help with featherweight
 

I am trying to remove the upper tension unit on my featherweight. Just purchased and the previous owner put it on wrong so I cannot thread it properly. According to instructions on line, I am supposed to be able to pop it off after turning to the number one. No luck. so the question is how forceful can I be. Can I use a screw driver and pop it off? Don't want to ruin anything. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance for any help.

Fran,

Do not force anything unless your bent on spending much dollars to replace it. To remove the tension adjusting knob all you need to do is push the numbered dial "in" and then turn the knob counter clockwise. It will come apart.

Now, you didn't say what style of top tension your machine has, or weather you just want to take the dials and disks off to redo them or remove the entire top tension.

To remove the entire top tension it requires you to take off the face plate and loosen a small grub screw. You'll see it, it's the only one near the tension.

Your owners manual has instructions on how to do much of this.

Joe

Hi, Thanks so much. I gave it a try and it came right off. I'm taking them off to redo them as the wire was on the right instead of the left. Thank you again. Just hope I can put it back together??!!

Fran,

Go to the TFSR site: { http://www.tfsr.org/publications/tec...machine_manual } and read it through. There is much information on how to set up top tensions.

Also like I said the FW owners manual has an exploded drawing and adjustment instructions in it.

Joe

See?? That's why I love reading other peoples help on our problem...I learned something every day!

FranC, the TFSR link that Joe posted is great. If you want a video you can follow along with - one or both of these may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guYToL6Gegs - On Machine dis-assembly and reassembly of the tensioner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzFXRdNE_1s - Off Machine dis-assembly and reassembly of the tensioner

The only thing that's a little different from these videos on a FW or a 301 is the "2 setting" I mention toward the end of the video works for most full sized tensioners. For the smaller tensioners, like the 301 and the Featherweight, I find that the setting is full tight when the post is flush - between 9 and 10.

This comment makes a lot more sense in context. If you watch the videos, you'll understand. :)

Thank you so much for the links. I have been trying to put it back together, but no luck. the videos are a big help. I will try again. Again, thanks.