Timing Adler 30-15

[hampasragnar]

6 minutes ago, Constabulary said:

There is 332 and 332LG / 332 LONG which is longer than 332. 332 is for the 30-1, 30-15 and so forth and the 332LG / 332 Long is for 30-7, 30-70 and so forth with a higher foot lift. Alternatively you can use 135x17 and 135x16 needles on your machine (I do this on my 29K71 which is using the same needles as the 30-15).

The nomenclature 332 and the longer 332 Long can be confusing especially when the needle tip is left twist (LL)

Thanks. I have updated the order to 135x17. I will get back with images/film om the shuttle.

[Wizcrafts]

@hampasragnar

There is another possible cause for the shuttle not picking up the top thread. I'm assuming that you already have threaded the top correctly and have the thread going through the take-up lever. That cause would be a worn out, bent, or gouged paddle spring inside the needle bar, which is visible just above the needle clamping bracket. Lower the needle bar all the way, then look above the clamping bracket. You should see a paddle shaped spring. It has to press against the thread and hold it in place as the needle makes its down-up-down jog at pick-off time. If that spring doesn't hold the thread in place during that cycle, you'll get missed stitches because the thread can't form a good loop on the right side of the needle. Sadly, replacing that spring is like rocket science. ;-(

[hampasragnar]

1 hour ago, Wizcrafts said:

@hampasragnar

There is another possible cause for the shuttle not picking up the top thread. I'm assuming that you already have threaded the top correctly and have the thread going through the take-up lever. That cause would be a worn out, bent, or gouged paddle spring inside the needle bar, which is visible just above the needle clamping bracket. Lower the needle bar all the way, then look above the clamping bracket. You should see a paddle shaped spring. It has to press against the thread and hold it in place as the needle makes its down-up-down jog at pick-off time. If that spring doesn't hold the thread in place during that cycle, you'll get missed stitches because the thread can't form a good loop on the right side of the needle. Sadly, replacing that spring is like rocket science. ;-(

Hmm hope it is not that spring. I took an image of it to show you. From your description I think it looks OK. What would you say?

[hampasragnar]

10 hours ago, Constabulary said:

Let me try to explain. You have to close the needle plate. Hold the thread in your have and pull it up slightly when the needle goes down and when the needle comes up again a bit again no longer pull the thread then a loop will be formed which then is caught by the hook. If this does not work then you needle-hook timing most likely needs adjustment or you have to practice.

Watch the movement of the needle you will notice the needle goes down, then it comes up a little bit (maybe 2mm or so) and in this moment the thread loop is formed and the hook can catch the top thread loop...

Here are photos of the shuttle. It looks good from my basic understanding. It goes down and then back up 2 mm as you say. as it comes down again no real loop has been created as the shuttle has moved passed the needle and pressed the thread towards the side not hooking it. I think you can see from my video posted above. Not sure how to get a proper loop to form. I do not manage to get it holding the thread either. It feels as the shuttle is too fast. But if 135x17 needles i am now waiting for are a bit longer than the one i am using now. Just ordinary jeans needle for hobby machines, then the shuttle might pick up the thread as it stays down for longer. My best guess right now....

11 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

There was a previous discussion about the Adler 30-15 on Leatherworker.net. It was determined that this model uses the shorter System 332, aka: 135x16, 135x17, 29x3, or 29x4 needles. If that needle doesn't pick up the thread, the timing is probably off because the shuttle driving gears are loose, worn out, or misaligned. Or, maybe the shuttle hook is damaged or incorrect for the machine, or maybe you need to move the needle clamp closer to the hook.

The shuttle and shuttle base is quite firm and not really loose at all exept from minor movements towards the needle, about 1 mm or so.

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, hampasragnar said:

Here are photos of the shuttle. It looks good from my basic understanding. It goes down and then back up 2 mm as you say. as it comes down again no real loop has been created as the shuttle has moved passed the needle and pressed the thread towards the side not hooking it. I think you can see from my video posted above. Not sure how to get a proper loop to form. I do not manage to get it holding the thread either. It feels as the shuttle is too fast. But if 135x17 needles i am now waiting for are a bit longer than the one i am using now. Just ordinary jeans needle for hobby machines, then the shuttle might pick up the thread as it stays down for longer. My best guess right now....

The shuttle and shuttle base is quite firm and not really loose at all exept from minor movements towards the needle, about 1 mm or so.

If the shuttle has passed the needle after the up-down jog, retard the hook timing. This is done by poking a long flatblade screwdriver through a hole in the right side base of the machine and turning the eccentric screw that couples the down  shaft to the shaft inside the arm. There is a nut on the back of that coupling  that may need to be loosened first. After you successfull time the shuttle, tighten the lock nut again.

[hampasragnar]

21 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

If the shuttle has passed the needle after the up-down jog, retard the hook timing. This is done by poking a long flatblade screwdriver through a hole in the right side base of the machine and turning the eccentric screw that couples the down  shaft to the shaft inside the arm. There is a nut on the back of that coupling  that may need to be loosened first. After you successfull time the shuttle, tighten the lock nut again.

I now got the correct needles and adjusted the shuttle as best as I could. It picks up the thread each time I try now without leather or fabric. With fabric it picks up one stich at the most and loses the rest. With leather about 2 mm thick the top thread snaps after two-three stiches.

Two-steps forward, one-step backwards....

[hampasragnar]

On 4/15/2025 at 10:02 PM, Wizcrafts said:

If the shuttle has passed the needle after the up-down jog, retard the hook timing. This is done by poking a long flatblade screwdriver through a hole in the right side base of the machine and turning the eccentric screw that couples the down  shaft to the shaft inside the arm. There is a nut on the back of that coupling  that may need to be loosened first. After you successfull time the shuttle, tighten the lock nut again.

I'll be dammed! After testing your suggestions and finding this thread and double checking everything it now works perfectly. Sews smooth with nice stitching in both fabric and leather. Thank you all for great patience and support. Much appreciated🙏