JoshDuvall Report post Posted June 4, 2009 Ok so I just got my new cobra sewing machine in and got it all set up and got to sewing. I have one question though. When i'm sewing the needle kind of clicks at the top of it's stroke. If I sew slow and watch the needle I can actually see the needle kind of bend to the left at the top of the stroke when it makes the clicking noise then on the way down it kind of bends to the left then comes back to center. It doesn't affect the stitch in anyway it's just kind of annoying. I also notice this when i'm turning the hand wheel where it kind of feels like it sticks then jerks free again (if that makes sense) maybe I'm just being paranoid but this isn't normal is it? What can I do to fix it? Thanks for all the help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted June 4, 2009 A phone call to Cobra Steve will have you straightened out pretty quickly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
esantoro Report post Posted June 4, 2009 Ok so I just got my new cobra sewing machine in and got it all set up and got to sewing. I have one question though. When i'm sewing the needle kind of clicks at the top of it's stroke. If I sew slow and watch the needle I can actually see the needle kind of bend to the left at the top of the stroke when it makes the clicking noise then on the way down it kind of bends to the left then comes back to center. It doesn't affect the stitch in anyway it's just kind of annoying. I also notice this when i'm turning the hand wheel where it kind of feels like it sticks then jerks free again (if that makes sense) maybe I'm just being paranoid but this isn't normal is it? What can I do to fix it? Thanks for all the help. What size needle are you using?. Sounds like a 26 This should be normal. You have a little bit of contact between the needle and hook in the downward path. Without this bit of contact, you'd risk missing stitches due to a loop not being properly formed. If you bit in a smaller needle, you'll see less contact. There is a spacing ring that forms part of thickness with calipers. I've seen the race. This spacing ring dictates how close the needle will be to the hook. If you ever have that spacing ring out, measure its thickness. I've seen rings from different distributors to be 3.48mm, 3.51mm, and 3.65mm. Everything should be normal, even ideal, but call Steve to double check and tell us what you find out. ed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoshDuvall Report post Posted June 4, 2009 I talked to Steve today and he basically told me what esantro did. I just thought it was weird how the needle would click like that then kinda "shake" or "bend" vibrate or whatever when it wasn't even in the leather. Who knows i'm still new to this whole machine thing so i'm sure I'll run into some more road blocks or mental blocks along the way. I'm really glad I went with Steve on my purchase though becuase the customer service has already paid off a day after I got the machine lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neelsaddlery Report post Posted June 4, 2009 Hello: A slight movement of the needle to the left (about 1/32") is normal. This is caused from the hook lightly grazing the needle as it goes by. If the needle moves much more than this, then I would say you need to look at something more closely. However, if Steve says it is normal, then I'd say you are OK. Each manufacturer of the machines makes theirs a little different, so what is normal for one may not be normal for another. Kindest Regards, Ryan O. Neel Neel's Saddlery and Harness Cowboy Sewing Machines Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoshDuvall Report post Posted June 5, 2009 (edited) well it's not so much as a movement when the needles is still below the feed plate. It's when the needle is at it's highest point before it's even entered the leather or after it's come out of the leather if that makes sense and it makes the needle like vibrate, almost kind of like you were plucking it like a guitar string. But there's nothing there hitting it. And it's not like it does it as it's coming out of the leather. I dont know I'll see if I can't make a video and post it to show it. I hope I explained myself clearly enough. Edited June 5, 2009 by JoshDuvall Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elliot Report post Posted June 7, 2009 well it's not so much as a movement when the needles is still below the feed plate. It's when the needle is at it's highest point before it's even entered the leather or after it's come out of the leather if that makes sense and it makes the needle like vibrate, almost kind of like you were plucking it like a guitar string. But there's nothing there hitting it. And it's not like it does it as it's coming out of the leather. I dont know I'll see if I can't make a video and post it to show it. I hope I explained myself clearly enough. I hope you have found the problem here. "I also notice this when i'm turning the hand wheel where it kind of feels like it sticks then jerks free again (if that makes sense) " When you feel it in the hand wheel and the needle is out of the leather, I would be looking in the top of the machine and the linkage that controls the needle bar and walking foot. Using it like it is may cause more problems. Let us know what you find on this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neelsaddlery Report post Posted June 7, 2009 Hello: Is the needle deflecting to the left at all when you hear this noise? Does it do this only when there is leather in the machine and it is sewing? What happens when there is no leather in the machine and you run it empty? (be sure to take thread out of eye of needle when you do this). Does it still make the noise? If so, then I would look more toward the walking foot mechanism. Some of these machines will make a bit of a creak caused by the walking of the presser foot. Oil will help this. If it does it only when sewing (with leather in it), then I would look more toward the needle. I have sewn with Diamond needles a lot over the years and they tend to make a creak when sewing though certain types of leathers. The Groz Beckert needles do not do this. I know it sounds weird that the needle would have anything to do with this but it can and does. If the noise happens only when sewing then try a Groz Beckert needle. Hope this helps. Kindest Regards, Ryan O. Neel Neel's Saddlery and Harness Cowboy Sewing Machines Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoshDuvall Report post Posted June 8, 2009 I talked with Steve again the other day and got the problem resolved. Machine runs like a champ now and Steve has given a few follow up calls to make sure everything is still runnin good. I appreciate all of you trying to help though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elliot Report post Posted June 10, 2009 I talked with Steve again the other day and got the problem resolved. Machine runs like a champ now and Steve has given a few follow up calls to make sure everything is still runnin good. I appreciate all of you trying to help though. Can you let us know what was the problem? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted June 10, 2009 I talked with Steve again the other day and got the problem resolved. Machine runs like a champ now and Steve has given a few follow up calls to make sure everything is still runnin good. I appreciate all of you trying to help though. I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoshDuvall Report post Posted June 10, 2009 Thread tension problem. Silly mistake on my part. I'm learnin' though lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
