PFAFF 1245 tensioner issue

[shoepatcher]

Black always stiffer.   I still think the take up spring needs to be adjusted a little more.  Tension not always just top and bobbin tensions springs.  Take up spring can cause or correct some problems.

glenn

[katit]

20 minutes ago, shoepatcher said:

Black always stiffer.   I still think the take up spring needs to be adjusted a little more.  Tension not always just top and bobbin tensions springs.  Take up spring can cause or correct some problems.

glenn

Glenn,

How do I adjust take up spring? Is that know next to top tension? Should I make it tighter?

[shoepatcher]

Rather than try to explain it, I think UWE or Wiz has a video on how to adjust it.  I would try that first.  Take your finger and see if the take up spring  which is to the left of  the tension adjustment  nut and flick it up a couple of time to see if it hangs up at all.  That is sometimes and indication if the spring is not functioning correctly.

glenn

[katit]

Glenn,

Not sure if that's what you mean, but when I try to lift that spring up with a finger I feel like there is a notch. Almost like slight "click" at beginning of movement. Does it have to lift up smoothly and if so, what should I do? I don't want to just take it out because there seem to be another adjustment?

OTOH - I got smaller (120/19) needles today and tried some seams. I think they look good. Most right is LR and others LL. Most left is when I got tension dialed in correctly. They look good to me. Bottom awful of course.

What would you use one vs another (LL vs LR)? In my mind (for upholstery) I would use LL for plain seams and maybe use LR for top(visible) seams.

[shoepatcher]

I prefer to use round needles on soft leather.  That's just me.  Wiz might have better insight for you on that question.

glenn

[Wizcrafts]

Once you get down to a size 18 needle the point isn't so important and can affect the lay of the thread. The way I decide on a point change is if the needle makes an unpleasant noise, or squeaks going into the leather. That tells me that the friction is excessive. I keep three types of point in stock: round, DI (triangle) and slicing (LL or LR). Some points go through with less drag than others. Experiment!

[katit]

Thanks! Just one more question. I though Size 19 is smallest for 92 thread? Why you said 18?

[Wizcrafts]

6 hours ago, katit said:

Thanks! Just one more question. I though Size 19 is smallest for 92 thread? Why you said 18?

I never said anything about the thread size a #18 needle fits. That would be #69 (T70) bonded nylon. I was in fact replying to Shoepatcher's comment.