needed to be done.We can only get these shims from Juki @ at $350.00 ea so doubt if you want to go that route since there's is an adjustment where you can move your whole needlebar rockframe to adjust the needlebar left or right(see about 11 posts up on this thread).I would test it first & THEN only if your having a problem adjust it.

[Tim Schroeder]

There no shim behind the back plate. Shims would move the hook closer to the needle. 
If I move the needle over will the needle specific plates and feed dogs still work. Right now the needle is middle of the feed dog. I was trying to find the diameter of needles.  I understand it will sew 3 or 4 needle numbers down. If the hook is 0 on a #28 needle is it still gonna sew with a #20 needle without any adjustment. Machine can use #19 up to at least #28   

 

[TomE]

Thank you, @CowboyBob. No problems at present, but I have the manual and understand how the adjustment can be made. 

[Tim Schroeder]

Ok after figuring out the diameter of the needles, going from a #25 to a #21 there would be a .35mm difference and manual calls for a .25 to .35mm clearance. That would be within the tolerances. I had read you could go 3 needle sizes, but it looks like 4 is still within the manual's specs so you should be able to go from a #21 to a #25. 

You can visually see the needle in the picture move as the hook passes it. The needle is at 0 on a #23 needle so there is a .2mm deflection.  It's a #25 in a #25 Hennigan narrow plate. If I move the needle to the left to clear the hook do I have to start shimming the feed dog. Is the plate still gonna fit. 

 

 

[RockyAussie]

As long as Pats needle plate can move a little to the left when done up then you can adjust the feed dog as I show in this video -

You could also file away some on the left inner edge of the needle plate if needed.

[Doc Reaper]

On 2/1/2023 at 7:15 AM, TomE said:

Tim Schroeder said:

You are not gonna sew with a #25 needle and then change to a #21 or #20 needle without changing the inner race or at least shimming it. I don't think you are gonna sew 346 thru thick nylon webbing with a Hennigan #23 needle plate and feed dog.   Looks like the perfect solution is a different inner race for every other size needle. 

Awww crap, just when I think I can get off the short yellow bus for sewing y’all start talking about different races and shims!!!! I have a Cowboy that I have become very close with, my wife thinks the machine is “the other woman”. Somebody enlighten me on the extra races & shims please. 
and on top of the crud cold I have to deal with 76 year old plumbing in the bathroom while it’s raining  like Noah is on his way!

[Burkhardt]

13 hours ago, Tim Schroeder said:

There no shim behind the back plate. Shims would move the hook closer to the needle. 
If I move the needle over will the needle specific plates and feed dogs still work. Right now the needle is middle of the feed dog. I was trying to find the diameter of needles.  I understand it will sew 3 or 4 needle numbers down. If the hook is 0 on a #28 needle is it still gonna sew with a #20 needle without any adjustment. Machine can use #19 up to at least #28   

 

Once it's set right the only thing you should have to adjust is the tension.