Piece Of Thread Stuck In Rotating Hook Consew 206 Look Alike

[kwalk20]

You are so right Darren! It gives you a whole new respect for the machine, but also makes you more comfortable and less intimidated too. I like to tinker with things (comes from being my Dad's little helper), and the hubster does too. He can usually fix almost anything but this machine is making a believer out of both of us because we don't fully understand it yet, like what not to do, what this or that means, so we don't want to start messing with stuff unnecessarily and end up with more problems. But it certainly is making me feel more comfortable and now I know what to do for that should it ever happen again. I may have created a whole new problem in the process, but if it just the tension like Bob said, then I am good to go!! I feel somewhat accomplished!

[CowboyBob]

I should of mentioned that if you keep sewing with them big loops like that you'll probably end up jamming it up again.Don't forget to hold the needle thread the first 3 stitches when you start sewing.

[kwalk20]

Here is the latest test stitch. I have adjusted the tension over and over again. It is almost at it's last setting just to get the back looking like this and it's still looping off and on. What else could it be or should I continue tightening the tension until it gets consistent? When I got the machine the tension knob was no where near this tight. I've never had to touch it. Every since getting the trouble out this tension issue happened. We didn't even bother the tension knob. I don't know how this happened. What else could it be?

[Northmount]

Recheck the top thread path for correct threading. Is the thread properly under the check spring. Replace the needle if you haven't already. Make sure the bobbin is installed correctly and the correct rotation. The machine is having trouble pulling the top thread back up. Try a larger needle.

Tom

[kwalk20]

Okay Tom, thank you much. Will do that now. What I have done is taken the hook assembly a part again and re-seated it pressing it a little snug and screwed everything back in. Now the bobbin thread is coming out on the top. So it looks like it's a matter of getting the tension right, right?? Should I change needles anyway? I'm goin to check threading and check the bobbin like you said. I think I'm totally getting broken in, lol.

Edited December 14, 2015 by kwalk20

[gottaknow]

One thing to keep in mind on this style of hook. The positioning finger has to be set into the notch in the bobbin basket just enough to prevent the basket from free spinning. If you have removed the hook, pay attention to where this positioning finger ends up. If you moved it on your first removal of the hook, it needs to be reset. Irregular loops on the bottom are often caused by this being too tight or having a nick on it. I reposted one of your pictures so you can see what I'm talking about. If you did remove the hook and you're no longer getting bottom loops, you likely have it push in farther (away from the positing finger) Just keep in mind the positioning finger must be checked every time you move your hook right or left. Have fun!

Regards, Eric

[Uwe]

It looks like, the tension adjustment has no effect, really. Perhaps something totally different is goin on. Are you positive it's threaded correctly? Is the tension release activated/stuck somehow? Is the timing itself reasonable when you look at the needle and hook movement? Is the safety clutch engaged (if you have one?) Sometimes a sticky safety clutch disengages but hangs on tight enough make it appear engaged. The fist step in timing adjustment is to make sure the safety clutch (if present) is properly engaged,

Perhaps timing slipped a little during your fix and needs to be put back to normal. It almost looks like the thread take-up lever is not pulling far enough to pull the stitch tight.

I'd manually turn the hand wheel and observe the whole movement of parts (hook,needle,take-up lever,etc.) to make sure it looks reasonable. If the thread take-up lever starts to descend again before it ever has a chance to pull the stitch tight, something is definitely out of synch.

I once adjusted timing on a machine using a manual with incorrect needle rise info. It made the thread super tight as it wrapped around the bobbin. I can imagine an opposite scenario where the thread is way too loose because of timing being off in the other direction. Just because the hook manages to pick up the thread, does not mean that timing is spot-on.

Find the timing specs and verify them on your machine. It's usually boils down to something simple like "The needle rises X mm from the bottom when the hook meets the needle in the middle of the scarf, as close a possible without touching the needle." Verifying the timing should be fairly easy. Adjusting the timing may be a little trickier, depending on the machine's design.

The Consew 206RB-5 manual (http://www.rubyrube.com/Consew/downloads/206RB-5.pdf) has timing instructions and safety clutch reset info. You can use the manual to verify that the various adjustment requirements are correct on your machine.

Edited December 14, 2015 by Uwe

[kwalk20]

Eric, thanks so much for you response. I have repositioned the finger again and now I am adjusting the tension in the opposite (loose) direction as before. This time if I make one more turn I'm afraid the knob and springs will pop off. I think I will try to reposition it one more time for good measure after seeing your post to make sure it is in just right.

[kwalk20]

Uwe, thank you very much for your response, and I think you may be right. I am going to try making sure the finger is correct again and I hope that fixes the problem. But it definitely seems like the tension is not really having any effect. Well, it is but minimal. Actually I have gotten it to almost make good stitches, but I have to go drastically one way or the other tension wise. I know it can't be a good thing to have your tension dial so loose that it's almost to the point of popping off. And to get good stitches, I would have to go even looser and I'm afraid that will make the knob and springs come off. So after checking the finger again, if it doesn't work. I'm going down your protocol. This is getting the best of me. I want to give up... but I'm not.

How do I make sure the safety clutch is engaged?

Edited December 14, 2015 by kwalk20

[gottaknow]

If your machine is sewing, even with bad tension, your clutch is ok. Check your threading, readjust your tension starting with the bobbin. You want just enough tension to give a bit of resistance. Then start tightening the top. You must use at least two ply of leather to set your tension.

Regards, Eric