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Member since 5/6/07
Posts: 683
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Posted on: 5/13/08 0:43 AM ET
Does an oscillating hook or rotary hook produce better, more precision stitches? I was looking at the Bernina 430, which has an oscillating hook and have heard they have excellent stitch quality. I have only had experience with a rotary hook.

Also, does an oscillating hook tend to jam more? I have read that somewhere on this site.


  
Member since 1/22/06
Posts: 1183
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Posted on: 5/13/08 6:58 AM ET
Out of the three machines I use the most I much prefer the rotary hook to the 2 with occilating hooks. And yes to me it does seem like the occilating hooks do jam more. For that reason I tend to clean them after each garment.
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Formerly sew*itch
  
Member since 4/20/06
Posts: 146
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Posted on: 5/13/08 8:25 AM ET
I always get this mixed up--does a drop-in bobbin use and Oscillating Hook or a Rotary Hook?

I have noticed that with my Viking (drop-in bobbin), the stitches are nice, but with my old Pfaff (not a drop-in), the stitches are REALLY nice.


  
Member since 4/22/04
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Posted on: 5/13/08 9:59 AM ET
All of my machines have a rotary hook. I prefer a rotary hook because there is usually no need to hold the threads before stitching and also less liking to jam if stitching off the fabric.
My Pfaff is my only front loading bobbin machine but it still has a rotary hook where many front loading bobbins are oscillating. To check the type your machine has, watch the bobbin as you sew. If it goes back and forth it is an oscillating hook, and if it spins full circle it is a rotary.
  
Member since 10/24/07
Posts: 1830
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Posted on: 5/13/08 10:12 AM ET
In reply to Copyright72
I don't think you can compare Bernina's CB hook system to the standard oscillating hook. Their CB hook is where they gained they fame "Nothing sews like a Bernina". My 830-930 and 1530 all have their CB hook system and they are top of the line machines. Beautiful stitches, never a jam and I much prefer these machines for free motion embroidery over my rotary Pfaff.
Your industrial machines and heavier duty machines adopt the full rotary, I am thinking something to do with speed. I have a midarm quilting machine and that one also is full rotary..........so it depends on which machine you are looking at, the mechanics of it and precision involved when made.
I would go for rotary on a hook unless it is the CB system on Bernina
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Pfaff P5.0, Bernina 560, Juki 654DE, Elna 745
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 1507
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Posted on: 5/13/08 3:12 PM ET
I've had more jams on rotaries than on osciallators. Since other's experiences vary, I'd conclude the problems have to do with something other than just the hook type. And I'm pretty sceptical whenever someone references a "jam proof hook". RHs and OHs can have be vertical or horizontal, depending on brand and model.

High speed industrial machines usually have rotary hooks, but few home machines sew fast enough for that to be a concern, although RHs are often quieter. Again it varies by brand and model. Oscillators are often preferred for sewing with heavier threads, especially if they are vertically oriented.

For most household applications, it seldom matters. If you are only going to have one machine (sorry, I simply can't imagine that situation!) I would choose a machine that feels good to you, and that sews acceptably on a wide variety of your own test samples.

Jennifer in Calgary
  
Member since 3/4/07
Posts: 510
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Posted on: 5/13/08 5:03 PM ET
In reply to Jennifer Hill
only one machine......

now thats funny

ok, so how does the quote button work?
-- Edited on 5/13/08 5:05 PM --
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http://cid-ed78d046c542e086.spaces.live.com/
  
Member since 5/6/07
Posts: 683
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Posted on: 5/14/08 0:24 AM ET
Thanks for all the info! Does anyone know, since the Bernina 430 has an oscillating hook, if you can sew off the fabric without it jamming or if you do have to hold the threads when you start sewing?
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 1507
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Posted on: 5/14/08 0:45 AM ET
In reply to Copyright72
I'm not personally familiar with this model, but few lockstitch machines like to "air sew" without any fabric under the needle. Again, I don't think the jam thing is related to the style of hook. The worst machines I've ever sewn on for making thread jams were Elna Supermatics and Supers, all have horizontal rotary hooks and you learn really fast to hold onto your thread tails when sewing with one.

Jennifer in Calgary
  
Member since 3/21/07
Posts: 624
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Posted on: 5/14/08 4:34 AM ET
In reply to Kanjelab
Quote: Jenml
I always get this mixed up--does a drop-in bobbin use and Oscillating Hook or a Rotary Hook?



I have noticed that with my Viking (drop-in bobbin), the stitches are nice, but with my old Pfaff (not a drop-in), the stitches are REALLY nice.






It can be either one. The old classic Singer 66 series machines (66, 99, 185) have drop-in bobbins and they are oscillating hook.
  
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