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Industrial Sewing Machine Man Answers Your Sewing Machine Questions

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Email Industrial Sewing Machine Man with your question at richard@industrialsewingmachineman.com

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Sewing Machine Maintenance

Needle Faces Where? 
I Need to Tighten the Tension.... 
Changing a Needle 
Need Help 
Basic Questions- 
Bobbin Assembly Popped Out! 
Do You Think My Machine is Fixable? 
How to Change a Broken Needle 
Needle Bar Adjustment 
Oiling an Elna 3007 
Getting the Timing Belt Off? 
What Size Needles for My Machine? 
How to Oil my Machine? 
Where to Oil?? 
Stitch Length Knob Woes 
Can't Seem to Put the Bobbin in Correctly 
Timing Belt Tension 
Adjustments 
Running Very Slow- 
Oiling Points on Singer 257 
Oiling My Singer Touch & Sew 
Singer 457 
Featherweight Case Odor 
Brother XL2010 Q's 
Does My Machine Have More Than One Belt? 
Cannot Seem To Adjust the Tension 
What to Do About a Gumming Up Needle 
How Tighten My Bobbin Tension, Please 
Is it Covered Under Warranty? 
Proper Threading Instructions? 
Just a Foot Pedal? 
Simple Threading Instructions for a 1036 
Threading a Singer 600 
Replacing a Blade on a Johnson Ruffler 
Changing the Needle 
Lubricating a Singer 1036 
Thread Balling Underneath 
Warranty Info 
Machine Covered in Hardened Oil 
Spindle Stuck? 
Do Motors Die? 
Singer 457 
Brother Sewing Machine 
Servicing My Machine- 
Belt Replacement 
Lubricating My Sewing Machine 




QuestionNeedle Faces Where? 
Could you tell me please which direction the needle should be facing on this machine and also I'm not sure about the direction of the threading process.

Thanks
Adam
10/2/2006
AnswerDear Adam,

As a rule of thumb, the flat side of the needle always goes towards the opposite side of the last thread guide. So on your machine, since the last thread guide is in the front of the needle bar, the flat side of your needle goes toward the rear. The needle threads front to back. There is a good threading diagram in your manual. If you no longer have yours, we do have them at www.sewingandvac.com for $16.95.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionI Need to Tighten the Tension.... 
Can you tell me how to tighten the bobbin tension on my Singer 534 Stylist. It has a horizon bobbin case and only the bobbin comes out. There is no
tension at all on that thread.

Thank you
Charlotte
10/2/2006
AnswerDear Charlotte,

If you getting loops on the bottom of your material, you need to re-thread the top of your machine. I say this because it is very rare when you will have to adjust the bobbin tension. But if you must, looking straight down at the bobbin as a clock- at 6:00 is the bobbin tension adjustment- lefty lucy, righty tighty. Hope this helps.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionChanging a Needle 
I have been searching the internet all night trying to find out how on earth to change a broken needle on the Husqvarna Viking 905 or the Huckylock 905 We have tried everything.. we can think of but the needle wont release (neither of them).

Can you help?
Heather
8/22/2006
AnswerDear Heather,

Loosen both screws and wiggle the needles out.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionNeed Help 
I have a Bernina 731 that I have had since 1965. I got it out to sew new drapes this week and the tension is puckering... and my memory just can't come up with what to do to fix the problem. Any hints would be greatly appreciated.
L. Williamson

8/21/2006
AnswerDear L. Williamson,

Either your threaded the machine incorrectly, or you need to adjust the tension. Not seeing the pucker, I am unable to tell you which way to adjust.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionBasic Questions- 
Dear Friends at Sew Vac:

I haven't used my machine for a few years. It is a Necchi Model 537FA. I am starting to sew again. I am tying quilts and sewing trims on. Anyway 1st question: I don't think I am threading it right or it needs oil What is happening is the stitches are all different sizes and then the thread breaks. Also I have the bottom of and cleaned it all up good(it wasn't bad) a greasy little bolt looking thing fell out when I turned the machine over to see the back. This bolt is a little over an inch long and has a funny head-kind of a 3/4 circle around th top. Do you know where it goes.

