Thread Tension Gauge

[Silverd]

Hello

 

I'm considering the purchase of a Thread Tension Gauge.  Does anyone have experience with these devices? 

Silverd

[CowboyBob]

We have  a trigger pull guage,works great for setting the bobbin tension on certain machines.

[Constabulary]

I never understood why I should use / need  such a device - I never had serious issues with adjusting the tension.

Silverd - can you explain why you think you need one?

[iron1951]

I have an inexpensive one that you hang and hook the bobbin thread to it. I don't use it a lot. But one time I had a bird nest problem under the material. No matter how I adjusted the needle thread tension, I could not cure the problem. So I used the bobbin gauge to set the tension of the bobbin. Then I set the needle tension. Got rid of the birds nest. But even after using the bobbin tension gauge, I still tweaked the bobbin and the thread tension to get the stitch I wanted. The bobbin tension gauge helped me ball park a starting tension on the bobbin. It still needed tweaking after the initial setting. I am quite certain that some folks can set the initial tension without a gauge (experience) but that is not me. The bobbin tension gauge helped me.

[dikman]

2 hours ago, Constabulary said:

I never understood why I should use / need  such a device - I never had serious issues with adjusting the tension.

Silverd - can you explain why you think you need one?

I'm with Constabulary. A bit of trial and error, along with experience that comes with actually sewing different materials is probably the most practical aid. Sometimes it may be necessary to tweak things beyond the "recommended" settings.

[Silverd]

3 hours ago, CowboyBob said:

We have  a trigger pull guage,works great for setting the bobbin tension on certain machines.

 

57 minutes ago, dikman said:

I'm with Constabulary. A bit of trial and error, along with experience that comes with actually sewing different materials is probably the most practical aid. Sometimes it may be necessary to tweak things beyond the "recommended" settings.

 

57 minutes ago, dikman said:

I'm with Constabulary. A bit of trial and error, along with experience that comes with actually sewing different materials is probably the most practical aid. Sometimes it may be necessary to tweak things beyond the "recommended" settings.

I'm attempting to find ways to shorten the change over time.  I have two machines set up for sewing 1mm HO bags that I periodically need to change over for other work.    I already have dedicated bobbin holders for the bag thread I use and record the top thread tension adjustment and path for these set ups.   I'm hoping that measuring the  tension might expedite the change back process.   Otherwise, yes,....I can get along using a trial and error method too as you suggest. 

 

Silverd

[Silverd]

After a bit more consideration...

I'm scratching my head about the general response above which appears to suggest that trial over measure is the best method for establishing system tension.  Usually, science is at its best when accurate data is collected and applied.  Good data relies on good measurement which in this case points to the use of a suitable tension gauge.  In many systems experience can augment good science but in the case of establishing the ideal tension setting for a leather matrix, it appears to be the default solution within the sewing community.  The experience, im refering to includes a combination of actual sewing experience along with the application of trials aka the sew-off.   But how could the measurement and recording of tension data not be beneficial to our end goal?  My personnel understanding of the influences that thread size, thread material and thread density have on setting the top and bottom tension is limited.  Additionally, the system varables are numerous.  Getting to the perfect solution is likely not possible using tension data alone, but getting within striking distance might be quickened by using a tension gauge to setup the host machine with an initial 2/3 tension rato then dialing in from there using the trial method.

I suggest there should also be benefits from recording specific proven tension values when using specific thread, leather matrix and needle size.   These set ups can be reproduced back to their nominal values very quickly and fine tuned from there using trials.

I'd be interested in hearing more of the rational that supports soul reliance on trials as the solution to establishing ideal system settings.

 

Silverd

[Bert51]

As far as I see it, there is no set tension for setting up your tension.

I cannot say you need to set your bobbin at 5 pounds to sew 6oz leather and 8 pounds for 8 oz leather.

The leather can vary, as can what size needle you are using. Just way to many variables.

I say to people, when you make your project, keep the scraps and use them to to set up your machine.

Here is Australia I can have 25C° and tomorrow 35C° and what tension I'm sew with today, will be different tomorrow.

Rocky put up a good article about tensions and if I can find it, I will list it for your reading.

Have fun, play with your scraps and set up your machine.

Bert.

[Constabulary]

1 hour ago, Bert51 said:

Just way to many variables.

Thats the point!

Different material density, different material thickness, different needle size, different needle tips (probably), different thread size, different thread material like nylon, polyester, Linen - in variation of bonded, waxes, oiled, or untreated... looots of variables.

I usually set the bottom tension very low the way thread has a little bit resistance (but I still have to feel it) when I pull out the thread. The rest is top tension. And only when I need a tighter stitch I readjust the bottom and of course top tension accordingly. However different machines many need different tensions too. I have more tension (top and bottom) on my Singer 45D91 than on my Singer 111G156 even when I run the same thread.

Its probably a different story when you set up a factory line with 20 similar machines and they all do the same work day in and day out...

[dikman]

Silverd, you are right in that measuring the tension and making a list of figures to match particular materials should give repeatable results - theoretically. Problem is that with leather there is often inconsistency in manufacture which can give variations in density. Singer's method of setting bobbin tension is to adjust it so that when you hold the thread the bobbin won't fall under its own weight but if you jerk the thread the bobbin should start dropping and then slowly stop. Very scientific, I think you will agree.

There is no reason, of course, that you couldn't use a tension gauge if you want but I doubt if too many here would bother, most have just learned by "feel" how to set bobbin tension. To coin a phrase, it's hardly rocket science.

Edited March 21, 2020 by dikman