3rd day with new machine - Not Good :-(

[kevinhopkins]

Hello Cheryl,

I can really appreciate the frustration that you feel. I think everyone has give you some great thoughts, especially about the thread sizes. As far as sewing machines are concerned, sewing with the right size thread and needle are fairly critical. It's not that the machine won't sew if the thread is too small, and the needle is too big, but if the thread is too big, you can just forget it. One way to see if the thread is the right size for your needle is to take a piece of thread about a foot and a half long, and just slide a needle onto it. THen hold one end of the thread in each hand, and lift one end of the thread high enough so that the needle will (hopefully) slide freely. If it doesn't, you'll need to reduce thread size. Or get a bigger needle. I think the others were right when they said that the machine really isn't designed to do what you're trying to do. But more than likely, when you get your thread and needle right, you'll be fine. Keep in mind too, that if there is any sort of small burr on the needle plate, needle, or any other pc of metal that the thread comes in contact with, it can cause similar troubles.

Best wishes,

Kevin

[TwinOaks]

Falling in with the "wrong thread size" crowd.....

I just recently got a Singer 66 and was trying size 69 thread in it. Almost IDENTICAL thread problems. My issue was that the BOTTOM thread was breaking because of abrasion at the shuttle/bobbin. The thread was too large for it. On ryano's suggestion I went 1 size down, and the problem went away.

[2MadJacks]

yep I believe so as well. For sure should be an easy fix. Good luck, James

[KitKat]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all your help. I went into KC and bought some 138 & 69 thread like everyone said. I'll sew some more on it tonight and post some more pic's and the results. I also stopped by the place we bought it from and were told to check the bobbin area for abrasions on the sharp pointed thing (Cant remember the exact name). If we found any to either file it down or bring the head back in so they can fix it. They said that could also cause this thread shredding problem. The machine is a Zuki LU-1508NH. We were told when we bought it that it will sew multiple layers of leather up to 1/2" thick. We even watched as they showed us. It is supposed to be the Xtra heavy duty kind. Anyway, I doubt I'll have to sew anything that heavy. Most of my stuff is small goods. Anyway, now wondering if we didn't make a HUGE mistake. Hubby wanted it to sew tarps and stuff with while it would also suit my leather needs as well. Oh well, I guess we can always pay this one off, and get another designed for the heavier stuff.

Thanks once again for all your help with this. It has certainly been pretty dog gone frustrating!!

Cheryl

[TwinOaks]

Some of the more common names/models to pick from for heavy stitching like tack, etc. that can also do materials like canvas, sails, tarps.....are Juki 441 (and clones- Artisan, LMC/Cobra, CowboySew), and Adler 205 (and clones), and perhaps a NeelsSaddlery model 5. All are BIG machines that will handle the jobs well.

[Cobra Steve]

Hi Cheryl, first of all if you purchased the machine right off of the floor, then it probably was never set up to sew leather, it is probably an upholstery machine. A machine that is set up for leather, is set up differently. The presser feet are smooth,so they won't mark the leather, the feed dog is buffed to take off the sharpness off the teeth, so it won't mark the leather as well. and of course you will want to use a 135X16 TRI needle. In my 36 years of being a mechanic, this type of machine will not sew 277 thread on top unless the basket, or plate have been modified to do so. Even if you do modify the basket or plate, there is no guaranty that it will work. There is not enough clearance in that type of hook system to allow the 277 thread to clear. It will get hung up somewhere. I do not recommend modifying this machine. Use a 207 on top and a 138 in the bobbin, this is where you will get the best results. There is a misconception regarding sewing 3/8 inch leather. Just because machines are advertized to sew this thick, they are not able to use heavier thread,(346,277, and sometimes 207), you see, the problem is not the thickness of the leather, but in fact, the weight of the thread. This is why you shouldn't try to sew skirts on this machine, because to do so, you will only be able to use 207 thread(at the max), and 207 thread is not strong enough to hold a saddle together, it will compromise the integrity of the saddle, and it will not last long. Bottom line, you need a heavy duty machine for this type of work, and save this one for your light to medium weight leather. Call me if you want more info, 1-866-962-9880, thanks, Steve

[KitKat]

Well... I have been testing this thing again, and I dont particularly care for what I am seeing. The thread looks like fishing twine in a scrap rein I've been practicing on. What I am seeing are more holes in the leather from the needle (24) than the thread. It just isn't displaying itself like I want. Anyway, It's just not very pretty.

The problem with the thread did fix itself by going to a 138 though. I'm happy about that!!

Cobra, I'm seeing pressure feet marks too. I've released some of the pressure but still need to release more.

I guess I need to check this xx xx places return policy huh!!

Thanks for all your help everyone!

[2MadJacks]

Thats what I would be doin. There are some good clones as Twinoaks mentions and they have fair prices as well. James