Timing a zig zag machine

[Constabulary]

42 minutes ago, Gregg From Keystone Sewing said:

Trick question; what sewing mechanism would prevent the hook timing being split, or, in other words, prevent the needle from coming in high on one side and low on the other side?  The answer is a bit more common on house hold type machines, but once in a while it's on an industrial.

uuuuuhhh.... I would guess one with vibrating needle plate / feed dog or foot bar? I heard there is something like that - or not?  Or maybe bar tackers?

Edited February 26, 2018 by Constabulary

[Kohlrausch]

1 hour ago, Gregg From Keystone Sewing said:

Once again, excellent post UWE.  

Trick question; what sewing mechanism would prevent the hook timing being split, or, in other words, prevent the needle from coming in high on one side and low on the other side?  The answer is a bit more common on house hold type machines, but once in a while it's on an industrial.

 

 

Hi,

 

lateral shuttle movement would do the trick. Mitgehender Greifer in Krautspeak. The Solent Ocean XL sailmaking machine would be an example of the technology.

 

Greets

Ralf C.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

41 minutes ago, Kohlrausch said:

Hi,

 

lateral shuttle movement would do the trick. Mitgehender Greifer in Krautspeak. The Solent Ocean XL sailmaking machine would be an example of the technology.

 

Greets

Ralf C.

That's one (very good) example of this.  

CLICK HERE for a YouTube video I made up of a very unique Singer machine.

[Uwe]

The Sailrite type design moves the hook axially during zig-zag, which also avoids the particular timing challenges illustrated earlier: 

 

[R8R]

1 hour ago, Uwe said:

The Sailrite type design moves the hook axially during zig-zag, which also avoids the particular timing challenges illustrated earlier: 

 

Sailrite has some great vids about timing their Ultrafeed machines. Pretty exhaustive in detail. I have a generic clone of one (Family/Feiyue/Yamata) I got from a Goodwill depot store for $3. (yes...THREE dollars)

Watched a few vids and after a bit of fiddling it runs great.

[Hockeymender]

After a lengthy conversation (and pictures sent via text) with the most knowledgeable sewing machine mechanic I know, I have gleaned this information. He stated the best way to time a zig zag machine is to set the stitch width where it will be used most of the time. Place the needle at BDC on the left side, and raise it the specified distance. Then set the hook in a slightly advanced position to the needle. This may require some fine tuning, but in his opinion is the best method to time a standard type of zig zag machine. This lines up pretty well with what Uwe said several posts up. Hope this will be of help to someone. 

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

This is the very best I could find on this subject.  I really like the timing instructions the needle bar height setting leaves a bit to be desired.  

Edited February 27, 2018 by Gregg From Keystone Sewing

[BillVT]

Uwe - this is a fantastic piece of instruction - perfect graphics AND a great video.  I was struggling with a newer Singer without timing marks (who would do that!?) and no service manual.  So glad you took the time and developed this great resource!  Bill in VT