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Member since 3/18/14
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Posted on: 1/21/18 2:04 AM ET
What is the best way to adjust bobbin tension on an old Japanese made 60's machine? It is a side load bobbin.

I just received a new bobbin holder that I purchased from Sew Classic. It's a one o'clock style with a curved tip.

I have tried using the drop method. Hold the end of thread and let bobbin hang and then sort pull up and down on the thread. I have understood that the bobbin should gently fall down.

The issue I am having is that I cannot get stitches to form. It seems that after inserting the holder into the machine the tread is loose.

Is there a way to test it while in the machine? Should it be out the same as when pulling on the top thread?

The problem is I have no manual. I have the needle with flat side facing right, and threading left to right.

I had it working for a bit, but it was skipping stitches about every inch. So adjusted it some and now cannot get it to form a stitch.

I have started with the top tension at a four and then try going either up or down without success.

I have changed needles several times and tried different thread.

I am about to just give up.

Any tips?
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BL Symphony, Pfaff Performance 5
  
Member since 8/29/06
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Posted on: 1/21/18 2:20 AM ET
In reply to migman2001
Quote:
I had it working for a bit, but it was skipping stitches about every inch. So adjusted it some and now cannot get it to form a stitch.


Does that mean the new bobbin case was working for a bit...then because of skipping stitches...the new bobbin case was adjusted some?

Is this about the Belvedere or the Morse?

Edited to add: Which thread is loose...the bobbin thread or the top thread?
Also...when getting skipped stitches...the needle is the first thing to change...to a brand new needle.
-- Edited on 1/21/18 at 2:22 AM --
  
Member since 3/18/14
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Posted on: 1/21/18 2:41 AM ET
In reply to bestgrammy
Yes, after playing with it a bit, it worked, but was skipping stitches. Then I adjust it some and it quit working.
This is the Belvedere.
The bobbin thread seems loose when pulling up from the throat plate. This is after adjusting it using the drop test.

I have changed the needle several times.

If I get some suggestions, i will play with it some tomorrow.

Right now, I am just ready to give up on these classics.

I have my new machines which don’t take hours and hours of tinkering with.

But I am a persistent type, so I will continue to get it to work..
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BL Symphony, Pfaff Performance 5
  
Member since 8/29/06
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Posted on: 1/21/18 2:50 AM ET
In reply to migman2001
Quote:
Then I adjust it some and it quit working.
This is the Belvedere.


What was adjusted? Was the tension screw on the bobbin case turned to the left to loosen its tension...and if so...how much of a turn was it adjusted?

How is the bobbin case's finger fitting into the little notch in the bobbin assembly?
  
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Posted on: 1/21/18 3:02 AM ET
In reply to migman2001
What time zone is it where you are? It's probably very late so might be best to start fresh tomorrow. There isn't any reason to hurry with figuring out these older machines since you have nice working modern machines that sew well. This Belvedere and Morse can be learning projects...learning about sewing machine functions...rather than sewing projects.
  
Member since 10/19/13
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Posted on: 1/21/18 3:51 AM ET
You didn't say how much you adjusted the bobbin. The "rule of thumb" for turning that little screw is to never turn it more than 1/4 turn at a time. 1/8 of a turn can make a noticeable difference.
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 1/21/18 5:54 AM ET
In reply to migman2001
Sounds like you have the bobbin tension a bit loose.

Typically, I set the bobbin tension screw so that an out 1/4" of thread pays out with each swing of the bobbin case when it is suspended from about a 6" thtead end and tick-tocked back and forth.

Set the top tension to 4, and then, with the top and bobbin threaded with the same general purpose thread, see if it stitches. Do not adjust more than 1/8 turn of the bobbin tension screw at a time without checking a stitch sample.

When I am playing with the bobbin tension screw, I always line a cardboard box with a handtowel and make adjustments inside the box when loosening the screw. That way, if the screw comes out, it falls in the box instead of somewhere in the carpet or rolling across the floor.

Trying to adjust bobbin tension without a gauge in an old machine is an exercise in patience. Watch the machine attempt to pick up thread and make sure it is in time before trying to adjust tension.

You may find consulting the Singer 15 adjusting manual helpful.
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 1/21/18 10:21 AM ET
Is the needle the correct type (round or flat side) and has it been installed correctly. I had a similar problem with an old off brand (to me) and found the "front" of the needle needed to be facing to the side where the bobbin was located. Sounded peculiar to me, but once I changed the insertion method, it worked.

Best wishes for a successful outcome.


-- Edited on 1/21/18 at 10:32 AM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 11/5/16
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Posted on: 1/21/18 11:40 AM ET
I'm not sure why you suspect the problem to be bobbin tension. The classic indication of low bobbin tension would be bottom thread comes through to the top. You describe missing stitches. This would indicate a problem with the needle forming a properly timed loop for the hook to engage. I would suspect improper thread needle size combination, improper top tension or improper needle/hook timing.
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Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 1/21/18 12:13 PM ET
In reply to migman2001
Why stitches skip:
https://fashion-incubator.com/10_reasons_for_skipped_stitches/
https://fashion-incubator.com/10_reasons_for_skipped_stitches_pt2/Reasons for skipping stitches:
http://sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Repair/Sewing%20Machine%20Troubleshooting.htm

Checking for hook timing:
http://sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Repair/Sewing%20Machine%20Hook%20Timing.htm

Tension:
http://sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Repair/Thread_Tension_Settings.htm

Have you checked for burrs on the hook, needleplate, foot and farther up the thread path?
Do you have the right bobbin, turned the right way?

Do I recall that the Belvedere you have is a copy of a Singer 15?
http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/15-91.pdf
  
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