errigal Report post Posted May 11, 2015 Hi folks I finally got a sewing machine. Now I'm trying to educate myself how to use it and I'm having problems. When I bought the machine the lady who sold it to me had orange thread for jeans in it and I ran through some heavy fabric no problem before I bought it. When I got home I wound the bobbin with 138 and threaded the machine topside with the same. I had no needle other than the size 100/19 that she had in it. I know this is too small but I got it threaded and tried anyway. It either broke the top thread at the needle tip when down in the bobbin or left loops on the bottom of the fabric. I thought it must be top thread tension too slack so tried adjusting tension up and down - it made no difference. With the tension right in it was slightly better but still leaving loops underneath. I have tried slackening the bobbin tension but this also doesn't appear to help. I got a 140/22 needle today and went home rubbing my hands but alas more torture. If anything it is worse and breaks the top thread most of the time I turn the pulley. I am running #138 bonded polyester thread ( this is not round but definitely flattish like hand sewing thread???????). I have this top and bottom. Is it too thick for this machine? I have looked at the bobbin timing and I think it is ok. I have checked the needle is going through the centre of the pressor foot hole and it is. It is also going through the centre of the feed dog hole yet every time that needle disappears down there I have no better odds than 50:50 of it come back out whole!!!!! At this point I really could do with some expert assistance hint hint Thanks Davie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
errigal Report post Posted May 11, 2015 Figured it out. Even though the hook timing was ok the hook is touching/pushing the needle as it passes. There should be a gap of 0.05 to 0.1mm and there is none. It actually bends the needle to the left as it passes. Next problem is that I can't get the screws out to adjust anything and I don't want to destroy the screw head. I presume they are not left hand thread or anything? Can I use an impact driver on them??????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cascabel Report post Posted May 12, 2015 Before I tried an impact driver, I would try using the high quality screwdriver tips that come with magnetic screwdrivers. The best way with a hard to move screw is to hold the tip firmly in the screw head, and turn the tip with a 1/4" wrench. The tips can be ground to properly fit the screw slot if need be. You can usually hold the tip in the screw straight with your fingers without using the handle, if the handle prevents a good straight access to the screw. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tejas Report post Posted May 12, 2015 You might want to read this article on screwdrivers for sewing machine maintenance. I bought a Chapman set from Amazon. http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/07/screwdrivers-part-3-which-set-do-i-or.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted May 15, 2015 Being a refrigeration mechanic I use very expensive electrical screwdrivers. As I use them every day I replace them every 12 months. Crap tools = crap job Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
errigal Report post Posted June 6, 2015 OK all thanks for the advice. I got great screwdrivers and have machine working perfect. I also stuck on a servo motor. I am enjoying it at this stage Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
