Hello, again

I have no knowledge of your particular machine, but as a general rule, thread nests on the bottom of the fabric is an indication that the *top* thread is not being tensioned. Or that the tension disks are full of gunk. Or that the needle needs to be replaced with a new one. If I had this problem, I would:

1. replace the needle with a BRAND NEW, one sized for your fabric.
2. unthread the needle path, clean the entire path very carefully including flossing between the tension disks.
3. rethread the top and bobbin thread, referring to the manual as I did so.
4. make absolutely certain the needle thread is not catching anywhere on the spool.
5. test.
6. if the problem still remains, do a top-to-bottom inside-and-out cleaning and lubrication of the machine hitting every spot recommended in the user's manual and using a brush and vacuum to clean all nooks and crannies.
7. test again...

Having done all that, if the problem remains, I'd head for the service center. Or contact Ron Anderson:

ron [at] sewingmachine [dot] com

Ron Anderson A1 Sewing Machine

NAYY,

I'd be doing the same.

Thank you both, and I shall be contacting Ron. I have done what was suggested, spending hours looking at my machine. It is relatively clean, and I have spent quite a bit of time looking at the manual and learning how it works. I still have a ways to go.

On the thread tensioning, when I thread it through the top, I cannot seem to get the top thread tension right, although all the disks have been removed and are pristine clean. At times, it works, at other times, the thread is hard to pull through.

I suspect the problem is in the bobbin area, and will have to work with it and adjust the bobbin tension screw and thread hook and needle hook timing repeatedly until I get it right.

I am recovering right now, so have two weeks to do such sit around things. But I would sure like to get my boat top finished, and quit wasting thread.

Thank you for your help.

Steve

Just a thought. You say the thread is hard to pull at times. Are you referring to the bobbin thread or the top thread. Are you threading with the foot in the up position and inserting the needle into the fabric with the up and holding your bobbin and top thread behind the foot until you get started sewing. If you've done these thing and still have ptoblems, Ron is there for you. Juno

Just another thought - are you absolutely Certain that you are placing the bobbin in correctly? There's one @#$! machine here that goes the 'other way' and makes a fearsome mess when I flip it in with the usual manner. Polly

Top thread pulls hard, even if I unscrew the nut. Done it a hundred times, and read and reread the directions. Am going to work on it some more this afternoon, and have sent Ron an e mail.

Yes, holding on to the two threads, and can't put it through the needle unless it is in the UP position.

Steve

Yes, according to directions, the bobbin rotates anti clockwise when feeding thread. Comes off the bottom of the bobbin closest to me, and runs to the right.

Steve

Some interesting tensioning in that machine. Do you have the manual and parts chart?

TYVM! I did have the manual, but not the parts chart. Upon first inspection, I see I am missing one disc on the thread tensioner up top. I was able to get it timed today, and it is sewing 80% better. I think with a little tweaking, I can get the other 20%. It's like a Rubik's cube, not too difficult after the first time. BTW, my best time was 1:50 on the cube.

Thanks again.

Now, I wonder where to order a disc ..........

Steve

If I've written it once, I've written it a dozen times:

ron [at] sewingmachine [dot] com

Ron Anderson A1 Sewing Machine

Beverly

And also Helen Howe:

I am conversing with Ron on this as we speak. I do hope you are feeling better soon.

Steve

Ah, that'd do some strange things to the tension. I'm curious, though, as to what you're using for thread lubricant (or is it not necessary at slower speeds?) I've never sewn on a machine with an on-board lubrication system.

I would have to say that it is an issue I need to address. On inspection of the manual, there are supposed to be several felt pads, and I must identify where they are, if they are present, and oil if necessary. BTW, thanks for reminding me that I have to pick up a bottle of oil while in town today.

Steve

Oh, good, I hope Ron can either get your parts or steer you to a dealer in your area. I didn't remember mentioning that I had been sick, but thanks for the good wishes. I'm almost back to what I call "normal", just a lingering bit of sinus congestion now.

I have never been able to put a Rubik's cube back together again. They are all Humpty Dumpty cubes around here....

No need to use a thread lubricant for the work you are doing. Usually only do if the machine is pushed to the outer limits of speed and there are issues such as thread breakage due to needle heat etc. Hope you got sewing machine oil.

TY for the heads up. Seems as tho the pads are mostly absent. Yes, of course, I went to the sewing machine shop and paid $4 for a small bottle. The last one somehow got fractured, and leaked all out. I like that little long spout on there. The oil points are marked very well in the manual, and I understand about keeping any machinery oiled. Going to fool with it today after I do my work. I need to get my boat cover finished and get some awnings made before summer ends this year.

Like last year ............

Steve

When my doctor said I'd be back to "normal" soon, my wife commented, "That'd be a first."

Being sick is overrated.

Steve

It beats the terminal alternative...

Beverly