I just got one like this. You can see where your machine used to say Dressmaker, but it now says Viscount? I am new to this site so forgive me if that is something I should have known. I tried to google, but I didn’t find much. My machine works, but I’d love the manual.[ATTACH=CONFIG]612277[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]612277[/ATTACH]

A machine that I think probably fits on this thread has turned up on Craigslist in the Dallas Metroplex. It's probably a couple of hours from where I live and I have too many machines, but while the listing exists I thought some of the enthusiasts might want to see the pictures: https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/at...886153956.html

I just noticed this thread and I'm really enjoying the eye candy - I didn't realize there were so many Japanese machines from this era that were not 15 clones

I have a Bel-air that I’m needing help finding info on. When I got it it was a mess. Gummed up and filthy. Now that I have it running pretty smooth I’d like to get it up to useable condition. But I can’t find what model it is or what bobbin it needs. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.[ATTACH=CONFIG]614876[/ATTACH] From what info I have found I believe it is a Japanese machine. Possibly a clone?

It is likely made by brother. It uses a class 15 bobbin. Good machine. Left set needle position?

Miriam, just wanted to comment on how cool it is that you started this thread nearly 7 years and 454 posts ago and you are still with us... Thanks for your support for so many.

Leon, I’m here when I get a notification of activity on the threads I started.

KSB Japanese Zig Zag Parts Needed
 

I'm new to the sewing world. I bought a Japanese Zig Zag. I'm not sure of the make. It as a badge that says "Rotary Electric" but so far that hasn't narrowed it down. I've been doing maintenance on it. I've tried adjusting the upper tension regulator; however it will not tighten up. I'm trying to find out more about the machine itself and what parts are compatible such as the upper tension regulator. Bottom has KSB 950320 JA/3.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]615775[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]615777[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]615776[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]615778[/ATTACH]

Welcome to the board. Since you are so new I must ask the question., Do you have your presser foot down? If it is up it realeases tension on most machines. Pretty , it is. Thanks for the clear picture, too.

Thanks for getting back with me. Yes, I have the presser foot down. The knob itself will spins around and pops off. I tighten the screw on the side. And there is a screw in the part that sits inside the machine which I tighten but the pin still pulls out. (I found a pic of what that cylinder looks like) I just don't know if I bought a replace assembly like this one if it would fit my machine. The original knob just spins.

Thread Tension Assembly

Welcome. I'm wondering if that is JA 13 meaning quite possibly a Koyo machine?? Several different names such as Dressmaker or Remington would fall into this group.

Along the lines of Leon's response, I'm wondering if the pin is stuck or missing. If you open the front nose of the machine and look at it from that end, you should see where that pin is and if it actually moves the tension assembly when you raise and lower the presser foot.

There a bunch of different assemblies out there. Some of them are somewhat similar. I know Miriam did a post or thread about 15-clone tensions and some of the differences, but I can't find it right now. It is possible that someone took it apart and back together improperly.

I'm thinking that the assembly should be taken off, and cleaned. There are some places on QB that show how the tension assemblies come apart and the pieces involved. https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...y-t266364.html https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintag...a-t220494.html and others. Just take pictures as you take it apart and lay them in order that they came off. It doesn't necessarily mean it is right. A clean assembly with all the pieces put in the proper order, may just be what is needed for the tension to work properly

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