jdnbr Report post Posted October 15, 2014 Hello All, Been hanging around and soaking up very valuable information for some time but this is my first post. I recently purchase a Singer 211W155 and got it setup with a new servo motor and reducer. The problem I am having is that I cannot change the stitch length. I hold down the button, turn the flywheel until it clicks the button in which is around 6 stiches per inch. When I try to turn to adjust, it is very hard to turn and ends up turning the belt driven pulleys and knocking the machine out of time. I reset the timing by holding in the button and turning until it drops back in at the 6/in mark. Am I doing something wrong? Is something stuck? I think this machine did sit for a while without being used. Thanks for all of your great help, Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted October 16, 2014 I´d assume that your stitch length adjuster is gummed up with old oil and grease. Another member recently had a similar issue with a Singer 111 which has the same regulator, so check this thread, maybe it will help you. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=58390&p=375555 I hope this helps. BTW - Have you pushed the left or the right plunger? The left one is for the stitch regulator and the right one of the safety clutch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdnbr Report post Posted October 16, 2014 Thanks for the reply, I did see that post but this machine doesn't look like the same setup. It doesn't look like jjs's pic or the cut away diagram. Also I have read about there being 2 buttons but this machine only has 1 button and the other is a screw with an oil hole and an oil wick inside. I will try to post some pictures. Thanks, Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted October 16, 2014 There is 3-screws in the end of the 211 lower clutch pulley that set the tension that it takes before it kicks out.When you look @ the pulley from the side you see them,to adjust it take out the short lock screw & turn the other screw in a couple of turns,do this to all 3.Then itwill take more force to kick it out you should be able to adjust your stitch,you might try (when holding the button down) turning the handwheel away from you this will make it shorter,towards you is longer. The 211's all only have 1-button on the bed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted October 16, 2014 I have worked on a friends 211 but I could swear it had 2 buttons but you for sure know better Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted October 16, 2014 Some of them have a 2nd button on the top to adjust the height of the foot walk. The single button isn't the best idea on these because they do tend to knock the clutch out easier when you change the stitch length.But you are correct in saying they get gummed up & sometimes putting some oil or penetrating fluid on the stitch length cam underneath will help to free it up. I just worked on one a couple days ago that the clutch was kicking out all the time & had to tighten the adjustment on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted October 16, 2014 checked with my friend - his 211 has just one button. Seems I mixed up something. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdnbr Report post Posted October 17, 2014 Thanks Guys, Bob, I tried adjusting the clutch tighter. First 2 turns on each, then 2 more on each but it still tripped. While I had it tightened I got an extra pair of hands and had them hold the button and turn the flywheel while I used a punch and tapped in the spanner wrench holes in the adjuster until I got it to the 4 mark. It worked. I now have 4 stitches per inch. I loosened the clutch back 2 turns on each and I guess I'm good to go. I hope my method won't cause any problems. Thanks for the help, Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcox Report post Posted October 17, 2014 There are 2 screws on a little flat plate on the side of the stitch length cam. If you back these of a little & some penetrating oil on the cam it will help loosen things up. be sure to tighten the screw after it's working Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdnbr Report post Posted October 17, 2014 Pcox, When I loosen the 2 screws a little bit it works perfect. I oiled it and up and worked it for a while but as soon as I tighten the screws it's back to the same thing. I'll keep workimg with it. I can loosen the screws when I need to change stitch lengths because I won't change them often. Thanks for the info. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcox Report post Posted October 18, 2014 If you look at the ends of the plate you will see a small recessed screw at each end. loosen the screw that hold the plate just enough for it to work freely then lock the plate screws by tightening the little screw on the ends. You will be good to go. I think someone locked the adjustment so an operator could not change the stitch length. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdnbr Report post Posted October 18, 2014 Thanks for the info. That did it. It's great having access to a wealth of knowledge that people are willing to share. It is highly appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregg From Keystone Sewing Report post Posted October 18, 2014 (edited) See attached image, I think a stitch length regulator/safety clutch parts breakdown is on order. Remove all check screws first, adjust for spring/ball pressure, then reinstall check screws to lock settings in place. If this mechanism appears to be new and not so improved over the preceding 111W stitch length and safety clutch reset system, you are not alone. These units are prone to give service issues. To make matters worse, this setup can easily confuse an operator when they are resetting the clutch or m, but most likely when they are adjusting stitch length, but that's even when it is working correctly. The issues compound when this unit needs to be cleaned and readjusted over time. Edited October 18, 2014 by Gregg From Keystone Sewing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tribo korokan Report post Posted March 10, 2015 I notice that the singer 111 has the same set up with consew 229 that I just bought to change the stitch length.My own problem is that the plunger to lock it down on machine bed is missing. Can I stick a metal in that hole to lock in the notch and turn the handwheel on to change the stitch length? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stropless Report post Posted February 28, 2016 I notice that the singer 111 has the same set up with consew 229 that I just bought to change the stitch length.My own problem is that the plunger to lock it down on machine bed is missing. Can I stick a metal in that hole to lock in the notch and turn the handwheel on to change the stitch length? Yes. All you are doing, is stopping the cam plate from turning while you adjust the stitch length. And on a strange note for everyone else, I have a Singer 211G166 that I just went through, and it does NOT have a safety clutch. lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites