Gritzner Frobana Outsole Machine

[Constabulary]

12 hours ago, Sharon Kudrle said:

I hope it's okay to post here. I need help please, in threading the upper thread. Its not like the double disc sandwich on my other sewing machines, and also i dont see a tension control spring or any other tension other than that on the thread spool itself. Its an old Frobana, serial number 5925.

 

The tension unit works with friction and not with discs. Meaning the tension spring puts pressure on the tension wheel and increases the friction. Looks like your thread needs to be wrapped around the tension wheel one more time.

Please post more pictures of your machine

Edited December 25, 2020 by Constabulary

[Sharon Kudrle]

Thank you Constabulary, it picked up the bobbin thread nicely with the needle in preparation for stitching for the first time!  

Then on the first stitch the bobbin thread hung up and isn't slipping over the bobbin now. Have you seen this problem before, please can you tell me what I should do to fix this? It is so very close to stitching down.

I should add that I previously removed and sharpened the needle as the the machine arrived with the tip broken off.

Edited December 25, 2020 by Sharon Kudrle
Amend problems

[Sharon Kudrle]

I hope this photos doesn't clutter the thread here, but I added it so readers can see the configuration of this Frobana. I think the serial number isn't visible in this photo.  I'm sorry for the late posting, I'm using a shared computer and it isn't always available. It also isn't threaded up in this old photo.

Edited December 26, 2020 by Sharon Kudrle

[ryano]

How available are these machines here in the states, as I have never seen one in person? How do they compare to the Landis 12? I think the Forbona is a really neat machine and neat thread!

Edited December 26, 2020 by ryano

[Constabulary]

Sharon - sorry but your pictures do not help much. They are to small and do not show the details well enough.

Please post pictures from all side - better too many than too few. Or maybe you can post a video of how you thread the machine and start sewing.

Have you tried what I wrote? I think you need to wrap the thread around the tension wheel one more time.

 

[jimi]

Hi, Here is a video to help you see the thread path.

 

[Sharon Kudrle]

Thank you all, I'll reply in order:

Ryano: How cool! my boyfriend is from Ohio and Ryan is not an unknown name to me!   Frobanas and Gritzners aren't made anymore, I think.  Landis Co. still exists in Canada.  That takes care of availability.  Landis machines are ~800 pounds, the Frobana is ~60. Frobana is a benchtop, manually operated, shoe repair machine or at least was invented to repair shoes if the internet stuff I read is correct. If you are still interested in making boots, the Landis would be better.  The Frobana would work best on light shoes or shoe repair, I think, although I'm not an expert and you'll get more and better advice on this website.

Constabulary: I did wrap the thread 1.5 times, I should not have posted the old photo.  I'll make a video and post it as that advice is golden.

Jimi: Thank you for that gem of a video.  Now, for the bobbin. Troubleshooting bobbin problems is the bane of my existance, but if I can get this solved I think the Frobana will stitch down.  Otherwise, it's just cast iron for my collection.

[Wizcrafts]

10 hours ago, ryano said:

How available are these machines here in the states, as I have never seen one in person? How do they compare to the Landis 12? I think the Forbona is a really neat machine and neat thread!

Basically, Frobana machines are non-existent Stateside, or elsewhere, unless one becomes available used, as is. I have seen exactly one in my life, but it wore a Gritzner name tag. There used to be a seller/rebuilder in Canada, a decade or two ago. And Henry Veenhoven, in Toronto, used to sell hand operated Junker and Ruh sole stitchers, but they aren't anything like a Frobana/Gritzner.

There is no comparison between a hand cranked Frobana and a motorized Landis 12(letter). If you make or repair shoes and boots, get a 12F or 12G and be done with it.

[Sharon Kudrle]

Thank you for the wonderful summary Wizcrafts!

Here is a link to a video I just made of the upper thread getting caught in the bobbin area. 

I hope the problem is just something stupid I did, like not pulling the bobbin thread tight while attempting the first stitch.  I have 4 other short videos I am uploading of the preparations for this video #1.  My apologies, I'm recording the video while I'm trying to stitch, and its my first youtube video. The upper thread is making a loop and the bobbin is casting off, but the upper is getting stuck in the bobbin and breaking, and then jamming the thread and machine.

 

[jimi]

Sharon, your thread should be coming out of the hole in the middle of the spring?? i see in your video your thread is missing that hole so no tension on it.