Feed Dogs On Q'stitch Colts (A 441 Clone)

[Handstitched]

G'Day from Western Australia,

After spending the arvo sewing belts, I did notice a strange *click click click* on every stitch, or every time the bobbin went around.

We all know the sound or the 'tune ' of our own machines, and this was out of the ordinary.

It was due for a service anyway, so I took the retainer plate off, removed the bobbin/shuttle case to check the feed dog.

The screw holding it in place was loose.

Hence the 'click click click'.

It was either because I didn't tighten it up properly when I changed feed dogs, or it has worked loose over time. I'm guessing it was the first suggestion...OOPS!!

I'd hate to think want would have happened if I didn't take any notice of it.

All fixed now....and nice and quiet

All the best,

HS.

[Luke Hatley]

I have noticed this my self... Listen to the Machine it is telling you something.

[Trox]

G`Day to you HS,

Some machine brands recomend to use a drop of locktite on that screw. It might be a good idea.

Trox

G'Day from Western Australia,

After spending the arvo sewing belts, I did notice a strange *click click click* on every stitch, or every time the bobbin went around.

We all know the sound or the 'tune ' of our own machines, and this was out of the ordinary.

It was due for a service anyway, so I took the retainer plate off, removed the bobbin/shuttle case to check the feed dog.

The screw holding it in place was loose.

Hence the 'click click click'.

It was either because I didn't tighten it up properly when I changed feed dogs, or it has worked loose over time. I'm guessing it was the first suggestion...OOPS!!

I'd hate to think want would have happened if I didn't take any notice of it.

All fixed now....and nice and quiet

All the best,

HS.

[Northmount]

There are different grades of loctite. Use one that will let you remove the screw later without twisting it off or having to heat it up. You want just enough additional holding power to keep it from vibrating loose, not a permanent bond.

[Handstitched]

G'Day again,

Thank you for the suggestions and input.

I had thought about using a loctite, but just wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but reading your posts puts me at ease, although choosing the right one will be important, like 'Northmount ' mentioned.

I wanted to point this out in case anyone else had a similar problem ( or made a similar mistake to mine )

Sewing on these machines are a breeze and vertually noiseless, so yes, certainly pay attention to any noises that are out of the ordinary, listen to it while sewing , it may well save you a lot of $$ one day.

Thanks once again

HS

[jimsaddler]

Hi HS yes using the light Locktite is the way to go. Your machine type has a few problems with screws coming loose so also use it on the Needlebar Clamp screws as I have had to retime a few of these because of loosened screws.

Kindest Regards.

Jim Saddler.

G'Day again,

Thank you for the suggestions and input.

I had thought about using a loctite, but just wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but reading your posts puts me at ease, although choosing the right one will be important, like 'Northmount ' mentioned.

I wanted to point this out in case anyone else had a similar problem ( or made a similar mistake to mine )

Sewing on these machines are a breeze and vertually noiseless, so yes, certainly pay attention to any noises that are out of the ordinary, listen to it while sewing , it may well save you a lot of $ one day.

Thanks once again

HS

[Northmount]

Here's a link to

Loctite Application Guide to help make sure you pick the properties you want.

CTG

[CowboyBob]

We use the blue locktite on every machine we sell & wash out the hole & screw both with some alcohol to remove the oil.

Bob

[Handstitched]

G'Day,

Thank you all once again.

I have printed off a copy of the application guide.

Just reading through the guide, I might try the Loctite 222 'Low Strength ' for now and see how that goes,if a need a stronger one later, then I'll go for the Loctite 242 Medium Strength.( the blue Loctite that Bob mentioned) . It will depend on how frequently I change feed dogs for different jobs etc.

So far , I haven't had any problem with the needle bar screws.

Before and after each use of my machine, I do a quick check over, and make sure its clean, and cover the threads and the machine when finished. ( its just a habit that I got myself into). But I will be paying closer attention to screws etc. from now on.

I'll be off to the hardware shop tomorrow. ( its Sunday here right now, and the shops are closed in my town ).

Thanks:wave:

HS

[Handstitched]

G'Day,

I got the loctite 222 on Monday, and at $21.00 a bottle, its a lot just for one screw, but it may save me a fortune over time.

HS

[amuckart]

If you loctite the screw in, what do you do when you need to change feed dogs? Do you have to clean out the hole again?

[Handstitched]

G'Day,

I think it would pay to keep the screw threads clean so as not to get a build up of 'old' loctite.

It would be good to get some feedback on that question ?

HS

[CowboyBob]

Yes,you should clean off old locktite before you reuse a screw,acetone or contact cleaner will work on the screw & in the hole.

Bob