6600 tune-up gone bad
 

I recently took my Janome 6600 in for a tune-up/basic maintenance and to fix the tension as I couldn't get any adjustment, nor could I get then tension to be correct for any fabric/needle/thread. When I picked up the machine, I purchased the bobbin case designed for fmq and paid $85 for everything (machine tuneup included). I am finally able to get to the machine (hubby in hospital for 3 weeks) and find that the tension on the lower thread is great, but the top is horrible with virtually no adjustment on the dial. I have been piecing today with the tension dial set at 0 and am still getting some dots of color from the bottom thread. If I change the tension to anything else, it gets worse. Now to top it all....when I use the thread cutter, it pulls the thread out of the needle! Kind of defeats the purpose I think. Does anyone have a relatively easy fix for the tension? Or am I gonna have to take the machine back to the shop?

I think I would take it back. I had this happen once and now I only let one tech at my shop do the service.

I would take it back. Just a quick thought for anyone taking a machine in for service - try to make some time so that you can sew on the machine before you leave the shop. Maybe even before you pay - I just thought of that one. I work at a shop part time (weekends) and I know that they have the girls do sew offs before they call the customer, but even then they may not be testing the same thing you are doing. It is so much easier to not take it home than it is to get it home, get around to using it and then taking it back.

Sounds like the upper tension assembly needs to be taken apart, cleaned, and re-assembled. This would be a job for the tech. Be sure to mention the thread cutter too.

Sounds like someone didn't do there job. I'd take it back and tell them to fix it on there dime! Especially since it sounds like it has more problems after they worked on it than it did before.

I get so frustrated with jobs paid for not being done right. And if I get charged for the redoing the bad job? Lightening bolts spring forth! There are only a handful of local business that I will even step in the store. Only one sewing machine repair shop I will use and it's two hours away from me. They offer a loaner of a newer model machine. I suggested to the owner to have a trade in value added to the customer's bill if they wanted the new model, something for the owner to think about. She said she has sold more new models from that trade in value added. I don't understand small business owners at all. It's not hard to think like a customer to keep the customer.

Are you using the new low tension blue dot bobbin holder to piece?

If you are getting dots of bobbin thread showing on the top, your bobbin tension is too loose. Problems on the top, issues with the bobbin. Problems on the back of the sewn item indicate issues with the top thread.

I have both bobbin cases, but have been piecing with the standard red marked case....but had the same issues with both

I would take it back. It should have been right an it just isn't. They need to correct the issues not fixed!