In summary
1. How do I thread my machine
2. How do I oil my machine
3. THE BOLT

Please help. Thanks, Sue

8/16/2006
AnswerAn instruction manual will help you with your first two questions. As for the last, I would need to see a picture of the bolt that you are talking about.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionBobbin Assembly Popped Out! 
Please Help. I'm right at the end of a project and my whole bobbin assemble popped out. I have an old Kenmore Model 1284180 385. The assembly is all stainless and three pieces fell out. The assembly is held in with two black plastic arms. I guess they vibrated causing the assembly to fall out. I cannot figure out how to reassemble the bobbin assembly and pop it back in. The parts are the Shuttle Race Cover, the Sewing Shuttle and then the bobin case. Thanks for your help. S Huber
8/16/2006
AnswerThe shuttle is a half moon- shaped item. In the machine you will see a driver, which is the other half of that- another half moon. Put the shuttle into the driver to form a complete circle. Place the race cover on the race, snap left ear to the right, right ear to the left, insert the bobbin inside bobbin case, insert bobbin case into shuttle, and you should be good to go.


Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionDo You Think My Machine is Fixable? 
A friend of mine has her mother's old pfaff 130 - (all metal everything 1950s model?) She said it was broken and wanted to buy a new machine. I told her that her old one is a very good machine & that they don't make them of that quality anymore. She brought it to me and I've been cleaning & oiling it and adjusting tension to see if I can make it work. (Perhaps it needs taken to a repair shop.) There are a couple problems it has after I cleaned & oiled it: The needle hits the bobbin case when it descends on the left with the zigzag dial at 4. The needle has plenty of clearance when it descends into the hook assembly without the bobbin case in place. It looks to me as if the bobbin case needs to sit more counter clockwise by just a tiny bit inorder to allow the needle to descend. Will adjusting the hook timing fix this? If so, I'm not sure I understand the directions in the manuel well enough to do it. i.e. What is the base stop & where are the two lock screws on the hook? If they had an illustration to go with the instructions I could do it. But, I don't know that this would solve the problem anyway. Another problem: When I turn the wheel by hand it doesn't move fluidly. It seems to reach a point at which it is difficult to turn and then it gets past it & is easier. The motor sounds like it is working very hard to get it started when I push the power and it smells a bit hot. I adjusted the motor bracket because it wasn't lined up correctly. This didn't seem to help. It sews straight stitches a bit unevenly - jagged looking. The machine was in storage for quite a while. If you have any tips for me, I would appreciate it. Do you think it is worth fixing?
Thanks,
Mary

8/4/2006
AnswerDear Mary,

The multiple problems that you described could be easily fixed by a qualified mechanic.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionHow to Change a Broken Needle 
I have been searching the internet all night trying to find out how on earth to change a broken needle on the Husqvarna Viking 905 or the Huckylock 905 We have tried everything.. we can think of but the needle wont release (neither of them).

Can you help?
Heather
7/24/2006
AnswerDear Heather,

Loosen both screws and wiggle the needles out.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionNeedle Bar Adjustment 
How do you get the needle bar adjusted so that it is in the correct position (left/center/right) when you have it on straight stictch, and when on zig/zag the needle goes correctly rather than moving when the needle is in the materal?
Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
Phillip
7/24/2006
AnswerDear Phillip,

I apologize, but I am not sure I follow the description of what your machine is doing/not doing. Could you be very specific?

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionOiling an Elna 3007 
How & where do I oil my Elna 3007 machine. The manual doesn't mention anything about oiling.
Thanks, Emily
7/24/2006
AnswerDear Emily,

Your machine needs to be disassembled to be oiled. I suggest taking your machine into a qualified mechanic for a service.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionGetting the Timing Belt Off? 
I have a black Singer Sewing Machine Model 99K Serial# EK750062. I have an instruction manual for it but I cant seem to figure out how to get the belt off, its a little worn and old. Can you tell me anything about the machine including the value?

Thanks
Angie
7/24/2006
AnswerDear Angie,

Does the machine still work with the belt that you have on it now? If so, I would not worry about the belt being worn and old, unless there is a problem with the sewing.

There is an adjusting screw on the right side of the machine head. Follow the motor bracket to the machine head and loosen that big old screw or bolt which will raise or lower the motor giving you slack to remove or replace the belt.

The value of your machine is purely sentimental.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionWhat Size Needles for My Machine? 
I have a Brother VX780 machine that is about 25 years old. When I cleaned
it up, I found the needle is broken. The instruction book is long gone.
What size needle do I need to buy?
7/12/2006
Answer2020 15x1.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionHow to Oil my Machine? 
I have Singer sewing machine model 3820. It does not tell me how to oil the machine in the manual. Do you have any information on this that me be helpful. Thank you Carolyn
7/12/2006
AnswerDear Carolyn,

The rule of thumb is to oil all rubbing parts. The question is where are they- take the lid of the machine off and while turning the handwheel, look inside to find the rubbing parts. Oil them.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionWhere to Oil?? 
Hi I was wondering if you could help me. I was given a Pfaff industrial straight stitcher a few years ago. I have no idea what model it is and have no manual to show me where to oil it. It hasnt been used for a while but now makes a horrible screaming noise in the main motor part when running. It still sews perfectly despite the noise. I have previously oiled it in the 'window' on the front of the machine but am unsure of where else to oil it. Is this all that could be wrong with it?
Thanks Kellie.
7/12/2006
AnswerDear Kellie,

Inspect the motor for lubricating entry points and lubricate them. If that does not work, you need a new motor.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionStitch Length Knob Woes 
Hello I am having trouble loosenin the knob that controls the stitch length. I acquired the machine from a neighbor who hasn't used it in 10+ years. Everything seems to work fine except this one knob. It won't budge! It is a Gimbel's Model # 2345. Probably a 1960s model? All metal body. Thanks!
Laura from Penna
7/12/2006
AnswerDear Laura,

I'm going to assume that the machine is frozen by your description. Take the lid of the machine off, spray the inside with WD40 and heat the inside of the machine with a heated hair dryer. It may take some time, but eventually, after the machine has been heated, work the frozen part back and forth until it frees up. Be patient and it will work.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionCan't Seem to Put the Bobbin in Correctly 
I have a Singer 6106. I can't seem to put the bobbin in the machine correctly. Every time I think I get it right, the thread from the bobbin comes out in mass amounts. Can you help?
6/29/2006
AnswerYou are threading the top of the machine incorrectly. Just to make sure that what I'm saying is correct, use two color threads to sew with- and you will see that it is in fact the top thread that is bunching.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionTiming Belt Tension 
Hello,

Can you advise the proper timing belt tension for a Singer 457?

Thanks
John
4/4/2006
AnswerDear John,

There is no specific pressure- it just cannot be too tight to bog the machine down and it can't be too loose so that the belt slips over the teeth.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionAdjustments 
I recently ordered a lower looper needle from you for my brother 920D overlock machine. Replacing the part was easy however adjusting it is not.
The threads will not lock properly. Are there instructions or a diagram available for the installation and adjustment of the lower looper needle for this machine? If not do you have any suggestions?

Corey
3/28/2006
AnswerDear Corey,

I can walk you through the adjustments if you call my tech help line 732-335-8902. Have a thin philips head screwdriver as well as a flathead screwdriver handy when you call.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionRunning Very Slow- 
Dear industrial sewing machine man,

I have a Phaff hobby machine and just recently it has begun to run extremely slow. I was wondering if there was some trouble shooting tips you could send me. I recently had the machine serviced in 2004 and haven't had trouble until 2005 summer. I was sewing along fine and then it just started to slow down and hasn't run quick since, even when I press the pedal all the way down. I'd appreciate the help, thanks.
3/8/2006
AnswerYour machine needs to be cleaned and oiled.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionOiling Points on Singer 257 
Dear industrial sewing machine man,

Can you advise me on where the oiling points are on a Singer Fashion Mate 257. I have one that has been sitting for a while with no manual to refer to.

Thanks
2/21/2006
AnswerTake the top off and turn the handle. See where the moving parts that move together are and oil them plus the oiling holes. Do this on the top of the machine, bottom, and sides.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionOiling My Singer Touch & Sew 
I was recently given a singer golden touch & sew 750, that has been sitting in a closet for several years. I would like to know how I should go about oiling it, and it also seems to be having a problem with the thread tension going to tight even though it hasn't been moved. Any help you could give me on this would be apperciated.

