Thread Tension Cobra 4

[Red Cent]

I have watched the Bianchi videos a number of times, but last night I noticed something. I am aware he was using a Ferdco at that time. However, a number of times, he raised the foot and with the hoster, pulled some thread free from the machine. I have a very decent looking stitch and the adjustments are not much off from when I received the machine.

After dwelling on that, I realized my top thread is so tight that I could easily cut my fingers if I slipped. And, sometimes, the thread pulls easily. When I stop sewing, I put the thread take up arm in its top position, raise the foot, reach and pull some thread on this side of the TT arm, pull the leather to me and cut the thread. Ain't no way I could do what Bianchi did.

What gives?

[Wizcrafts]

The trick I use is to reduce the bobbin tension to a minimum for a smooth pull. I keep the top thread path as straight as possible, rather than doubling around upper posts. Then, I back off the tension on the lower disk, so the spring is barely touching the disk. Next, I adjust the top tension disks to balance the stitch knots. When I lift the foot, I press all the way down.

If you do it right, you can pull the threads out with the feet up, but pull straight back.

[Red Cent]

The bobbin will release thread without much resistance. The tension is very light. The upper thread path is pretty straight. I have added a lube pot but the resistance is negligible. Like nothing. From the pot it goes to the first tension adjustment.

You realize I will be drubbed out of the Cobra Clan if I start adjusting that much on the thread tension, right? So the tension adjustment on the left is to a minimum and the top is adjusted to when the lockstitch becomes a lockstitch.

I am using 277 top and bottom. A 24 or a 25 needle?

Thank you

Edited August 1, 2013 by Red Cent

[Red Cent]

Interesting yesterday and today Wiz. I started on my first tapered belt. Did the cut, glued liner, and started to sew about 30 minutes later. Almost immediately I got a skipped stitch. Bummed out, I closed the workshop and went to the house. I read all the posts on "the type of machine you need" and a couple of things jumped at me.

I went to the workshop today and adjusted my machine as suggested. At first it worked great, then a skipped stitch. Holy.......!!!!! Stepped back and took a deep breath. I started sewing again and just as the machine skipped a stitch I caught the movement of the roll of thread feeding the machine. WTH???? I looked at the thread from roll to the needle. Read the crazy written book again. I was standing there shaking my head when I caught it. The thread coming from the roll was not in the correct hole on the hanging arm over the rolls. It was catching on the roll. Rethreaded it and have not had a skipped stitch. And I have had this machine for months!! For an excuse its my first machine. So ignorance can be corrected.

Thanks for the thread tension advice. And if anyone has this problem maybe they will read about it and be saved from a humiliating post

Edited August 2, 2013 by Red Cent

[Hillbilly tim]

Hey Red Cent, have you posted pics of you machine since you installed the pot? I remember reading a few post over on CAScity but dont remember getting an eyeball on it. I'd like to see it. how is the consumption of the lube? you using a heated pot?

Thx, Bro. Tim

[Red Cent]

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/redcent69/Leather/Cobra4004_zpsf39669c5.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/redcent69/Leather/Cobra4003_zpsfc1b354c.jpg

This is the same lube pot that John Bianchi used when they recorded his holster making instructions. At that time he was using a Ferdco. I bought mine from Zack White, a local leather wholesale and retail supplier. I am using liquid saddle soap. It does very well and it uses very little of the liquid. If you have watched the tapes, it does leave a wet trail with the stitches. Doesn't stain or inhibit dye.

[dirtclod]

No the ones that came on the Ferdco Pro 2000 machines has a snout with a thread wiper where the thread comes out of the pot.

[Red Cent]

Looked at the tape again, The main pot looks the same but I do seem to see a protrusion from the right side of the pot. Thanks for the observation Dirtclod.

[dirtclod]

The snout is on the left side facing the machine or that's the way it is on my machine. The pot is just like yours except for that.

[Hillbilly tim]

Red cent, I tried to look up the pot on the ZW site but didn't see it. Must not be advertised there but available as parts. What does that run $$ wise??

Bro. Tim

P.S. what a gloriously beautiful day we are having here. Warm. Not to hot. Slight breeze with sunshine. Sure is nice. Don't you think so dirt clod?? Being as we're less than 20 miles apart.

Beats the heavy rain yesterday!!!

[Red Cent]

I believe it was around 30 bucks plus shipping. I found it online and called Zack White. They ordered it.