Tension Adjustment Question And My New Machine, Thanks To Steve

[ouchmyfinger]

i just received my machine from steve at cobra, i couldn't get the class 4 i wanted but i needed a machine that could at least do guitar straps and belts. I called asking about his flatbed class 18 i think it was and told him i just couldn't stretch for the class 4 but needed a machine asap. He still made my dreams come true lol, he had just received a used artisan toro 4000 and before i knew it i was sitting at home waiting for it to get here lol. it came with some extra feet, needles, bobbins, dvd, etc....

well 2 hours of assembly and reading and i was slowly learning what is basically my first sewing machine, at least first one that can handle a variety of thickness so i knew i would need to learn the adjustments more so than the singer i had a while ago that was not very good. it came with a sample of 3/4" leather already sewn and i need to knock out some belts and guitar straps so i put in a sample piece top and bottom that is about 10 oz total thickness, i didn't want to thrown in a 5oz after a 3/4" i thought it would be smart working my way down and learning as i go.

at first i could see the top thread on the bottom and i followed the instructions and adjusted the top tension. now i am at the stage in the pics,

finally here is my questions

1st?-there is some blowout on the back, yes it is old leather and probably too dry. and a new needle or what i assume is a new needle since it was in the machine when i received it and it looks new. any other ideas on how to reduce blowout

-2nd ?- how can i tell if the top tension and bottom tension are too tight? i am getting the stitch in the middle of the leather and it is not showing on the top or bottom but i think my blowout may be coming from the leather ripping but probably not, my top thread is slightly sinking into the surface of the leather and coming out very very close to flush with the surface leather

thanks

also if there is anything else you can think of that i may need to know please chime in, I'm a sewing machine rookie and practicing all weekend so i can knock out some stuff this week and make a couple demos to send to potential clients so my learning curve and time aren't lining up with life well right now lol

[ouchmyfinger]

i just tried on a fresh piece of veg tan and its not as bad but you can still see the leather ripping a little from hole to hole on the bottom, i also tried flipping it and sewing flesh side up and flesh side down on a piece of 7 oz and its not as bad as far as blowout is concerned and i did not have to make any adjustments to keep the stitching meeting in the middle of the work

new question- when i try to backstitch i end up getting the bobbin thread crows nest thing going and when i cut the threads i have 3 coming up from the bobbin, when i cut them i can pull one free easily and it is just about 4 inches long and string number 3 is just the end of this one that i have pulled out, so i am getting my normal bobbin thread and 1 small loop in the shape of a U with the tops coming out of the needle plate

thanks in advance

[Ferg]

My observations:

Your needle appears to be too large plus the wrong kind/shape for what you are trying to do. Looks as though you have a diamond point, you need a "S" or similar.

To select the proper size needle for the thread you are using, thread a needle holding the loose end of the thread up so the needle can slide down thread easily. If it appears to do this too easy try next smaller needle.

When you back tack make sure you don't allow the leather to move away from the path you were sewing.

When you finish a stitch line move the hand wheel until the "take-up" lever is at the highest point. This will release the bobbin and needle thread so you can pull out 3 or 4 inches to snip.

Hope this helps

ferg

i just tried on a fresh piece of veg tan and its not as bad but you can still see the leather ripping a little from hole to hole on the bottom, i also tried flipping it and sewing flesh side up and flesh side down on a piece of 7 oz and its not as bad as far as blowout is concerned and i did not have to make any adjustments to keep the stitching meeting in the middle of the work

new question- when i try to backstitch i end up getting the bobbin thread crows nest thing going and when i cut the threads i have 3 coming up from the bobbin, when i cut them i can pull one free easily and it is just about 4 inches long and string number 3 is just the end of this one that i have pulled out, so i am getting my normal bobbin thread and 1 small loop in the shape of a U with the tops coming out of the needle plate

thanks in advance

[ouchmyfinger]

i switched needles and went to try a sample and now it just goes up and down and doesn't move forwards or in reverse.

any ideas

[Ferg]

Wiz is best one to help you with this, I a sure he will jump in any minute now

ferg

i switched needles and went to try a sample and now it just goes up and down and doesn't move forwards or in reverse.

any ideas

[KAYAK45]

It's been a week since your post. Have you figured it out/..or quit trying?

Let us know!