Thank You,
~Misty
AnswerDear Misty,

Oil all of the moving parts. There is a manual available at www.sewingandvac.com for $16.95, part # SR-750 which will instruct you on how to oil the machine properly as well.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionSinger 457 
I've inherited the above sewing machine, no manual, and I'm trying to get it running smoothly. I've oiled movable parts on the inside, but its still running pretty clunky.
Does this machine need to be greased too? Can you tell me what the tensions should read (thread tension and presser foot tension) under normal sewing conditions. I keep breaking the thread from the spool. Also, the machine sits on a plastic case about 3" high, does this open up somehow for storage and oiling? I can't seem to find any openings to get at the underneath.
thanks for your time,
HB
AnswerDear HB,

I suggest that you take your machine into a service repair center and get your machine serviced.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionFeatherweight Case Odor 
Hi!

I am looking for suggestions on how to get the awful odor out of a featherweight case.

Thanks,

Stephanie
AnswerDear Stephanie,

You could either put some baking soda in the case and leave it in the sun for a couple of hours, or you could purchase a replical one OR I have an original for $100.00 with no smell. Let me know.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionBrother XL2010 Q's 
I own a Brother XL2010 and am having the following problems:

1. Feeder foot gets stuck for a second and the needle breaks.

2. Skips stitches.

3. Excessive, loopy thread on bobbin side.

These do not happen all of the time, however more so than not.

Thanks, Greta G Artesia NM
AnswerWhat is a feeder foot?

Sorry for the delay in responding. We were on vacation and failed to post the notice.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionDoes My Machine Have More Than One Belt? 
I have a singer futura 920 and the belt has broke how can i get in to change it and does it have more than one belt
AnswerYes, it does have more than one belt. I need to know which belt on your machine broke. Is it the motor belt or the other belt? The motor belt is reasonable for an end user to replace, however, the process is long and drawn out. If it is the motor belt and you purchase it, a mechanic should not charge you more than $19.00 or $20.00 to replace. If it is the other belt, it is not for an end-user to replace and a mechanic will charge you more ($100.00). You could always send the machine to me and I will replace it for $29.95 + the cost of shipping + the cost of the belt. Let me know if you would be interested in that.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionCannot Seem To Adjust the Tension 
I cannot seem to adjust the tension on my White Serger Model 534. The upper and lower loopers produce a very loose loop along the edge of the fabric, and no matter what tension I have on the loopers, the effect is the same. What do I do? Thanks.
AnswerThe proper serger stitch should have loops on the edge of the material to preven unraveling. If you thing that they are too long, cut less material off with the cutter and the material will fill that space in.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionWhat to Do About a Gumming Up Needle 
I am currently sewing show choir dresses and my needle is gumming up. I have changed the needle several times. I don't even get thru 1 dress before I find that I have a gummy build up on my needle. I am sewing material with mini dot sequins. Is there anything I can do to help prolong the usage of my needles.
AnswerRun white piece of cotton with some solvent on it through the machine just to clean the needle off.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionHow Tighten My Bobbin Tension, Please 
Can you tell me how to tighten the bobbin tension on my Singer 534 Stylist.
It has a horizon bobbin case and only the bobbin comes out. There is no
tension at all on that thread.

Thank you
Charlotte
AnswerDear Charlotte,

If you getting loops on the bottom of your material, you need to re-thread the top of your machine. I say this because it is very rare when you will have to adjust the bobbin tension. But if you must, looking straight down at the bobbin as a clock- at 6:00 is the bobbin tension adjustment- lefty lucy, righty tighty. Hope this helps.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

RE:
Thank you Tom. I will try this when I am at the machine, but when I tried before, the screw that is straight down is half covered by a large plate and I can't get a screw drive into the grove.
Am I looking at the wrong screw?
Thank you
Charlotte

