Restoring my Pfaff 145

[JulesPDX]

oh, let me try that too. this is without holding them tight!

 

 

Edited May 3, 2024 by JulesPDX

[JulesPDX]

ok, one more while holding the threads

 

 

[fibersport]

You have to close that cover over the bobbin, otherwise it will ball up like that.  If that doesn't work, still close the cover but loosen the tension on the bobin.  

[fibersport]

I watched your videos again, it really looks like it's a tension issue.  If you watch, the top thread is wrapped around the bobbin thread yet the bobbin thread doesn't seem to move at all.  The the top thread tension on mine is pretty tight, if I pull the top thread to the right, it actually bends the tip of my needle to the right, and I have a #22 needle on it.  The bobbin tension is loose to the point where it seems it almost doesn't have any tension.  I would check to see if your top is tighter than the bottom.  If you get it to the point where it's sewing, you can then adjust your tension to bring the top and bottom threads together at the center between your layers of material.  

[JulesPDX]

Thank you - I'll play with the tension. I do think I maybe loosened the bobbin tension way too much

[AlZilla]

If you can find out what the actual bobbin tension is supposed to be, this cheap scale here will help you ballpark it:

https://www.amazon.com/Manual-Postage-Kitchen-Mechanical-AMWHAND-BLK/dp/B003STEJ8O/

I'll attach the actual pic so that when that listing goes away, this post will still have relevance.

On domestics, about an ounce of bobbin tension gets me in the range and it's worlds better than guessing.  If a person wanted to spend a LOT more money, actual purpose built bobbin tension gauges are out there.  For our purposes, this little one works fine.  It's a little fiddly, but who cares?

[JulesPDX]

OK! I think that worked! I adjusted both the top and bottom tension, tightening both, and also found that either the bobbin or the way I wound it was intermittently refusing to move. I used a different bobbin and we seem to be in business! It does bunch periodically as I start off, but I'll keep fiddling with it. Thanks, all, for the advice!!

Now on to the Adler 67 I also picked up to refurb!!

[shoepatcher]

Hold both threads in one hand when you start sewing.  Keeps it from tangling.

glenn

[Constabulary]

when i start sewing I have top and bottom thread UNDER the foot.

[fibersport]

I never thought of holding both threads with the foot, it would sure make it esier sometimes when you really need two hands, I'll have to try that.