jrbeasley Report post Posted October 9, 2015 This is my first post, so first thanks to all who've posted such great information in the past! A few weeks ago I risked $125 on this machine that's suffered some abuse and neglect -- it's a barn rescue. Following some great information here I've almost got it right! I've cleaned, lubricated, corrected top/bottom shaft timing, corrected needle bar height, and replaced several parts. Now it sews, but a pesky issue remains I hope someone can help with. When it was first able to sew, it left big loops on the bottom of the stitch. I've resolved a few issues and now it usually sews a decent stitch, but it seems to require too much top tension and the bottom stitch is inconsistent -- roughly one stitch in five doesn't completely pull up the bobbin thread and you see a bit of the top thread. It happens regardless of thread/needle size or material sewn. Moving the pulley slowly and watching the stitching action, I've noticed a point where the top thread seems to snag near the bobbin just as the stitch is finishing and the loop is almost closed. It may be correct, but it looks suspicious to me. The photos below are at the point in forming a stitch when I think it's snagged. For visibility in the photos I'm using T135 thread top and bottom and 135X16 #23 needle (other combinations don't solve the problem). Needle plate is moved aside also for visibility. Anyone have an idea about what's going on? Thanks in advance! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted October 9, 2015 Check this thread - seems it´s the same problem you have: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=65715&hl=%2Bconsew+%2B225 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrbeasley Report post Posted October 9, 2015 Thank you, I think you diagnosed the problem, but I'm not sure how to solve it. After looking at the hook gibs that have "deflectors" like in your photo, I see how this avoids the problem. But the parts manual shows two hook variations and mine is the one that is designed without a deflector. The two hook styles are: -240557 (has a flat hook gib, no deflector, this is what my machine has) -267356 (has the deflector on the hook gib similar to your picture) I was thinking of ordering the hook gib with the deflector, but noticed the two hooks are designed differently. Mine (240557) has an integral shaft but the 267356 has a hub with setscrews. So I think the parts may not be interchangeable. I am also wondering how the flat hook gib like mine was ever supposed to keep the thread from binding in that area. It must have worked at some point, but I can't imagine how. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrbeasley Report post Posted October 9, 2015 I figured out how the loop closes without snagging -- the bobbin case opener releases the loop's bottom. I made the adjustment and now it's sewing without snagging. The bad news is that did not improve the tension issue or quality of the stitch, pictured below. The picture is using T75 thread and 135X16 #20 needle. The material is 2 layers of auto upholstery leather, about 1/8 inch total. Top tension is near max and bottom is near min. I'm going through all the adjustments again, and appreciate guidance if anyone has ideas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrbeasley Report post Posted October 9, 2015 Success! If anyone is curious, going back through all the adjustments did the trick. I hadn't done a very good job of adjusting the hook timing before, it was off a bit, also the feed dog was high. After those changes, I set top and bottom tension very light, started with T70 thread / 18 needle. After a few seams slowly increasing bottom tension got a nice stitch. I increased and decreased SPI a little beyond the range I plan to use. Then I went through the same exercise with T75/18, T90/20, and T100/20 adding only a little top tension when needed. All produced a nice stitch. At this point the top tension was near max. Then I tried T135/23 which maxed out top tension to get a good stitch. On a lark I tried T210 top, T135 bottom and it stitched pretty well through two and four layers, about 1/4 inch, though that's clearly maxing out this machine. Bottom line: Thanks to leatherworker.net, Constabulary for confirming the snag problem and previous posts, and also Eric, whose previous technical posts I followed closely, this Singer has gone from being stored for years in a barn to back in sewing shape in my living room -- I love this forum! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