RE:
No, you are looking at the correct thing- take the plate off if you have to. To put the plate back on, pull the plate towards you and lift the springs into the grooves of the plate.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionIs it Covered Under Warranty? 
I have had to take my Singer serger in twice now because the fabric won't pull trough and just gets bunched up. The first time it cost me $75.00 and I questioned why it wasn't covered under warranty, but this time I want to know what's up. The repair center says the feed dogs cam is broken and they just shimm it up that it isn't covered. It's not an electrical part so why isn't it covered?
AnswerWell, I am not the Singer Co., so don't quote me on this, but if it is in fact a feed cam problem it is most definately covered under warranty and I would contact the Singer Co. 1-800-4-SINGER. Good luck.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionProper Threading Instructions? 
I am a novice sewer and I have an older hand-me-down portable kenmore sewing machine with no information one of the problems is bunching and you had stated due to improper threading of top thread, what is the right way to do it, please help

jessica
AnswerDear Jessica,

Without having the machine in front of me, I cannot tell you exactly, however, I can tell you that machines thread like a backwards "N". Go through the thread guide, down around the tension assembly, back up to the thread take-up, and all the way down to the needle. Hope this helps.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionJust a Foot Pedal? 
Hi,



I have a Viking 500 that will just keep sewing without any pressure on the foot control- when it does this it has to be turned off then the foot control needs to be unplugged and plugged back in for it to run again. Does she just need a new foot control or is this something more sinister??



THanks
AnswerIt sounds to me as if you need a new speed control in your foot control. Contact your local Viking dealer for cost and available of that part.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionSimple Threading Instructions for a 1036 
Dear industrial sewing machine man:

I saw that a woman from Wichita, Kansas had the same exact problem with her Singer 1036 that I do; I can't wind the bobbin. I'm not an expert at sewing or sewing machine parts, so could you give me some directions in simple terms. Thank you for your time!

-dmorelli
AnswerDear dmorelli,

Thread the upper part of the machine, put the thread from the needle underneath the presser foot and wrap the thread underneath the screw that holds the presser foot on. Open the bobbin slide door and insert a fresh bobbin. On the left side of the bobbin there is a button with an arrow on it pointing to the right. Slide that button to the right on top of the bobbin and run the machine. It should now be winding the bobbin. To sew, close the bobbin slide door, which should disengage that bar, and you are ready to sew. If you have any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me back or give me a call at 1-800-544-5858. Good luck!

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionThreading a Singer 600 
I was recently give a Singer model 600. I do not have the manual and need to know how to thread the machine.



Thanks,

Sheryl
AnswerDear Sheryl,

If you wish, I can supply you with a manual for your machine for $16.95. Unfortunately, there are too many steps for me to go through to tell you have to thread up this machine in an e-mail. If you have ever threaded a sewing machine before, all machines thread like a backwards N. Hope this helps.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionReplacing a Blade on a Johnson Ruffler 
I am trying to replace the feeding blade on my johnson ruffler and cannot get to the screws to do it easily. Is the proper way of replacing these blades just to unscrew them or do I need to remove the whole bar in order to have easy access to the screws. Thank you for any help you can give me. I am trying not to take it in for repair because I am trying to finish a job asap. Thanks, Kay
AnswerDear Kay,

You are doing it the proper way. The screws that are closest to the blades are the ones that you remove. They are made to be very tight on purpose so that the blade does not move out of position when the ruffling assembly is working.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionChanging the Needle 
I just got a used Brother XL-6452 sewing machine and I broke the needle already. I cannot figure out how to get the broken one out and put in a new one. (I did not get an instruction manual with the machine.)

Please help me figure this out!!!! I have a dress to finish for a wedding!!!

Thanks.
Jenny
AnswerDear Jenny,

If you wish to get a manual, we can sell you one for $16.95 + shipping. To take out the needle, there should be a needle bar screw on the needle clamp where the needle broke. You want to unscrew it, turn the screw in a counter clockwise motion, and that should allow the broken needle to come out of the machine. When you insert the new one, make sure that the round top part is facing you. Hope this helps.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionLubricating a Singer 1036 
Singer 1036- how do I get to lubricate the top of the machine- I can't get the top cover off- removed the 3 screws but the knobs are in the way???????????????/Help

don't have a manual

what was wrong withe machine that singer only made them for 2 years?
AnswerDear NOAHNORMAN,

The 1036 was made for over eight years. The machine first had a model number of 900, then 920, then 1030, then 1036. The same machine, except the cosmetics were made in different colors during the eight years.

