Shoe Patcher Thread Jam

[spurdude101]

any ideas on why the thread will jam in the shuttle when I change direction of the butterfly?

[CowboyBob]

to loose needle thread tension,you don;t mention which model you have but if it;s a newer one like 29K71 you have a takeup adjuster screw,turn it out for more travel & last how much play in the gears?

Bob

Edited November 18, 2012 by sewmun

[spurdude101]

thanks Bob, it's a GB2972. the badge says TYPICAL. I feel completely defeated by this machine. I have a $1000.00 into it and I have nothing but problems. I took it to the only industrial sewing machine house in Denver and they charged me 400.00 to replace the bell crank, called it a piece of excrement. without any thread it will feed and punch holes fine. with thread it will jam, break needles, break thread. sometimes it will sew just long enough to get a small job done, other times it will completely ruin a job. Ive been using a #69 thread. the foot will impact the side of the needle and break thread if in the 180 position. I thought the bell crank would fix that problem. the gear lash is pretty tight, the gears atill have the black finish on them. I don't think this machine has ever seen much use... cause it doesn't sew. I don't know what to do with it.

[Sylvia]

Take a deep breath count to ten. I know the frustration you are talking about. I've never owned a patcher but I can sure relate to how frustrating it can be to have needles break and thread fray and break.

Your patcher is just a mechanical machine so there must be some sort of issue, either with the needles, thread size, improper threading, adjustment or perhaps a burr somewhere. Things like that can cause you all kinds of fits. Even if the bobbin is unspooling in the wrong direction will give you fits.

I found this instruction manual that may help you troubleshoot. Take your time and work methodically... plan to burn a substantial amount of scrap pieces as you try to figure out the problem.

http://shop.raphaelsewing.com/Instruction_manuals/Techsew%20GB2972%20Instruction%20Manual.pdf

Good luck.

[CowboyBob]

Machines don't do this,either they sew & sew good or they just don't sew,I'm almost certain your either not threading it correctly or the top tension is to loose.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Methinks Bob is being too kind. Many patchers coming out of China right now are nothing but scrap iron.

[spurdude101]

thanks guys, I'll revieve my methods and see what happens.

[Wizcrafts]

... I took it to the only industrial sewing machine house in Denver and they charged me 400.00 to replace the bell crank, called it a piece of excrement. without any thread it will feed and punch holes fine. with thread it will jam, break needles, break thread. sometimes it will sew just long enough to get a small job done, other times it will completely ruin a job. Ive been using a #69 thread. the foot will impact the side of the needle and break thread if in the 180 position. I thought the bell crank would fix that problem. ...

Try moving the needle sideways, to distance it enough that the foot misses it when spun 180. A well timed machine with a good check spring will continue to form loops and sew no matter which way you move the needle mount.

OTOH, if rotating the bell crank changes the lateral relationship between the needle and foot, something has been drilled off center, or has not been fully tightened into its housing. Check the screws that secure the head to the body. If you have a right angle flat blade screw driver, try gripping the two screws that are on the bottom of the bell crank and see if they are really tightened all the way.

[spurdude101]

OMG! UPDATE:

I just finished sewing my first job without any issues related to this topic! I was carefully observing the action and inter play of the shuttle/needle/thread. This was not easy as I was cycling the machine by hand with the needle plate partially open. I was jamming still. I noticed on the outside of the shuttle carrier there was a small adjusting screw and a knockout for it in the frame. the carrier was not advancing enough to adjust this screw. being somewhat intelligent and knowing machines have things for a reason, I shortened the throw of the actuating arm so that the carrier advanced enough to access this adjusting screw... Whal-laa.. I tested the machine on some scraps and it sewed without a hitch. I was making a seat cushion and sewed it up no problem! I am so relieved, I thought I was doomed forever. Now this mind you is after I spent $400.00 to have the machine timed, adjusted, and had parts replaced in the walking foot mechanism. I am very frustrated still with this very well known industrial distributor in Denver, Co. I just can not bring myself to purchase anything from them any more.. not thread, needles and certainly not a heavy stitcher. thanks guys, I hope my luck holds.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Normally, if you can a GB2972 sewing then it should be ok and give you lots of sewing pleasure.

I would suggest you open the cover plate ate the rear of the pillar and stick your finger inside. If their are metal shavings inside the machine then it needs to be flushed out with kerosine and liberally re-oiled.