Why The Need For A Single Row Feed Dog W/ Rollers?

[CustomDoug]

Are there certain instances when the Single Row feed dogs are a better choice with the roller style presser feet or are they pretty much always going to be the best bet when using a roller foot? Why?

Edited October 24, 2012 by CustomDoug

[Wizcrafts]

I have an actual roller foot conversion set on my 31-15. It consists of a 3/4 inch diameter, flip-up rolling wheel presser foot, a single row feed dog the fits under the roller and a throat plate made to fit that feed dog. This set works together as a unit and feeds excellently.

If you have a flat presser foot that contains little rollers on the bottom, that feeder is no good for it. In that case you should keep the original feed dog, or move up to a heavy duty set. This provides the best drive for the presser foot you are using.

[CustomDoug]

I have an actual roller foot conversion set on my 31-15. It consists of a 3/4 inch diameter, flip-up rolling wheel presser foot, a single row feed dog the fits under the roller and a throat plate made to fit that feed dog. This set works together as a unit and feeds excellently.

If you have a flat presser foot that contains little rollers on the bottom, that feeder is no good for it. In that case you should keep the original feed dog, or move up to a heavy duty set. This provides the best drive for the presser foot you are using.

No, I have the exact same set up that you have on your 31-15. The problem is that I bought those when I had a 31-15 and now I have a Pfaff 34 (which is essentially the same machine but with a reverse). Unfortunately the single row feed dog and associated needle plate won't fit the Pfaff (slight difference). I can use the actual roller that I've already got - but why even bother to get Pfaff's version of the single row feed dog and plate if it's not necessary. Which is what I'm trying to figure out. Thanks.

[Wizcrafts]

No, I have the exact same set up that you have on your 31-15. The problem is that I bought those when I had a 31-15 and now I have a Pfaff 34 (which is essentially the same machine but with a reverse). Unfortunately the single row feed dog and associated needle plate won't fit the Pfaff (slight difference). I can use the actual roller that I've already got - but why even bother to get Pfaff's version of the single row feed dog and plate if it's not necessary. Which is what I'm trying to figure out. Thanks.

Right. My bad.

The roller occupies a single bottom width of between 1/8 and about 3/16 inches, depending on the size and who cast it. The feed dog can only feed material when there is pressure from the top, via a presser foot. Since the narrow footprint roller is all the pressure on top, it makes sense to use a feeder that lies directly under it, as the other teeth have nothing to work against. However, you can leave in your original feeders if the roller makes good contact with the left-most row. You may or may not get the best feed, depending on the width and aggressiveness of the teeth, and distance to the needle hole from the right edge of the left-most row of teeth. The feeder in a roller foot conversion lies directly next to the hole, allowing you to place the edge of the roller very close to the needle.

Edited September 20, 2013 by Wizcrafts

[Andrew Chee]

Another question about roller feeds. I see that most people that use the roller setup use drop feed straight stitch machines. I don't see a lot of needle feed machines set up with rollers. Why is that wouldn't a needle feed machine give you more consistent stitch lengths when going around corners? I also don't see any left row feed dog setups for needle feed machines. Why's that?

Andrew

[CowboyBob]

Andrew with the roller foot on the leftside when you turn to the right the stitches will get shorter & when you turn left they get shorter.The reason is the foot isn't in the center,On a needle feed there's a narrow foot that would work better.

[Andrew Chee]

So do people tend not to use rollers on a needle feed machine? If you used a narrow foot, wouldn't you possibly run into a problem with sticking on sticky material? Also, wouldn't a roller be better for sewing right up to the edge even on a needle feed machine?

Andrew

[CowboyBob]

Yes,a roller foot has it's place as long as the material is stiff enough that it doesn't lift up w/the needle & your going straight.There a foot w/a teflon bottom available that will help in sticky material.

[Singermania]

HI Andrew, needle feed machines tend to have vibrating presser feet, ie the foot lifts slightly as the needle draws the material thru...at that time you can turn your work with ease even though you don't have a roller foot. I take your point though, I've not used a needle feed machine with a roller foot and wonder how it would go. With regards to a roller foot with multiple row feed dogs, that's not such a good setup as the extra row of teeth tend to want to keep the work flowing in a straight line.

[Andrew Chee]

Interesting. I'm on the lookout for a garment weight machine that I would like to be able to use for some decorative stitching in lighter leathers. There are a lot of drop feed straight stitch machine available around here for cheap (juki 5550s and machines like that). I wonder if I should hold out for a needle feed machine?

Andrew