Top Thread Keeps Shredding On Consew 206

[MrLentz]

Hello,

I am setting up my consew 206rb-5 to handle some 138 thread with a 22 needle. I am having an issue with the top thread getting caught below somewhere on the top of the bobbin case or holder or who knows, but it will only do maybe a stitch or two then start shredding. Bobbin thread seems fine though.

- I did thread the needle left to right

- I am holding thread tight for first few stitches

- Bobbin is thread so when you pull it rotates counter clockwise.

-Tensions seem ok, but who knows

Any ideas?

One other weird thing that may or may not be related. Even without this thread problem (without thread in the machine) the handwheel is very hard to operate. I usually have to put my foot a little on the pedal while using my hand to pull the wheel. Does that seem a bit odd?

Thanks for the help!

[Colt W Knight]

I use a # 23 for 138 on my consew 206

When I get the top thread shredding up badly, it's because the needle is slightly canted. Once I reposition the needle correctly, the problem goes away.

Yes, I have to touch my foot pedal slightly to work the wheel.

Edited January 12, 2016 by Colt W Knight

[MrLentz]

Ok I got it figured out now - the needle was put in 180 degrees off plus the bobbin was loaded backwards. Now it is sewing great....but I am noticing a tiny bit of frayed thread on some stitches. Could that be due to the needle size, maybe a 23 would help that?

Thanks

[Colt W Knight]

Ok I got it figured out now - the needle was put in 180 degrees off plus the bobbin was loaded backwards. Now it is sewing great....but I am noticing a tiny bit of frayed thread on some stitches. Could that be due to the needle size, maybe a 23 would help that?

Thanks

I have to use a 23 on 138 to keep the stitches from fraying

[MrLentz]

I have to use a 23 on 138 to keep the stitches from fraying

Ok good to know. I changed the needle out with another 22 (even though it was fairly fresh to begin with). The fraying stopped for now- I may have scraped the needle in the process of multiple jams when setting everything up.

Thank you much!

[paprhangr]

I found Arthur Porter youtube video helpful, Mastering Industrial Sewing Machine

[JLSleather]

The handwheel will be a bit hard to turn, as you said. Built in brakes... keeps it from running on when you lift your foot, basically.

As for the shredding, you do know there are different styles of needles? Around here, folks tend to talk of a size - say like #22 - as if that were the end of the conversation. But a #22 can come in a wide range of needle point geometry and hole size and shape. The next #22 may not work the same as this #22.

I don't have the consew any more, but I used a #18 for #69 thread, a #22 for 138, and a #23 for #207 thread.

You might consider also picking up some spare bobbin cases for that thing. They're cheap (like $5-ish) and makes it really handy to swap thread size. Keep one or two - I'm talking about the bobbin CASE, not the bobbin - for #69 thread. Keep others for #138 thread, or #42, or whatever you're using. This avoids changing the tension spring for different sizes. Once you set it, next time you want to use #138, just put a bobbin in your "138 case", and go....

[paprhangr]

The hand wheel on my consew 206 turns easily without the pedal

[MrLentz]

The handwheel will be a bit hard to turn, as you said. Built in brakes... keeps it from running on when you lift your foot, basically.

As for the shredding, you do know there are different styles of needles? Around here, folks tend to talk of a size - say like #22 - as if that were the end of the conversation. But a #22 can come in a wide range of needle point geometry and hole size and shape. The next #22 may not work the same as this #22.

I don't have the consew any more, but I used a #18 for #69 thread, a #22 for 138, and a #23 for #207 thread.

You might consider also picking up some spare bobbin cases for that thing. They're cheap (like $5-ish) and makes it really handy to swap thread size. Keep one or two - I'm talking about the bobbin CASE, not the bobbin - for #69 thread. Keep others for #138 thread, or #42, or whatever you're using. This avoids changing the tension spring for different sizes. Once you set it, next time you want to use #138, just put a bobbin in your "138 case", and go....

That's great advice - much appreciated!