96K51 bottom stitch issues with 207

[plinkercases]

To  begin with I have searched, read and followed a lot of similar threads for other machines and tried a lot of the fixes which I could so far.

The manual states it can run a 23/160 needle and thus 207 thread BUT I have only tried to set up for 138 thread and :

1. when I set the bobbin tension as usual and get the top stitch looking excellent the bottom thread runs straight and flat - almost look good until you look closer
2. when I loosen the bobbin then the bottom thread runs crazy and loose
3. when I reset the bobbin tension and tighten the top tension more (essentially as far as I can ) the bottom starts to come up but the top thread starts to fray

My question then based on other fix suggested are

1. it is not the OME feed dog plate so perhaps the needle hole is too small? how can it be enlarged? there was mention of an abrasive cord but I cant find it again. I have a spare and go dremmel on it but prefer something subtler.
2. could the top tension spring, discs, or whole assembly  need replacing - but if more tension then more fraying?
3. I always use all 3 holes on the thread retainer but would more wraps of the thread it help increase tension and perhaps not induce fraying?
4. I have some 92 thread and 19 and 20  needles on order and will try that as soon as it arrives. I would be happy with 92 for all I plan to do on this machine. Actually happy with the 69 but would be more happier with more...138 yah!!... I don't dare dream of 207.....
5. will the improved torque of the reducers help with the up lift? my science gut say no but these are weird machines these sewing machines

I lost my pictures and sample got chucked in a clean up after the reducer install but the results are exactly as described above.

Any thoughts on this specific case folks?

 

Edited July 16, 2018 by plinkercases
spelling as usual

[CowboyBob]

Just because the manual states a #23 needle as largest doesn't mean that you can use a thread for that size needle in this machine.The 96 is a light duty high speed tailor machine for thin threads like #69 & if your real lucky size #92 might work.The old Singer 31-15 with the oscillating hook  can barely take a 138,a 16 class Singer can use a #138 real easy because of the bobbincase design.

[plinkercases]

Thanks for the clarification Bob and i will try 92 and of no luck then be happy with 69 and and use the machine for the appropriate materials and projects.

Glad I asked rather then keep banging away missinformed... or at least missunderstanding the manual.

Would using a size up needle improve the chance of 92 working?

[Wizcrafts]

My first industrial sewing machine was a Singer 96k40 and it was not able to sew with anything larger than #69 bonded thread.

[plinkercases]

7 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

My first industrial sewing machine was a Singer 96k40 and it was not able to sew with anything larger than #69 bonded thread.

Fair enough thanks.

with a needle smaller than 22 I have in now the hole and thread will look more proportioned.

[DonInReno]

Not that it will help you sew 207, but in general if you take a few feet of thread by the ends and pull it back and forth through each part of the thread path it can turn up sharp areas.  Abrasive cord is perfect for taking off sharp edges - any ace hardware or decent auto parts store will stock it.

if you’re tension spring is maxed out beefy replacements are easy to come by - I order complete

tension units and strip off the parts I need.

[DonInReno]

Also, sewing thick thread at high speed will shred it as the needle heats up - go slow and use a lubricant like silicon spray.

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, plinkercases said:

Fair enough thanks.

with a needle smaller than 22 I have in now the hole and thread will look more proportioned.

Frankly, I would limit my needle selection for that machine to #16, 18 and 19. It uses garment system DBx1 needles.

[plinkercases]

47 minutes ago, Wizcrafts said:

Frankly, I would limit my needle selection for that machine to #16, 18 and 19. It uses garment system DBx1 needles.

Thanks wiz...point taken (no pun intended) and i have 18 and 19 on order. I have been using 16x231 needles which are DBx1 needles as I understand.

 

DoninReno

thanks for the tips and i have just slowed it with a reducer so thats ok... and thanks for the lead on where to get abrasive cord and the simple process to isolate the rough spots on the path.