stiching problem with Cobra class 4

[collarobo]

I recently got a Cobra class 4 sewing machine and when I go to stich no matter how strong or hard I hold both top thread and bottom thread, my top thread gets caught down around the bottom bobbin.  Believe it or not it seems to thread ok but when I go to remove the goods from the machine I have to cut the thread on the bottom because I just cant pull it away from the machine because of the top thread being tangled around the bottom bobbin.  What is the cause of this problem?  I cant seem to stop it.  I am using 277 on top and 207 on the bottom.   any help would be appreciated.

[Northmount]

Likely not enough top tension, or top thread not seated between the tension disks.  I don't have a cobra, but from many comments here, the thread is supposed to go around one of the pairs of tension disks one and a half times.  You can search the forums here for more comments and problems to clarify the proper threading route.  The mess on the bottom is often called a bird's nest, so you could include that in your search parameters.

I see you are new here.  Welcome to the forum.  Lots of great experience and information here.

Tom

[collarobo]

thanks for the reply... yes I have the thread looped 1-1/2 times around the second thread tensioner.  Maybe I need to tighten up the two top tensioners a little at a time to see if that makes a difference. 

[MADMAX22]

I would call Steve at cobra and he or one of the others there can get you squared away. 

If you dont want to talk with one of them personally I would watch one of his videos on setting up a cobra class 4. He goes thru all the various timing checks and what not. Do the simple things first like change the needle out and what not. Follow the video to double check everything is timed appropriately. 

Have you done anything so far.

[collarobo]

my machine is brand new and not even 1 hour of time on it,, wow you would think it would work right being new,.. maybe I will call Steve and see if he can help me thanks

[Joon1911]

Collarobo,

Is the top thread getting caught up at the beginning of the stitching or only at the end?  If it's at the beginning, definitely call Steve and try to troubleshoot with them.  If the top thread is getting hung up at the end of the stitch, where in the path of travel of the needle are you trying to remove the work piece?  The take up lever on the side of the head needs to be just past top dead center and on its way down for the top thread to release from the hook.    If you are getting a line of stitches and your top and bottom threads are knotting it suggests that it is more of a technique issue as opposed to timing.  If you haven't watched Al Banes's YouTube videos for the C4 I'd highly recommend to start there. They are very helpful when starting out.  Here's a few links:

 

Hope this helps.

 

Joon

 

Edited August 8, 2016 by Joon1911
Clarification

[JLSleather]

Pay no attention to people on about "one and a half times around" those discs.  If you go through a loop, then come back out the SAME loop, then you must be going all the way around twice.  WHere's the half?  

If you have to cut the BOTTOM thread to get the part clear, then it's not an issue with the top tension discs.  But where do you cut it?  Once you cut the thread, can you pull thread from the bobbin with your fingers?

First thing I'd try is ... verify that you have both threads outside the cylinder and toward the back before sewing. And if you do, then pull the bottom thread... to verify that it pulls smoothly (some tension, but not sticking).  Might even take the end plate off the machine while doing this, so you can see it's going out the carrier (hook assembly) and straight up through the slot in the plate.

That much is so simple to check, there's no reason to NOT check it.  Beyond that, I agree that a new machine should work.  Shouldn't have to 'trouble shoot' a new machine.

 

[collarobo]

The thread is getting tangled on the first stich,  as soon as I start to stich the top thread is caught on the bottom bobbin,,,I will try to attach a picture.   My stitching isn't bad for a beginner and I have watched all the videos on YouTube on stitching and trouble shooting the Cobra.   I think I have a thread tension problem or timing issue.  But being new to this and never owned one of these machines I am not sure.

[collarobo]

here is what it does as soon as I start stitching

[JLSleather]

Cant' tell where it's wedging from that angle.  Got a video camera?  Pop the end cover off and "film" the shuttle / hook thingie while stitchin' a couple inches.

First, clear everything out of there.  Take teh top thread out of the needle (don't have to go back any further,.. just out of the needle.  Turn the machine a couple revs to be sure nothing is trapped in there.  Then just hand crank it a couple times...  check for the notch in the needle to be in line with the hook of the assembly.  If it is, then put the thread back in the needle and crank a few stitches.. where we can see straight in

 

I had a short vid of that inside working, but aint sure where it went 

Edited August 8, 2016 by JLSleather

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, collarobo said:

The thread is getting tangled on the first stich,  as soon as I start to stich the top thread is caught on the bottom bobbin,,,I will try to attach a picture.   My stitching isn't bad for a beginner and I have watched all the videos on YouTube on stitching and trouble shooting the Cobra.   I think I have a thread tension problem or timing issue.  But being new to this and never owned one of these machines I am not sure.

Did anybody mention to you that you absolutely MUST hold back the top and bottom starting threads until you have either sewn three stitches forward, or reversed and crossed over them on the want forward. All of these machines will eat the top thread if it is not held firmly back.

[JLSleather]

Said he was holding the thread, or that's what I woulda thought too 

"... when I go to stich no matter how strong or hard I hold both top thread and bottom thread, my top thread gets caught down around the bottom bobbin.."

 

And if this is recurring, I would take the hook assembly out and make sure there's nothing in behind there.