Sew4dancers

Good Morning!

I am new to this group, but you came highly recommended.

I picked up a new to me Free Westinghouse sewing machine. I was especially keen on the ruffle foot.

However, I can not get the bobbin to wind evenly or neatly. It winds to the right half of the bobbin, and then, pinches the thread. The manual clearly states that the bobbin tension must be loose. I have a new "tire" and pulley piece on it.

I took apart the tension discs to see if they were dirty, they were not.

Also, I have read that moving the needle holder up 1/8th of an inch will solve the unique needle size problem. Has any one tried this?

Thank you!

OurWorkbench

Welcome sew4dancers.
The rufflers are great fun - and - they seem to multiply (just like vintage/antique machines) LOL

I see you have a manual - which can be extremely helpful. Some of the manuals will show how and where to adjust if the bobbin isn't winding correctly. It would be helpful to know if your machine is a long or round bobbin. It would also be helpful to see how you have it threaded to wind the bobbin.

Since I don't have a Free Westinghouse of either bobbin type, I'm not sure what you are asking about the needle. Is it that you are trying to use 15x1 rather than the size that was originally intended for the machine?

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Sew4dancers

I will take some photos...most likely tomorrow, and show you. I thought I uploaded two photos. One should be the front view.

Thanks!

Mickey2

Your machine looks very nice. I'm sure the bobbin difficulties have to do with correct set up; following the thread rout, guides and hooks correctly or something like that. A winder can act up if there's wheels and turning parts that need cleaning and oiling, rubber tires might need replacing (yours looks fine in the picture though). Make sure it's the correct bobbin for the machine, with old machines the accessories that come with it are often a bunch of all sorts.

Sew4dancers

It looks like I could move the needle stop (when you install) up a bit. There is a screw that could be loosened and moved.

OurWorkbench

I really can't help about needle. I've read mixed things about changing the needle bar or filing a 15x1 needle to make work in this machine. I will tell of an experience I had. I was cleaning and oiling a Franklin machine for a coworker (had belonged to his grandmother). Everything I read was that it took a 20x1. However, while cleaning I kept finding bits of broken needles. I decided I would very carefully try a 15x1. It worked perfectly without any adjustments or problems. It might not hurt to try. Did it have the short needle in it when you got it?

As far as the bobbin winding, my guess would be that something isn't lined up right. In some of the manuals I've read it suggests bending the guide. I know how fragile some of the metal pieces can be and that wouldn't be my first choice of options. Some of the other manuals show that there is an adjusting screw to change the position slightly to even out the bobbin winding. It appears on pages 46 & 56 of this manual that the bobbin winder tension discs are on the left side of the thread guide piece. Does it screw apart? I'm wondering if there might be some way to adjust the bobbin winder itself to the right a bit. Or adjust the thread guide to the left a bit. I like the Singer 15s as you can unscrew and move the position of the tension guides to even out the bobbin winding.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Sew4dancers

I will try some things...the discs may have been too tight. I will try that. With my Kenmore, I actually use my finger to help keep the thread in the tension part of the winder.

The funny thing is, that this machine, after oiling is quieter than my Kenmores!

I will let you know.

Thank you!!!!

OurWorkbench

Yes, guiding with finger is another option.

Which Kenmore do you have? Is it a left homing, high, low or extra high shank?

Good luck, looks like a neat machine to sew with.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Sew4dancers

I have an extra high and low shank Kenmore. Both with Cams...need more feet for the low shank. One is a 158.17033.

V.

Sew4dancers

I finally wound a bobbin...slowly, using my finger to get it to go back and forth.

I used the machine. I can't see a difference between the needle in there at purchase time and a regular one. With the original needle in the machine, it WORKED!!!!!! (On paper towel!)