Singer 400w1 - Looking for a manual and troubleshooting help!
 

Hi -- I just recently purchased a Singer 400w1 and am looking for some troubleshooting help. It runs like a champ except for one little (huge) problem. The tread breaks at the needle as it is coming up out of the bobbin case. I get a couple of really really nice stitches and than BAM -- all cut up. I have done the usual things to it, changed the needle, cleaned out the bobbin case, changed the thread, tested the tension. The needle seems to slide up the top hook/loop in the bobbin case but I don't know if it's suppose to do that or not. I am about to take apart the bobbin case and while I am intimidated I didn't pay very much for the machine. I sure would like it to work though. Thoughts? I am also looking for a manual and someone in the SF Bay area who might be able to work on it.

Welcome.

I'm not really familiar with industrial machines, but I do like to research to try to help. How did you figure out how to thread it, without a manual?

From what I've read about industrial machines, they usually take a different system of needle than the domestic sewing machines. According to http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mach...s-400-499.html this machine uses a 88x1 needle which has a round shank.

Additionally, some/most? use left twist thread, especially for the top thread. I found a manual at https://www.tias.com/download---pdf-...pdf-33769.html and https://www.manualslib.com/manual/36...ger-400w1.html There is also a parts list at http://www.supsew.com/download/Singe...er%20400W1.pdf

What are you planning on sewing with this machine?

Since I'm in the middle of the US, I can't help with sewing machine shops in your area.

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

if you are on facebook, you might look up the industrial group there..

If you google - Singer 400w1 - there are a couple of videos available. There id a PDF of the manual, I didn't read thru it to double check, again google Singer 400w1 Manual -

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/36...ger-400w1.html