Seiko STW-8B

[aden]

Quick update; I found another machine that according to the description has some tension issues. Is this relatively easy to fix? I would imagine it’s just a case of replacing the tension assembly?

[Uwe]

Sometimes apparent tensions issues are easy to fix, sometimes they're just the tip of the iceberg of a machine's real problems. I don't recommend gifting a machine with known issues. 

Try to keep this topic focused on the Seiko. It's okay to start a new topic with questions not related to this machine. We have quite enough runaway my-personal-journey-of-considering-a-dozen-machines type topics. 

 

[aden]

It is the same type of machine, a Seiko STW-8B, just from a different seller. So I feel like it is still within the topic?

I appreciate the reply though, thanks. 

[Uwe]

 

3 minutes ago, aden said:

It is the same type of machine, a Seiko STW-8B, just from a different seller.

That's helpful info, and yes, obviously within topic.

My recommendation is to get BOTH machines. Give the good one as a gift and use the second head to learn sewing machine maintenance on. Being able to fix the gifted machine when it has issues will be the true gift that keeps on giving.

[dikman]

If the recipient only wants a machine that they can just use and not worry about too much then I wouldn't consider giving the second one. It could be a simple problem, but then I'd have to ask why hasn't the seller fixed it. Unless you know something about industrial machines then buying one with an advertised problem could be an expensive mistake. If the price is right and you're prepared to spend time on it then it could be a good deal. Buying the two, as Uwe suggested, isn't a bad idea as you'd then have a working one to compare the non-working one with.

Edited August 12, 2018 by dikman

[aden]

Thank you all for your thoughts on this. I don't think I will go for the one with issues, I would have fixed it before gifting but it sounds like it is not as simple as it seems.

However, I do like to understand machines and do maintenance on things like this. I found out that the problem with the faulty one is that "the thread loops underneath and tangles then the thread breaks or jams." What does this sound like could be the problem?

EDIT: I now know that this is called "birdnesting" or similar and that it can be a number of different things.

Edited August 12, 2018 by aden

[Uwe]

The bird's nesting may be due to operator error. On these vertical axis hook machines you have to hold both threads for the first few stitches, otherwise the loose thread may get pulled into the works and create a bird's nest underneath, even on a perfectly adjusted machine.

[Handstitched]

G'Day,

Thats not a bad price. perhaps a little quick, but you can change the pulley on the motor if need be. 

From my own experience,  they are a  really good machine. ( mine is an older  twin needle using a single needle) , and  theres not a ' huge' amount of difference between the two.  400 pounds is roughly $700  Australian, so yep, I'd buy it  

http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/81806-sewing-machine-reliability/

hope this helps, 

HS 

 

Edited August 13, 2018 by Handstitched

[aden]

53 minutes ago, Handstitched said:

G'Day,

Thats not a bad price. perhaps a little quick, but you can change the pulley on the motor if need be. 

From my own experience,  they are a  really good machine. ( mine is an older  twin needle using a single needle) , and  theres not a ' huge' amount of difference between the two.  400 pounds is roughly $700  Australian, so yep, I'd buy it  

http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/81806-sewing-machine-reliability/

hope this helps, 

HS 

 

I did see that post you made and the work looks brilliant! Thanks for the thoughts on this