Not related but I'm finding gunked up balance wheels as well.

301 Bobbin case
 

I had adjusted tension on bobbin case so that it was way too loose and then started adjusting for tightness - using the drop test. No matter what I do it seems to have a problem. The upper thread tension has been cleaned and rebuilt..

Originally the problem of the thread coming out of the bobbin case tension only happened on a new full bobbin. Then it started happening all the time. I have double and triple checked the bobbin placement with the manual.

I did notice that on the bobbin case that comes with this machine I also have a problem getting the thread into the first opening. it just seems to glide over it and I have to really fiddle with it to get it into the opening to then pull it under the tension spring.

I don't have this problem with the bobbin case from the featherweight.

lakekids,

Disassemble the bobbin case spring. Remove it completely. Clean it underneath, in the thread slot and everywhere else. Make sure the grove the thread passes through is clear. Reassemble it with both screws loose. Then make sure the spring is not proud of the edge of the bobbin case and tighten the attaching screw all the way. Then run the adjusting screw all the way down, then back it out 1 turn and start adjusting it from there.

Once you get the bobbin case adjusted go up to the top tension. Look it over good. Make sure it's assembled correctly and all the way in the machine. I set them at "3" to start then sew a bit. If it needs adjusting do that.

If you can't get it the top tension needs some looking at. I've had more problems with top tensions than bottom and usually it's because I have the number ring set wrong. They are not overly complicated, but they do need to be adjusted correctly.

Have you looked at the instructions in the TFSR site? They are worth their weight in gold.
{ http://www.tfsr.org/publications/tec...machine_manual }
Their instruction cover both top and bottom tensions very thoroughly.


Joe

What do you mean by this?

"Then make sure the spring is not proud of the edge of the bobbin case"

OK, you caught me. I made a boo boo. I was typing about 301 and that sort of bobbin case when I stuck in a blurb about class 66 bobbin cases. Duh ............... my bad.

To elaborate, sometimes on Class 66 bobbin cases I have found the tension spring sitting high with the top edge proud of the case body. Sometimes the edge of the spring will act as a knife and cut the thread. Hense not letting it be proud of the case.

The 221/301 and class 15s don't have that problem.

Oops.

Joe