Singer 111W153 & table resto project

[Sugarkryptonite]

20 hours ago, shoepatcher said:

The spring should be under no tension until you raise the foot.  That is how I would set it.

glenn

Glenn, I'm not sure what you mean exactly. When I raise the foot, the spring gets loose, not under tension, is that what you meant?

[SilverForgeStudio]

@Sugarkryptonite Thank you for this thread- Looks awesome and you really need to get a design etched into that foot-plate- the machine NEEDS some pin-striping hot rod details after you have finished with it!

Seriously- looks great. Love the South Bend Heavy- not too many of those workhorses kept that well these days! (I have an old Rockwell just as loved)

[shoepatcher]

Then tight the spring down in the rest position.  I had it backwards.  Sorry.

glenn

[Rockoboy]

20 hours ago, SilverForgeStudio said:

you really need to get a design etched into that foot-plate

I agree with @SilverForgeStudio. Maybe a pattern for looks, and texture so your foot does not slip on the plate.

[Sugarkryptonite]

Dad was able to get all my packages yesterday at our P.O. box in NY. Got some small parts, screws, bobbins, and my new servo motor. I had bought a new belt this past week, the same size as my old one, thinking that it would fit the servo motor, but nope.... Was able to make up some parts with my dad to get it to fit temporarily with this belt. Unfortunately some problems with the parts I got...was sent the wrong thread tension release slide, and the switch on the servo motor was broken out of the box.

[Sugarkryptonite]

Got it back together today. Had to take the new wrong thread release slide that I was sent, cut it in half, and weld it to my old one to make a functional piece. Also had to add some weld to the tip of the thread release pin because it was worn down from so much use.

I'm now having an issue where part of my top thread is getting caught under the bobbin case. I can still sew fine (although top tension appears to be way too tight, even backed off all the way, bobbin tension seems to be good), until the end, when I lift the presser foot and try to pull my piece out. It's jammed in there, with 4 threads attached to the material and the machine, all a big mess. 

I had timed the machine and adjusted the bobbin tension a few weeks ago, but this is the first time I use the machine with a motor. Anyone have any ideas? Timing off? Need to check it again.

[DSloop]

Are you holding the threads taut about 6 inches back from the foot when you start sewing? Not banjo string tight, but snugly. These machines need that bit of help, to get the first stitch started.. Mine does, anyways.

[Sugarkryptonite]

15 hours ago, DSloop said:

Are you holding the threads taut about 6 inches back from the foot when you start sewing? Not banjo string tight, but snugly. These machines need that bit of help, to get the first stitch started.. Mine does, anyways.

Yup! I made sure to do that. Also I noticed that on the stitches, the thread is at a slight angle between each hole, maybe like 10-15 degrees. Probably unrelated but still a problem. Brand new needle.

Edited January 22, 2019 by Sugarkryptonite

[DSloop]

5 hours ago, Sugarkryptonite said:

Yup! I made sure to do that. Also I noticed that on the stitches, the thread is at a slight angle between each hole, maybe like 10-15 degrees. Probably unrelated but still a problem. Brand new needle.

One of mine did the angled stitch thing too. Try adjusting the upper thread tension and see if that helps. Start with almost none and put more tension on the thread as you slowly sew.

Edited January 22, 2019 by DSloop

[Sugarkryptonite]

2 hours ago, DSloop said:

One of mine did the angled stitch thing too. Try adjusting the upper thread tension and see if that helps. Start with almost none and put more tension on the thread as you slowly sew.

Thanks, I'll try that. Were you able to fix it on yours? I'm having a hell of a time finding a medium between the top and bottom tensions. Sewing through 2 layers of leather or vinyl seems to work pretty well, the lock is in the middle of the fabric (can't be seen anyway), but as soon as I try to sew one layer, I get loops. Adjusting does help but still not perfect. It seems extremely finicky, with even an 1/8 turn on the top tension wheel makes a crazy difference, is that normal? I'm using a #20 needle with 92 thread. Are we suppose to set the bobbin tension first, and then go from there adjusting the top? How much is normal on the top tension adjustment? Mine is almost backed off all the way.

Also here's more pictures of the thread getting caught in the bobbin area that I was talking about:

When this happens (almost every time sewing), after I'm done sewing, I lift the presser foot and attempt to pull my piece out, but its stuck in there, locked in with the top thread that has gotten pulled and caught in the bobbin area. After I cut them all  I can pull it out obviously. I can then get the small piece of top thread out of t he bobbin area by turning the machine backwards slightly until it gets loose and I can pull the short piece of thread out. Bobbin thread and needle thread are still loose during this whole ordeal, it's just that small piece that keeps getting stuck in there for some reason. I have tried putting different amounts of pressure on the threads at the back when starting with my hand, but no difference.

Also, where should this piece be in relation to the bobbin case? There is a slight adjustment and I'm not sure where to place it exactly.

 

Also I think an adjustment for the thread take up spring is in order as well. Right now I have it only slightly sprung, and it is parallel with the machine lengthwise if that makes any sense.

Edited January 22, 2019 by Sugarkryptonite