In order for you to take off the top assembly, you must first take off the side face plate and turn the knobs on top in the reverse direction very gently and they will pull right off. You then can move the top assembly. Please be aware that the face plate has a screw on the inside casting near the needle bar which releases it. It is not that important that you lubricate the top of this machine, so be careful, it is very easy to bread the top assembly and very hard to replace it. Hope this helps.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionThread Balling Underneath 
I have not sewn in years and was going along fine when all of a sudden the thread started balling up on the underneath side. Any suggestions on what to try? I am sewing on a Singer merritt 9606 if that is any help. Thank you. Janna Nale
AnswerDear Janna,

I do understand that you have had this machine for a long time, however, it sounds to me as though you have skipped something very basic. When great deals of bunching occurs on the bottom of the material it is usually an indicator that you have no tension. This is only possible if A, your entire tension assembly is broken or B, the machine is not threaded properly with the thread totally through the tension assembly. Make sure that the presser foot is in the up position, re-thread the machine, and change the needles.

Do not forget if you have not used this machine in a long time, YOU NEED TO OIL IT. The most important way to keep an older sewing machine running properly is to maintain it. Maintenance is the key word. Hope this helps.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionWarranty Info 
Dear industrial sewing machine man:

I have a Necchi 3101 purchased in Oct. 2000. I have a couple questions:

Can I get a copy of the manufacture’s warranty? I see the warranty listed in the features but to have it serviced, if is covered by warranty I would like to be able to show the shop. I am in Canada and purchased my machine through Fabricland. I can find no warranty copy in the manual.

The top thread is catching in the bobbin case. I am not sure if it is going behind the case, entering where the bobbin is and then exits through under the tension plate on the outside of the case. It catches on the slot on the bobbin and follows the bobbin thread out of the case. When I pull the bobbin and case out, the top thread is “threaded” or looped so it enters the bobbin case and comes out the same path as the bobbin thread.


I have tried different thread, needles, and fabric. I am sewing costumes for dance competition and running out of time. I have enjoyed this machine immensely; however, I am having the above challenge. Thank you, thank you, thank you for any help you can give.


Sincerely,

Sandy
AnswerDear Sandy,

It sounds as if there is something chipped in either the hook, needle plate or bobbin case. I suggest that you go to that area and inspect to see if there are any burrs. If you find any, just sand it down with an emery board and you should be good to go.

As for the warranty, different stores have different warranties. Most machines are guaranteed for one year. The 25 year warranty is for housing defects in the casing. It covers only the head of the machine. Bulbs, belts and labor are guaranteed for 90 days.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionMachine Covered in Hardened Oil 
Hi Doc

I have aquired a american st louis straight stitch industrial machine. It is literally covered with hardened oil. I have tried wiping it with just about anything you can think of and nothing wants to take this stuff off.

If I removed the head of the cast base is their anything I could soak this thing in to take the hardened oil off???

thanks
craig
AnswerDear Craig,

The only thing that is going to remove it is heat. Put WD40 on the machine and keep a hair dryer on it- this will loosen up the hardened oil and allow you to remove it.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionSpindle Stuck? 
Hi!
My machine is working fine except that the spindle
that is supposed to come up from below the bobbin
chamber when you place the bobbin winding lever into wind position does not come up to fit into the slots on the bobbin. Once in every 50 tries it comes up for a little ways and then drops back down. Any suggestions??? Would a drop of oil help? And if so where would I place the oil?
THANKS SO MUCH!
SLaroussa
AnswerDear SLaRoussa,

I would drop a drop of oil into the sleeve that is holding the apparatus and try to work the bobbin actuator slightly until you get it 50 out of 50 times. Hope this helps.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionDo Motors Die? 
Hi,

I have my sewing machine for over 15 years. One day when I took it out, it
was dead; no sound of the motor working though the light was on. I tried to
take it apart, but could not found anything unusual. I tried to source help
over the internet, but cannot find anything related to 'Jaguar' (mine is a
electronic Jaguarmate).

