Need help with a Juki 441

[RWDavis]

Howdy List,

First time posting; have really enjoyed looking over the site.

Brief history: I do English saddle/tack repair and custom work at a large tack shop. I've got three machines - a Campbell lock stitch which is outstanding for heavy duty work, a Nakajima (Juki)LU 341 which I use on all sorts of chap/lighter weight leather and nylon related items and is a very reliable workhorse. I own these two and a few years ago the store purchased a Juki 441 from Mast Harness right before Mast went out of business. (Good tip for anyone looking to purchase a new machine: when you weigh the costs don't forget to factor in customer sevice and support. It's invaluable.)

We got the 441 specifically to stitch rubber grips (hand parts) to reins. Although the Campbell could easily handle the job the open eye of the needle tears the fabric of the grips and makes for a very shoddy looking job. That's the only bad thing I can say about my beloved Campbell ;>)!

My problem is that the 441 skips stitches like crazy. It will crank out a batch of reins perfectly and then begin skipping and I just can't figure it out. Does anyone have any suggestions/thougts?

Also, the friction wheel for the bobbin winder has a rubber O ring that has worn out. Know where I can pick up any replacements?

Many thanks!

Ridgely

[Cobra Steve]

  On 10/6/2009 at 1:52 PM, RWDavis said:

Howdy List,

First time posting; have really enjoyed looking over the site.

Brief history: I do English saddle/tack repair and custom work at a large tack shop. I've got three machines - a Campbell lock stitch which is outstanding for heavy duty work, a Nakajima (Juki)LU 341 which I use on all sorts of chap/lighter weight leather and nylon related items and is a very reliable workhorse. I own these two and a few years ago the store purchased a Juki 441 from Mast Harness right before Mast went out of business. (Good tip for anyone looking to purchase a new machine: when you weigh the costs don't forget to factor in customer sevice and support. It's invaluable.)

We got the 441 specifically to stitch rubber grips (hand parts) to reins. Although the Campbell could easily handle the job the open eye of the needle tears the fabric of the grips and makes for a very shoddy looking job. That's the only bad thing I can say about my beloved Campbell ;>)!

My problem is that the 441 skips stitches like crazy. It will crank out a batch of reins perfectly and then begin skipping and I just can't figure it out. Does anyone have any suggestions/thougts?

Also, the friction wheel for the bobbin winder has a rubber O ring that has worn out. Know where I can pick up any replacements?

Many thanks!

Ridgely

Hi Ridgley, welcome. The machine may be slightly out of time. You will probably need to talk to someone like myself, or Bob Kovar at Toledo Sewing Machine co. and we may be able to walk you through the process of re-timing your machine. It is to detailed to do it on a post. Thanks, Steve

[RWDavis]

Thanks Steve; I'll give you a shout.

Ridgely

  On 10/6/2009 at 3:18 PM, Cobra Steve said:

Hi Ridgley, welcome. The machine may be slightly out of time. You will probably need to talk to someone like myself, or Bob Kovar at Toledo Sewing Machine co. and we may be able to walk you through the process of re-timing your machine. It is to detailed to do it on a post. Thanks, Steve

[esantoro]

What size thread and needle are you running? You will probably have the best results if there is slight contact between the needle and the hook on the upswing. If there is not slight grazing, you may want to shim the spacing ring a bit.

ed

  On 10/7/2009 at 12:02 PM, RWDavis said:

Thanks Steve; I'll give you a shout.

Ridgely