IanCraik Report post Posted January 31, 2015 I got an Adler a year ago, but haven't had set it up yet to until now. I believe it's threaded properly (I couldn't find a manual or threading instructions online, so threaded it based on the other machines I have) and I have correct needles, properly seated, but here's what's happening - firstly, the shuttle hook wasn't grabbing the thread, and I'm not sure what I did, but now it is. Next, it stitches well when I sew a couple of layers or 4oz, but when I go to a thicker material, the stitches aren't locking and they skip like crazy. It seems like that would be a problem with not using the correct needle, but I know I ordered the correct ones, so does anyone have any idea where the problem lies. I'm using #92 thread, though I will be using 138. Thanks much Ian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted January 31, 2015 It sounds like either the thicker material is causing a little needle deflection, the thicker leather is keeping the needle too high (needle bar adjustment **I think**) or there's an issue with the needle/thread size. To test if it's the latter, see if a thinner thread will work when using the same needle and leather thickness. It could be that the thicker leather is 'grabbing' the thread and not allowing the hook to grab the loop. Or, if it's the former, the slight deflection is moving the needle too far away from the hook's path. It'd probably be easiest to see with the bobbin out of the way so you can see where the hook is in relation to the needle. Some of the better sewing machine gurus will have more useful input than this, but it's something to get you started. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanCraik Report post Posted January 31, 2015 Thanks for the input, unfortunately I didn't get to try it. I watched a Youtube video on servicing the bobbin and THOUGHT I'd remember how to do it when I got to the shop this morning (no Internet there). Evidently I DIDN'T remember, because now that it's back together it doesn't sew at all. I guess I never learn. Perhaps re-watching and giving it another shot when I go in in the morning.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted January 31, 2015 Also look up how to set the timing. You're machine is acting up, so you might as well learn how to 'fix' one of the most common things. On some machines, there's a little shim plate that adjusts how far the hook is from the needle. As was mentioned in a thread somewhere, the needle should NOT be bottomed out- it should be raised a small amount above 'bottom-dead-center', as the thread loop forms when the needle is on the rise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanCraik Report post Posted January 31, 2015 You're correct, I do need to know more about fixing and adjusting. I've been using my old Consews for so long and they've never needed a thing in the years since I got them apart from an oiling. I'm going to make it a mission to learn this machine inside and out. Adjusting timing sounds pretty intimidating, but I think I went by a video on YT about that. I'm surprised I can find so little info on this model - it seems to have been fairly popular. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted February 1, 2015 this might be useful - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanCraik Report post Posted February 1, 2015 Thanks - I took a bunch of pictures from the screen to take with me - I also found a picture online of a threaded machine - seems I've been doing that wrong too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanCraik Report post Posted February 1, 2015 Well, hallelujah - your suggestion was spot on. It was the foot pressure, and come to think of it, it makes sense - the guy I bought it from had a mini industry sewing some sort of industrial filters - probably very lightweight material. Plus I disassembled the hook again, cleaned it up like new, installed a new servo motor and roller guide and tried it on some 12oz harness leather - it sewed like a dream as though it was chiffon. So, thanks a million Mike. There's nothing like the feeling when things work out and I really appreciate that you took the time to steer me right. Ian PS as a side note, the guy I got it from used to have a small upholstery business and was just barely staying afloat. Then one day a guy came in and asked if he would do a bit of contract sewing (the filters) He ended up with 6 machines and employees and by the time the work had moved to Asia he had made several million and retired to a beautiful house in Maine. I wish I had bought a couple more of these machines - I didn't even realize what a steal they were at $600 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted February 2, 2015 $600???!!!??? GAAAHHHHHH Yer Killin' me! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
