Little Genie Magic Bobbin Washers, and what to do about a rattling bobbin case
 

Does anyone here use these little Teflon washers?
http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=6966
If so are they worth the 92¢ each or are they a waste of money?

The reason I ask is my HOTHERs' ( HA-1 / 15 Clone ) bobbin case rattles so bad it drives me nuts. I've tried several bobbin cases in it and they all rattle. New or used, don't make any difference.
I worked on it this afternoon and found the part that holds the hook in place to be moving rotationally. This didn't help any and when I got it tightened up that lessened the rattle, but didn't eliminate it.

Any other ideas on how to quiet this old lady down would be appreciated.

Joe

you can get teflon washers at good hardware stores, I have a handful I use for different sized applique circles.
I think the largest were only a quarter, the small ones just a few cents.
It can't hurt to try it on your machine, but I sure can't believe in my heart the new machines would need one.

I know some quilters who swear by them. I am thinking about getting some, but haven't found any in the local quilt shops.

I've never felt the need for them. They're supposed to help with stitch quality and preventing birds nests. But, I know my machines and make them perform for me fine...but the noise issue is sure worth the try. Some machines are just noisier than others.

Yes they are. The bobbin case in this machine is not the original. When I took it out of it's case a year ago there was no bobbin case in it. I suspect my mom snagged it for the cabinet machine she bought when she quit using the HOTHER. I've tried several cases and they all fit about the same. I am using the one that sews the best. The tension is good, I get no birds nests so it's only the noise that's a bother. And only when I push the machine fast. I'm thinking of making one of those washers myself for an experiment. Then if it works I "might" spend some $$ on a real Teflon one.

Joe

Joe, you may also want to try this....vintage Vikings are known for bobbin case 'chattering' it's commonly treated by putting some triflow grease or vaseline on the peg. Report back. I've done this on a few machines and haven't been completely sold that it works.

Will do. I'm going to be sewing some quilt parts together today with the machine. So I'll grease the peg and see what happens.

Joe

Little Genie Bobbin Washers
 

I have used the bobbin washers and found them to be fine for taking up the slack. Newer machines don't require them. Older ones seem to benefit the most. They were originally used to eliminate backlash. They only problem for them is the cost. They can be sourced on the internet, but you will need the exact size for your particular machine and the rate is more reasonable.

I use the bobbin washers! I had trouble with my Janone 6600 making birds nests. Not anymore-they have cured the problem. I was ready to throw this new machine out the window until I changed thread and started using the washers. They weren't any particular size-just generic to everything. I keep them in my travel case too and use them with my Featherweights also.


They're awesome!

I like them. It can make all the diffrence at times. Certainly worth trying anyway.