Cowboy CB3200 started acting up

[AlbertD]

I've had my CB3200 for over a year.  I changed the needle and began having all kinds of issues.  Adjusted my bobbin thread tension, adjusted the needle shaft, Change out the dog plate to the flatter one, removed the larger feed dog, finally got it dialed in perfectly and today it began breaking thread and damaging the product.  The needle appears to be striking the deflection plate more than it should.  The thicker the leather the harder it strikes.  Sounds like it's going to fall apart.  I am not doing anything I haven't been doing over the last year.  When I remove the leather from the machine, it seems to be working like its supposed when I turn the wheel manually.

 

Update:

I noted my needle was bend.  Pretty bad.  Then, upon further inspection, I noticed the needle is being struck by the catch hook.  To the point its bending on my needle causing the thread to fray or break.  More like break.  

 

Please help.  Production has come to a complete stop in my shop.

Edited February 17, 2020 by AlbertD

[Ferg]

ALBERT,

Some photos would help. Beginning with the Bobbin and holder plus where your needle is entering the needle plate

Ferg

[Handstitched]

G'Day,

Not sure if this is of any help, but I had a similar problem when I didn't have the   plate lined up  properly . It only needed to be out by a tiny bit for the needle to strike the plate. I now have pen marks on the plate so I can line it up perfectly every time I service the machine. This may not be relevant, but if the needle is just slightly blunt,  it doesn't pick up the thread properly, and the machine makes   an odd sound...and I have a bead of sweat  rolling down the side of my face . Wouldn't have thought something so small would effect  such a brute of a machine. 

HS

[eglideride]

So what was the resolution? I have a 3200 and developed similar issues today. Arrgh. 

Thanks!