somewhat On Topic - bobbin winder

I bought a bobbin winder, intended for winding floss onto the plastic/cardboard thingies that go in the floss boxes. It really was more trouble than it was worth, I only used it about twice.

If that's the sort of bobbin winder you mean, I think you would have even more jams in a machine with it, but perhaps there is one specifically for machine bobbins ?

My old machine sometimes chokes on bobbin winding, so I would be interested in your experience with this if you have found one intended for machines. BTW have you oiled your machine at all ? They do improve if oiled as per the handbook.

Several of the people over at RCTQ have gotten the bobbin winder and they seemed to like it just fine. I've seen then at Joann's and I think the cost was about $40.00. That would be a good time to use a coupon!! I've been thinking about getting one because the bobbin winder on my machine is out of whack. It's the kind where pushing the bobbin against the winder stop latches it into gear, disengages the needle and makes the bobbin assembly turn to wind the thread onto the bobbin. Problem is, the bobbin wont stay stuck against the stop so I can't wind a bobbin

-- have to drag out another sewing machine just to do that! It's time for the machine to go in for another 50,000 mile service so I will have the bobbin winder "stuff" checked. When is the last time you gave you machine a good cleaning or had it serviced? Could be that there's just a piece of something stuck somewhere that is causing your bobbin winder to malfunction. You could always just ask what they charge at Joann's when the guys there to clean machines. I know that they charge about $35.00 here to clean & "service" machines that are not computer operated. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

Consider talking to the nice folks over on the yahoo group "wefixit" -- there's a fair chance someone will have a good idea of exactly what's wrong and what needs to happen.

If it's just metal-to-metal seizing, I'd probably try WD-40 or methyl salicylate, applied every day for a week or so, then a couple of good whaps with a heavy phone book.

(You can also just take out the needle when winding a bobbin if the clutch doesn't want to cooperate, at least until you can fix it.)

Kay

Wednesday, the Wright's SideWinder was on sale at Joanne's. Armed with coupons in case I saw other things that said 'take me home', I hopped in the car and bought one. It is very easy to use although I haven't figured out how to stop it without pulling the plug if I don't want a full bobbin.

to you and Miz Mary, it is way past time for the machine to be oiled but the last time I did it, I made a mess with the oil and had to run a lot of thread and fabric through the mechanisms to get it clean. The money probably could've/should've been spent on a checkup but I don't know a reputable service technician.

It's quite likely could tell me what's wrong. Unfortunately, I'm all thumbs plus I might not understand the process.

hmmmmmmmmm ... I understood about the WD-40 and might try that

that's what I've been doing.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Next time you are in Joann's, ask them if they have someone who comes to the store to service customer machines. My Joann's does this

-- usually every 3 or 4 months and they will put a sign on the front door to let customers know about it. Another thought is to call a local store that sells vacuums and sewing machines. They usually service machines and can usually be trusted. Even if you don't want to take the chance of oiling your machine, you really should clean it after every few projects. I don't have to oil my machine because it is computerized but I DO have to clean it and you would be surprised the amount of schmutz that is caught up in the area around the bobbin!!! I sew a lot so I clean my machine after every

2 or 3 projects and should probably do it after every single project. I'm lazy and don't like having to get out the little screwdriver and other tools so I wait as long as possible :-). Seriously -- you would not believe the difference it makes when your machine is clean and oiled and properly serviced. Call around and find someone to service your machine -- it's a whole lot cheaper than having to buy a new machine!!!!! CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

thanks for the most excellent advice.