What Am I Doing Wrong

[gainesvilleman]

I am new to using a sewing machine, I make leather holsters and have been doing them by hand. Due to arthritis problems I bought a PFAFF 1245 color is white, I have tried to use #207 on top and #138 or #92 on the bobbin, my problem is no matter what thread I use on top it keeps breaking or bunching up at the needle. The machine has a servo motor so I am going very slow, when it is not breaking the thread the stitch is very good the timing seems fine. I sew 7-8 oz. leather veg/tanned. When I go in reverse the top thread breaks right away. If any one could give me some advise it would greatly appreciated.

[Northmount]

I am new to using a sewing machine, I make leather holsters and have been doing them by hand. Due to arthritis problems I bought a PFAFF 1245 color is white, I have tried to use #207 on top and #138 or #92 on the bobbin, my problem is no matter what thread I use on top it keeps breaking or bunching up at the needle. The machine has a servo motor so I am going very slow, when it is not breaking the thread the stitch is very good the timing seems fine. I sew 7-8 oz. leather veg/tanned. When I go in reverse the top thread breaks right away. If any one could give me some advise it would greatly appreciated.

Are you matching needle and thread size? Here is a chart http://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html

Is the needle in the right direction, and threaded from the correct side? Thread should enter on the side of the needle with the long groove.

Tom

Edited June 15, 2013 by northmount

[Ferg]

Double check your tension settings.

Remember: Your stitch is only as strong as the "Least" of your thread.

ferg

[gainesvilleman]

_{Thank you both Tom & Ferg, I am using a 140/22 leather point needle, and I do thread it correctly. I have read in the forum that some people are using a 25 needle, I thought I would try that also. I have checked the tension, and from what I can see there is no top thread on the bottom and no bottom thread on the top, so I thought the tension was ok? But I will play with the tension and see if that is the problem. This forum is great for newcomers like myself, I have learned a lot and hope to learn a lot more.}

[TwinOaks]

It could be that you have BOTH tensions set too high...which would keep the knot in the middle, but could be too much for the bobbin thread.

[Red Cent]

Did you check the needle? Sounds like you have it turned 180 wrong.

[gainesvilleman]

The direction of the needle scarf is toward the hook, it picks up fine, the timing seems to be good also. Thanks Stu...

[Sunman05]

I have a Juki-LU562. No matter fast or slow, I get a big knotty mess near the bobbin. I'm just learning to use it and getting teed-off!

What methods are advisable?

[RiverCity]

Are you holding the top and bottom threads straight back and taught for the first couple of stitches?

Chuck

[Sunman05]

No

Straight back or is to the side okay?

[Sunman05]

Also, thinking of going with a servo motor. This clutch takes off like a hot rod. Is 3/4hp enough,(550w)? Brushless or with brushes?

[Northmount]

No

Straight back or is to the side okay?

Either, as long as you aren't pulling the needle too. Depends on what you are sewing as to where you can hold onto the thread.

Tom

[Northmount]

Also, thinking of going with a servo motor. This clutch takes off like a hot rod. Is 3/4hp enough,(550w)? Brushless or with brushes?

Clutch takes a lot of practice to be able to feather it so it slips the right amount for the speed you want to go. So, yes a servo is a big help.

Digital servos (no brushes) have some programming options. Analog servos (brush type) aren't programmable (generally).

Brush type, you need to check the brushes periodically. The more you use the machine, the more often they need checked.

If you are sewing thick leather, you might want to consider a servo with 3:1 built in gear reduction. Will have more torque available at lower speeds. Something like the SewPro at Toledo Industrial Sewing machines. This will help if you need really slow for some of your work. If you need slower yet, add a speed reducer pulley. I did both on my machine. 3:1 at the servo, and 3:1 at the speed reducer pulley, so have 9:1 reduction. The machine will do from 3 seconds for 1 stitch to somewhere around 200-300 stitches per minute. Good for a slow guy like me.

HP or wattage should be at least as large as the clutch motor (unless you add speed reducers). The clutch motor has some momentum to get the machine moving. Servo starts from zero.

Tom

Edited August 12, 2013 by northmount

[Sunman05]

Where did you buy the gear reduction?

[gainesvilleman]

I went from a clutch to a servo, wow what a difference it made. I now have total control and if I ldo want to go faster all I have to do is turn the knob and it will go faster. I only use the slow speen anyway.

[Northmount]

Where did you buy the gear reduction?

Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines ... As noted. See banner ads at the top of this page. Refresh until you get Toledo ... Bob Kovar, also known as Cowboy Bob on this forum.

Tom

[Sunman05]

If anyone need a copy of the Juki LU-562/LU-563 instruction manual, Let me know.

[biglew]

Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines ... As noted. See banner ads at the top of this page. Refresh until you get Toledo ... Bob Kovar, also known as Cowboy Bob on this forum.

I just want to Add that he is a great guy!! He has helped me several times and I love going to his shop....A ton of new and used machines and so many kewl things to look at!

I truly appreciate his help and knowledge.

[Dave1]

Gainesvilleman...your description   you may have a burr on your hook...... your check spring may be holding on to long     your bobbin case opener may not be opening enough, or not releasing in time to allow the top thread to pass.  it really seems that there is a sharp spot... If your needle barr is to low the hook flange will deflect the thread   if the needle barr is to high the hook its self could be cutting the thread......Check your needle barr height/ where the hook crosses the eye of the needle ..your friend Dave1