Need help with my 301
 

I just bought a 301 and the timing was off. I got that corrected (at least I think- I used the 221 service manual), but the top thread is still getting wrapped around the bobbin/ shuttle area. I have it threaded from right to left, and the bobbin and thread tensions are the same. Any ideas?

Never had to adjust the timing on a machine, but it could be that the slant needle machines are timed differently than the straight needle machines.

Is the finger in the bobbin assembly locked into place in the feed dog cover plate?

Yes, I have the finger locked in.

Maybe I should have asked this first, but...when timing the machine, should the tip of the shuttle hook be at the center of the needle (vertically), or at the center of the needle eye? I assumed when reading the manual that the first one was the correct position, but maybe I should follow the latter interpretation? The manual pictures and the explanation were sort of vague IMO.

Do you have the needle in the right direction?

Yes. I will switch out the needle again and see if that helps. Thanks everyone for your help!

So I blew some air into the shuttle area and a bunch of dust blew out. It worked great. Then I decided I'd fill another bobbin and sew some more and then it got all tangled again. I know it is probably something really simple, but right now I'm lost.

Okay. I really wish I wasn't this ditsy. Gutermann ultra thick thread doesn't work well. Plain old polyester is threaded and she runs amazing. Live and learn. *Sigh*

I have a 301 adjuster's/service manual, if you need anything else.