Problem with older Janome New HOme Model L-393
 

Recently purchased at an estate sale. I am having problems with the tension. Changing the setting from 3 all to way to 5 makes no difference at all. The bobbin thread looks as if I were couching it down.

I bought a manual on line to be sure I was threading it correctly. Well, spent a couple of hours today working with it and I cannot figure out what to try next. Does it need to go to the shop? Is anyone familiar with this old gal?

you say that it is threaded correctly... this would have been my first thought... that the thread is not going between the tension discs.

so my next guess is that there might be some lint or thread caught between the discs... perhaps cleaning that out would help.

good luck

My first thought also was not threaded correctly - not going between the tension discs. I can't really see into that area to be sure the thread is where it ought to be. The tension discs are inside the machine and not readily visible or accessible. I am going to take the cover off tomorrow and oil where my manual says. Maybe from that vantage point I will be able to see if something is caught.

If no one has any other suggestions and I don't find it tomorrow, then off to the shop it goes. My patience is almost exhausted. I just don't like giving up on a simple mechanical machine. This one isn't fancy. No computer stuff.

Are you sure the bobbin is the correct size for the machine and is inserted and wound properly? Just because it was with the machine doesn't necessarily mean it's the right one. Also try a new needle and oil and lube it.

tomorrow I am going to oil and lube, change the needle, make sure nothing is caught in the discs. And tonight I ordered some bobbins that are for this machine (just in case - and besides I need more than one anyway)

Thanks everybody. Wish me luck.