artisan 3000 spare bobbins?

[slingblade]

Hi just got my Artisan 3000 and works great,

The bobbins on ebay are cheaper than Artisan and I was wondering what size I look for, maybe M?

also im sewing 2 layers of 9oz and need some advice on thread type and size, Maybe 277 bonded?

also what size needles do I use for 207,277,346 thread?

thanks for help

[esantoro]

Hi just got my Artisan 3000 and works great,

The bobbins on ebay are cheaper than Artisan and I was wondering what size I look for, maybe M?

also im sewing 2 layers of 9oz and need some advice on thread type and size, Maybe 277 bonded?

also what size needles do I use for 207,277,346 thread?

thanks for help

Not all bobbins are created equal. Some might be a tad longer or may not spin as truly as others, which causes increased, unequal, and inconsistent tension results, mainly experienced with lighter leathers. This problem is remedied with either the cutting down or removal of the little spring inside the bobbin case.

I have a Cowboy/Neels 6 machine, so this issue may not run across all 441 clones, though I think they all use the same shuttle/hook assembly, which means they are all susceptible to this issue.

ed

[esantoro]

Not all bobbins are created equal. Some might be a tad longer or may not spin as truly as others, which causes increased, unequal, and inconsistent tension results, mainly experienced with lighter leathers. This problem is remedied with either the cutting down or removal of the little spring inside the bobbin case.

I have a Cowboy/Neels 6 machine, so this issue may not run across all 441 clones, though I think they all use the same shuttle/hook assembly, which means they are all susceptible to this issue.

ed

I took some quick measurements (three measurements were taken of each bobbin):

Bobbin from ebay: 31.36mm, 31.4mm, 31.38mm

OEM bobbins shipped with machine: 29.94mm, 30mm, 29.91mm

ed

[Luke Hatley]

SOMETIMES .........cheaper is not the best way to go...if you take too many

short cuts, you will meet yourself comming back.

buy the ones from Artisan you'll be glad you did in the long run.

i would start off with 277 on top and 207 on the bobbin.

this works on my 205-307

Edited March 30, 2009 by Luke Hatley

[slingblade]

ok, all sounds good and thanks on the thread size.

just one last ???

on thread size 207 What needle size??

on thread size 277 What needle size??

and on thread size 346 what needle size???

and what kind of thread is best, bonded, non-bonded??

and nylon or polyester or other??

Thanks guys, ireally apperciate the help and advice!!!!!

[Kevinjohnson]

I beleive your machine runs the same needle system as my Adler 205-400. This being said;

138 thread, 160 needle

207 thread, 180 needle

277 top thread & 207 bottom thread, 200 needle

277 thread, 200 needle

346 top thread & 277 bottom thread, 230 needle

I prefer bonded nylon but occasionally use bonded poly when I know that the item will be put through adverse conditions.

Hope this helps,

KJ

[Techsew Ron]

ok, all sounds good and thanks on the thread size.

just one last ???

on thread size 207 What needle size??

on thread size 277 What needle size??

and on thread size 346 what needle size???

and what kind of thread is best, bonded, non-bonded??

and nylon or polyester or other??

Thanks guys, ireally apperciate the help and advice!!!!!

Here's a chart to help you determine which thread to use with which needle size:

Happy sewing!

Ron,

Raphaelsewing.com / Techsew

866-415-823

[esantoro]

All the needle/thread recommendations are good, but I've noticed that if I'm using buttery smooth bridle that pierces easily and cleanly I can use 346/277 bonded thread with a #25 needle.

Also, not all brands and batches of the same size thread are of the exact same thickness.

Use the recommendations as a guide that works 90 percent of the time. Always test on scrap leather from the same side of leather you are using for your project.

I've also come to the realization that perhaps the overriding concern should not be thread size which dictates needle size but what size needle works best with the leather you are using. I've found that a #26 needle is much hardier than a #25 needle and moves the leather across the needle plate in a more predictable fashion than a #25 needle.

If I'm doing two or more layers of 5/6 oz, especially stiffer veg tanned leathers and latigo, my first choice is #26 needle with 346/277 thread. Perhaps ten percent of the time, there may be reason to go down to a #25 needle with 346/277 thread.

Ed

[neelsaddlery]

Does anybody know if the bobbins from Artisan are chrome plated, or are they sort of a sandblasted finish? We used to obtain some of our 441 clone machines from one of the manufacturers that Artisan used in the past, but in all honesty I never personally cared too much for the bobbins that came with some of that factory's 441 clone machines because they were never chrome plated, and seemed to be made of aluminum.

It has been a while since I had ordered from that supplier, so they could have changed it. Also, Artisan may supply their own bobbins with the machines. I am just saying that when we got them direct form the manufacturer, they seemed to have more of sandblasted finish to them, as opposed to chrome. I personally liked the chrome ones better, as they were made of steel and not aluminum, also the sandblasted finish is not present on them.

Just my two cents worth

Ryan O. Neel

Neel's Saddlery and Harness

Cowboy Sewing Machines

Edited March 30, 2009 by neelsaddlery

[esantoro]

In the bobbin comparison I made earlier, the chrome plated bobbins worked the worst. The sandblasted bobbins worked the best and may not have required the removal of that internal spring. Both bobbins appear to be steel, as the are attracted to a magnet.

ed