Can the motor dies while in storage? Is there anyway I can figure out if
the motor is still working? Thank you for your help.

Belinda
AnswerDear Belinda,

Motors do die while sitting in storage for a long time. I am not familiar with your machine. The best advice that I have for you is to take it to a local sewing machine repair shop and have the mechanic look at it for you, or you could ship the machine to me for $28.95 + the cost of parts and shipping and I could repair it for you.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionSinger 457 
How does the bobbin and bobbin case fit into the Singer Model 457?

Barbara
AnswerDear Barbara,

If you'll look to the right side of the place where the bobbin case should be, you'll find a black metal piece. This metal piece needs to be lifted from the front and moved to the right of the machine. Insert the bobbin case so that it sits flush on the hook, then move the black peice back to the left so that it fits over the adjusting screw in the front. With the thread coming off of the bobbin, in a clockwise manner, place the bobbin in the bobbin case and feed the thread into its spring.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


Thank you for your prompt reply. This machine was given to me, without a manual of course, so I appreciate your help. The bobbin does not move. When I took the bobbin and bobbin case out, you could move the base (or hook?) by hand, but it doesn't move otherwise. What could cause this? Again -- thank you for your help.

Barbara



Dear Barbara,

Unfortunately, you have a broken gear in the top of your machine. If you feel up to it, I could send you the proper gear for replacement and help you through it, or you could ship me the machine and I will repair it for $45.00 plus the cost of the shipping. Let me know.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionBrother Sewing Machine 
This machine has quit stitching. I think I have everything adjusted correctly, but as soon as I begin to sew, the upper thread is pulled from the needle. Hope you can help.

Thanks, George
AnswerDear George,

First of all, take care of the simple things- make sure that the needle is in the machine correctly (flat side to the back), make sure that the needle is the proper size to carry the thread that you are using, and make sure that your upper tension is clamping on the thread. If all of these things have been checked and or corrected and you are still experiencing the problem, take the hook out the machine by removing the race cover and inspect the hook. You'll probably find chips and burrs near the tip of hook. If so, polish it down with an emery board, oil the hook, and replace. This should take care of your problem. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man


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QuestionServicing My Machine- 
Dear industrial sewing machine man:

I have a Gimbel's machine. It was sewing great until I had to put it in the
basement to make room for visitors. I am ready to use it and it will not turn.
I think I need a belt.
Should I try to fix it? And I wonder what it's worth.

Curious,
AnswerDear Curious,

Being that the machine was in your basement for some time, the machine definately needs to be oiled and serviced before using it again. Most likely the reason that the machine will not turn is because the oil inside of it has dried. If you oil and service the machine and find that you in fact need a new belt, let me know and I can get you the proper one for you. Unfortunately, your machine is not worth very much in the open market. I would suggest looking on e-Bay for a general price.

Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionBelt Replacement 
I have a Viking 6020 and the machine keeps slipping. I would like to know how to replace the belt.

Paula Heftanamous
AnswerDear Paula,

In most cases, Viking machines do not need belt changes. First of all, you need to remove the handwheel- remove the one screw in the middle of the handwheel- then remove the side cover which also has only one screw in it, then take the screw out of the lower right hand corner underneath the bobbin winder spring. Once the cover is removed, you will see the belt running from the handwheel to the transmition, to the motor, and then back to the handwheel. In between the motor and the handwheel you'll see a small white wheel. More than likely, the spring fell off of this piece which creates tension on the belt. Replace the spring, and your problem should be solved. If not, give me a call and I would be glad to go further.

-Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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QuestionLubricating My Sewing Machine 
Dear industrial sewing machine man:

How do I lubricate my sewing machine after it has been sitting for a long time?

Thanks,
Cheryl
AnswerDear Cheryl,

If you look in the back of your instruction manual, it should give you a list of places to oil your machine at. Of course, if you have lost your book, I would take off the bottom of the machine and put a drop of oil on all of the parts that you see are moving. Warning: Do NOT put oil on any electrical part or the motor, as this would cause the machine to smoke, and may burn your motor out.

Thank you,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man

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new - less than a week old.