White Rotary
I have a few days off from work and thought it would be fun to get my White Rotary treadle machine running. I found an instruction book on line and have the machine threaded and bobbin threaded according to the diagrams. My problem is that the top thread won't pull the bobbin thread up and the bobbin slides around in the shuttle unless I hold it in place. I'd appreciate any insights anyone has.
Thanks in advance for any assistance. Marie M. |
Marie, I too have a White Rotary circa 1912 that is waiting for my attention and for which I have been researching the last few months.
I remember, about a week or two ago I ran across a quilting youtube video by Leah Day in which she spoke about a fix for wobbly bobbins; on her blog she sells an insert that sits between the bobbin case and the bobbin thread spool. You may also have the wrong size bobbin for that machine, it is my understanding that modern day bobbins do not fit antique machines. Regarding the tension, below I've pasted my edited tension troubleshooting notes that I think originally came from the ISMACS website. STITCH TENSION Sewing machine thread tension control occurs in upper (a dial or knob on the sewing head) and lower (bobbin case) adjustments; always adjust top tension first because it more often than not is the culprit of tension issues. The upper thread passes between two spring-loaded discs; by turning the dial clockwise or counter-clockwise you increase or decrease the pressure on the thread as it passes through. There is no such thing as AUTOMATIC tension as is boasted in modern advertisements. A perfect stitch is one that is interlocked evenly between fabric layers. A skilled operator will alter the tension many times while sewing a item that varies in thickness. If the stitch is unbalanced the top or bottom thread can be easily pulled out; faults in tension also result in loose threads, looping, puckering, bunching and more. Such faults can be eliminated by understanding the simple procedure of tension adjustment. It is the top thread that is being taken around the lower thread and then pulled back up. Too little top tension will not bring up the lower thread far enough, too much will pull the lower thread right through both fabric layers. If the top and bottom tensions are balanced but both too tight the fabric will pucker; loosen both top and bottom tensions a little at a time until a smooth stitch is achieved. THREAD TENSION ADJUSTMENT
UPPER TENSION ADJUSTMENT
LOWER TENSION ADJUSTMENT
Hope this helps. |
Marie,
This is the bobbin you need for the White Rotary machines: { http://www.shop.sew-classic.com/Bobb...5-pack-744.htm }. They are a tiny bit wider and larger in diameter than a FW bobbin. I don't think the FW bobbin will fit due to the smaller hole, but if they did, they'd not work right. Joe |
You can get the bobbins on EBAY for less than the previous post. I think I just paid about $1 each for them.
I probably downloaded the same booklet that you did, since I just got my White Family Rotary from a relative a couple of months ago. I had a hard time figuring out how to get the bobbin threaded but figured out there is a notch on the part that points out that you have to catch the thread through. Then it will work properly. If you have the correct bobbin and need a picture of how to thread the bobbin case, I will try to figure out how to do that, just let me know. |
Thanks IMC8 and J Miller for the information. I do have some of the teflon washers that Leah Day features so I will give one of those a try. The bobbin I have came with the machine and looks like the one from Joe's link but I'll measure it to double check. We have an OSMG not far from here so I can always take it to him if I need to, I just really wanted to do it on my own. I haven't totally taken it apart and cleaned it, I did get the surface dirt off and oiled it well and she moves freely. I'll play with it more over the weekend, I'll let you know if I'm successful or not.
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Marie,
I forgot to tell you the machine rotates backwards from Singers. If you turn the hand wheel towards you it won't pick up the bobbin thread properly. Joe |
Cindy Peters also has the bobbins for the White Rotary. I bought mine from her. Contact her directly @
[email protected], it will cost less because there are no ebay fees. Sharon p.s. I love sewing with my 1917 White Rotary treadle. :) |
Originally Posted by J Miller
(Post 6477618)
Marie,
I forgot to tell you the machine rotates backwards from Singers. If you turn the hand wheel towards you it won't pick up the bobbin thread properly. Joe |
Sharon,
Thanks I'll contact her about the bobbins. M~ |
I have three White made machines that use the same bobbins. I've amassed quite a few from GW and Sew-Classic.
The only thing I don't like about the ones Sew-Classic is there isn't any thread holes in the sides. I had to drill my own. Does Cindy Peters have a web site? Joe |
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