Thread Twisting Coming Off Spools

[bruce johnson]

I am running into this problem lately and wondering if anybody else does. I am sewing on a Ferdco 2000. On some spools as I get down to 1/4 spool or less I start to get twisting as the thread comes off the spool (between the spool rack and the machine). It is like the coil memory of fishing line. It eventually builds to the point I get twisting and kinking all the way down, loops don't form, skip stitches, say bad words, cat decides the shop isn't that fun after all. I have tried laying the spool sideways so it unrolls off sideways rather than pulls up, There still is some of that memory coil there, although maybe a little less. Today I cut off a good sized length from an offending spool and ran it between my fingers out to the end and untwisted the coils. It sewed about 20 feet just fine so the problem sure seems to be the coiling. I have had to change thread suppliers and have tried a couple. I used to use Dabond (peasant color mostly) and had the problem rarely, maybe two spools out of a bunch off the top of my head. I have now tried bonded poly in different color (no manufacturer name on the thread) from another supplier and bonded nylon also. I am running 2 for 4 on these as I get low on the spool. They started off alright but both are now doing it. Bad luck?

[George B]

I had the same problem with the thread from Weaver. It was okay at the start of the spool and then about 1/2 to 1/3 left it started kinking so bad it would pop out of the tension guides.

Customer service at Weaver told me it was due to the black dye used in thread. Well, it did it with white also. So much for Weaver's tech support.

I figured it was the direction of winding on the thread or the spools and ordered some to replace it with the correct direction from the thread exchange, I think out of Nashville. Now I can use the entire spool without issues.

I had to check the manual for my machine to find the correct winding. The thread they were selling me from Weavers was not the correct thread for my machine.

I called the Thread Exchange and the person was very helpful.

Hope this can help.

[trekster]

You were probably on the right track when you put the spool sideways. We run into the same problem sometimes with the thread that comes off the spool on a Tippmann Boss. Sometimes the coils will actually fall down and become entangled below the spool stand, then while sewing, you don't notice the problem and the change in tension can screw up some stitches.

Some Boss operators have fashioned a different wire loop so the spool actually revolves (unwinds) on the thread stand as the thread is coming off, rather than coiling off the top. I'll bet you could make up a similar gadget for your Ferdco.

[Trox]

Sometimes the use of Fibings liquid glycerin saddle soap will take care of the troubling thread, apply it on the spool and it soak in.

However, it may also help to double the times you lead the thread true the thread pin. Use more than two holes and go around the pin between each hole. Use the lube pot and every guide holes available to get the twink out of the thread.

This can also happen if thread is not pulled of the center of the spool. When you accidental push the thread rack guide out of position, or forget to lead the thread true at least two holes in the thread pin.

I have heard it happens mostly to black colors because of something related to the coloring process. Double dying or redying of other colors can make it stick to the spool. like the trouble of a unevently voven bobbin.

[gottaknow]

We usually have 200-400 cones of various threads in use at the same time on any given day in the factory. Some machines are forgiving of over-twisted thread, some not. Years ago I toured a major thread manufacturer in North Carolina. I learned a ton about making thread. As an example, if I determine I've got a bad cone of thread, I'll note the lot number. If the same lot number causes problems on different machines, we'll pull the case back and return it.

A sales rep told me that in order to save thread, they'll sell the returned cases to smaller outlets, figuring they'll end up at an upholstery shop or some place else not sewing at 3500 stitches per minute. These unbalanced threads find their way to the consumer.

Black threads are often re-dyed to black after a dye failure. It's like coloring your hair twice. I usually use silicone spray on black thread as needed.

Sometimes I get stuck having to use bad thread. In the case of over twisting as you describe, I keep a supply of plastic drinking straws on hand and run the thread through them between the machine and the top of the thread stand guide. No need to fasten it anywhere, just let it sit there. As was stated earlier, use all available guide holes on the machine. I've attached an explanation of how to test your thread so you know what you're dealing with.

Regards, Eric

[Ferg]

Excellent information, Thank You.

ferg