My Federal won't sew
 

I just received a Federal sewing machine. I can get it to pull up the bobbin thread and that is it. I try to sew with it, it bunches a little then breaks the top thread. Please help.

Have you done the standard clean everything thoroughly, new needle, re-thread, take bobbin out and make sure that its in correctly, possibly even wind a new bobbin? Do you have the correct bobbin? I know these are basics, but they can often cure a mulititude of ills on a sewing machine.

Have you looked for the clones threads here?
Info about tensions https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...e-t269712.html
And a lot of valuable info here I hope it’s still here. https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictur...p-t164361.html
And another old fun thread
https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...r-t169127.html

Make sure it is threaded correctly and make sure the thread goes in the needle the correct direction. Needle goes flat side to the shaft on that machine.

In addition to what Miriam said - It looks like you have a quick release pressure regulator. Maybe if you press down on it, that would help.

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

I would rub my finger around the bobbins for roughness, and the bobbin holder also, and all of the places that the thread goes thru. I had a machine this week doing the same thing and the metal bobbin had a rough spot that the thread got caught on it and tore it apart. Just a thought.

If the spool of thread has a notch in the edge, sometimes that can catch and break the thread. I found that if I put it on the spindle with that end down, then at least the thread winds off smoothly!
Pat

Turn it by hand slowly and see if you can tell exactly where the break happens.

Good idea Leon. Some times you can pull thread through an inch at a time through various sections of thread passes. I had dried up oil in a tension once that really did a number on my thread. I’ve seen bad needle eyes break thread. Some times just changing the needle is enough. I have a collection of removed parts with burrs, too. Bits of rust...

I can get it to pull up the bobbin thread with no problem. It just when I start to sew with it, it breaks.

I forgot to mention that I replace the bobbin case and the bobbin from a newer Singer sewing machine I had and the thread still breaks when I try to sew. It might be catching on the feed dogs. I tried to getting the screws loose but they are tough to get free. I've cleaned the tension spring with alcohol and feed dogs with a toothbrush done all the oiling. I think I am threading it correctly. I've checked youtube about a half dozen times on threading Singer sewing machines. I have the flat part of the needle to the left.