Correct Bobbin Case Size for Thor GC-1541s

[rchaven]

Hello everyone out there in leather land. Hey I recently purchased a Thor GC-1541s and I love the way the machine sews. And yep before all you clone haters get on my case this was in my budget. I only have one single issue with the machine. That issue is getting additional bobbin cases. I want a case for each weight thread that I am using. This way whenever I change the weight of a thread I won't have to readjust the tension on the bobbin case. My previous machine was a gc-0303 which was a clone to a Juki 1181. I know another clone. Well I had several extra bobbin cases for this sewing machine and wanted to do the same for this new sewing machine. My issue is that although both the bobbins look the same with the offset opening in the case, what I am finding different is the diameter of the center hole that sits on the pin in the center of the hook assembly. My issue is that there seems to be the same part number being used by two different retailers online. The part number that I use for my GC-0303 and fits the Juki 1181 is part #18045 (fits large M bobbins) with a center hole diameter of 4.45mm, and what my Thor has for a center hole size is 4.50mm. Now this doesn't sound like much but its enough that the smaller bobbins won't fit on the Thor 1541s. Ok now this gets even more fun. I recently ordered some bobbin cases that are supposed to fit the Juki 1541, 1541s, 241, 246, however these also do not fit the Thor since they are the same center hole diameter even though they have a different part number of #B1837-241-H00. Now I recently found this bobbin case that is supposed to fit the same range of machines, however has a different part number #18096 with Alternate part numbers #18045, B1837241S00. How can bobbin cases with different part numbers fit the same range of machines? Are they the same bobbin case just under different numbers? Or does one or the other part number have the larger 0.05mm size?? I asked the dealer I purchased the machine from, however he finally posted this bobbin number up on his new Shopify website #18045, BC-DBM(2)NBL.. Doesn't anyone list the specs. on their bobbin cases? That way I could see which bobbin number had the proper diameter hole size for the center pin on the bobbin case?? I know, some of you are going to say you get what you pay for, but would I be going through this even with a Juki 1541s? Considering that I have now found 4 different bobbin numbers all supposedly fitting the Juki 1541, 1541s, 241, 246, and Consew 206RB. If the specifications of the bobbin case was listed on any of these sites then I could just read and pick the one with the correct size.. If anyone know who or what part number is correct I would be appreciative of them.  I feel kind of dumb buying the Thor, however I've been looking at this machine for over a year. Why one would ask, mostly price and features. It has the duel tensioners, and the walking foot adjuster and is offered in a version with the speed reducer and drop down sewing guide all at a price that's a lot less then anything Juki has that's matches it. When I say a lot i'm talking $400-500 less then comparable name brand machine. Sadly I asked the seller if the Juki was that much better then the Thor and he was honest and said it was, however the Thor has a lot of bang for the buck. Perhaps when I'm able to afford a Juki i'll go with one, in the mean time I have to use what I got. And if it does what I need it to and works well enough then I will be perfectly happy with it. Its not the jaguar, but its my Kia and it will get me to work and back every day... 

Thanks, 

Person in need of mental relief. 

[Uwe]

Just buy a bobbin case from the dealer who sold you the Thor machine!

[Flatcapper]

Hey Uwe, that’s the easy answer. However I suppose that’s what I’m going to have to do. It’s just that the bobbin case number that he has listed for the Thor gc-1541s is the same bobbin case number that I’ve purchased from a different dealer for my old machine the new tech gc-0303 which does not fit my new Thor. I suppose at the worse I order from the dealer where I got the Thor from and it not fit. Or on the other hand it does fit and I’m left wondering why two different bobbin cases have the same part number. I just wanted to have the option of buying bobbin cases from less expensive dealers. Just call me frugal. It’s due to my less then stellar income. However I plan on ordering one tonight. Thanks for the advice.

[Constabulary]

Most likely the parts come from different far east manufacturers and they may have slightly different specs / tolerances - you can have this with car parts too - some perfectly fit and  some don´t even when the parts # is the same. Guess why Singer always had an add in their manuals   Good old days - but these days are gone - just as Singer.

 

Edited June 1, 2020 by Constabulary

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

  On 5/30/2020 at 1:11 AM, rchaven said:

 How can bobbin cases with different part numbers fit the same range of machines? Are they the same bobbin case just under different numbers?  Doesn't anyone list the specs. on their bobbin cases?

Expand  

If you go to the manufacture web site say for Koban, Hirose or Cerliani and start to cross reference you will see that a MFG # falls under many many factory machine models and part numbers.  Often the same mfg. will use a different part number for the same MFG # part to add to the confusion, even in this case no pun intended.

[DonInReno]

Using small online sellers of clone parts is always hit or mis regardless of what machine the parts are for.   China has a large number of small suppliers all with different standards - it’s quite a myth that all parts come out of only a few huge factories.   Manufacturing centers in China are designed to encourage manufacturers of all sizes from mom and pop to the large ones, and the exporter may get the same part from any number of sources.   

 

The craziest example of this is buying tension assemblies directly from China - 10 tensioners will have parts from at least three obviously different suppliers.  Roller presser feet are the same - I order more than needed and toss out the worst of the bunch.  Lol

[bj139]

If the center post on the Thor is 0.05mm too large, I know what I would do.  A fine emery board and a way to spin the post,  already there with the SM, would be needed.  They sell some pretty fine emery boards to file your nails.  It should make a fine polish on the shaft.  Then, genuine Juki cases should fit.  I am thinking of buying a Thor so my search led me here.

Edited May 13, 2021 by bj139