Cobra Class 26 thread fraying

[emfuchs]

I recently purchased a Cobra Class 26. I upgraded from a Tippman Boss so this is my first real sewing machine and I’m coming in blind. I had to change the bobbin last night for the first time and had some issues there, but eventually got it figured out. I also had to change the needle and now every time I  try to sew, it goes about 4-6 stitches and then the needle frays the thread and busts it. I’ve been messing with it and researching for a few hours and can’t seem to figure out what I’m doing wrong. 

[fibersport]

I'll just throw out a thought that popped into my head while reading this - any chance you're feeding the thread off the bobbin on the wrong side?  I have no knowledge of your machine but would think a reversed bobbin would affect tension which could then possibly tear the thread?  

[kgg]

20 hours ago, emfuchs said:

I also had to change the needle and now every time I  try to sew, it goes about 4-6 stitches and then the needle frays the thread and busts it.

This could be as simple as:

i) top thread path incorrect

ii) needle inserted incorrectly and or not fully seated

iii) incorrect needle system or incorrect size of needle for thread size.

What size of thread are you using with what size of needle?

kgg