Just bought a second hand sewing machine...

[Erfan]

On 5/29/2019 at 4:26 PM, dikman said:

Very lucky - I reckon! Judging by the photos has it actually been used before?

The guy I bought it from used it a couple of times to sew leather patches into jackets, but another business venture took off so he just put it aside and then 2 years later decided to sell it. It certainly looks very new and came with all the books/receipts etc., Now I just have to get the hang of using it and getting the tensions right! Do I have to play around with the tension of the top/bottom threads every time I change the leather thickness?? 

[mikesc]

Usually..yes..However you can make life simpler by getting another bobbin case or two and adjusting each of them to use a specific thickness of thread in their bobbin..

So..
one bobbin case for 69..for when you use 69 on the top and bottom
one bobbin case for 92..for when you use 92 on the top and bottom
one bobbin case for 138...for when you use 138 on the top and bottom

That way you'll only have to adjust the top when you switch thread thicknessess

If you want to run 207 occasionally in the top ( the machine may not like it..except occasionally* ) then you run 138 in the bottom, because there may not be enough clearance for 207 in the bottom..the machine specs or manual will tell you the bottom bobbin thread max size..

Adjusting top tension is not complex, won't take you long when you change threads, just be careful about your thread paths on top and make sure that the thread is properly between the tension discs and through the check spring.

*The machine may not like running thicker than 138 in the top at all..if that is the case, don't force it..Just accept that with this machine that you cannot go higher..You'll be getting more machines later ;)

Edited May 31, 2019 by mikesc

[Erfan]

Cheers mate, I tried 207 thread in the bobbin and on top and it seemed to work fine! had to reduce the tension for it to work but no issues after that. 

 

Thanks for the tips re buying separate bobbin cases, never thought of that! Just need to work on setting it right so that the knot is nicely centered in the leather and not visible...