Here is a neat hobby that can turn into a real job or even a business. I am talking about sewing machine repair. There is a special thrill when a broken down sewing machine springs back to life almost like new " right in your hands. While there are challenges, it can also be loads of fun.
When you start tinkering with sewing machines, be ready to learn loads of information. There are literally thousands of different models and designs, but there are also some obvious similarities. One of the tricky areas of interest is the hook assembly.
There are two basic types of hook assemblies: The Rotary Hook assembly and the Oscillating Hook assembly. Each type has its own features and benefits, but they both do essentially the same job.
If your machine has a rotary hook system, it will continuously turn around. Turn the hand wheel and see it rotate. The way it works, is simple. As the needle starts back up, the hooks point catches the thread in the scarf (just above the back of the eye). It then draws the thread around the bobbin.
The bobbin may be installed just under the needle from the top, on the left end, or on the front lower arm of the machine. If the bobbin inserts from the top, it normally has a rotary hook.
If the bobbin is inserted in the left end of the sewing machine arm or on the front face of the sewing machine arm, it may be either a rotary or oscillating hook.
It is easy to tell the difference. Rotary hooks rotate around the bobbin carrier in a continuous circle again and again. Oscillating hooks move to half way around and then go back to start again. The go back and forth " back and forth.
So to make sure what you have just answer this one question. Does it go all the way around as a rotary does, or does it go part way and retrace its path to start over as an oscillating machine does?
Watch closely. The point of the oscillating hook starts just a few millimeters to the left of the needle when it reaches its lowest point. As the needle rises, the hook moves behind the needle. A loop of thread forms in the small cut out on the back of the needle running above the eye called the scarf. The point of the hook grabs the thread here and pulls it around to the bottom where it releases the thread. It then oscillates back to its original position for another stitch. Bernina used their special patented CB Hook to become a premium sewing machine line.
As far as the user is concerned, it does not matter a lot whether the machine has an oscillating or a rotary hook. Both systems achieve the same basic result. The pick up the thread from the scarf of the needle and pull it to wrap around the bobbin thread.
In both cases, the action of the hook must precisely synchronize with the needle. Even slight variations cause problems. This synchronization is known as hook-needle timing. If you see skipped stitches, bad stitches, or none, check the hook-needle timing.
In about twenty percent of all standard sewing machine services, the hook-needle timing will need to be set. So, get use to this adjustment. It will be frequent. The cause of faulting timing can be traced mostly to user activity. Forcing the sewing machine to go beyond its intended use by pulling the fabric while sewing or sewing too thick a material is a common cause. Broken needles, wear and tear, Dirt, and debris are also common causes. To make this adjustment check your service manual for the model you are servicing. In time, you will gain confidence and do most adjustments without having to look them up.
When you consider that there are almost 90,000,000 sewing machines in use today, there are a bunch of sewing machines to service and repair. Sewing machine repair makes a great hobby or business.
When you start tinkering with sewing machines, be ready to learn loads of information. There are literally thousands of different models and designs, but there are also some obvious similarities. One of the tricky areas of interest is the hook assembly.
There are two basic types of hook assemblies: The Rotary Hook assembly and the Oscillating Hook assembly. Each type has its own features and benefits, but they both do essentially the same job.
If your machine has a rotary hook system, it will continuously turn around. Turn the hand wheel and see it rotate. The way it works, is simple. As the needle starts back up, the hooks point catches the thread in the scarf (just above the back of the eye). It then draws the thread around the bobbin.
The bobbin may be installed just under the needle from the top, on the left end, or on the front lower arm of the machine. If the bobbin inserts from the top, it normally has a rotary hook.
If the bobbin is inserted in the left end of the sewing machine arm or on the front face of the sewing machine arm, it may be either a rotary or oscillating hook.
It is easy to tell the difference. Rotary hooks rotate around the bobbin carrier in a continuous circle again and again. Oscillating hooks move to half way around and then go back to start again. The go back and forth " back and forth.
So to make sure what you have just answer this one question. Does it go all the way around as a rotary does, or does it go part way and retrace its path to start over as an oscillating machine does?
Watch closely. The point of the oscillating hook starts just a few millimeters to the left of the needle when it reaches its lowest point. As the needle rises, the hook moves behind the needle. A loop of thread forms in the small cut out on the back of the needle running above the eye called the scarf. The point of the hook grabs the thread here and pulls it around to the bottom where it releases the thread. It then oscillates back to its original position for another stitch. Bernina used their special patented CB Hook to become a premium sewing machine line.
As far as the user is concerned, it does not matter a lot whether the machine has an oscillating or a rotary hook. Both systems achieve the same basic result. The pick up the thread from the scarf of the needle and pull it to wrap around the bobbin thread.
In both cases, the action of the hook must precisely synchronize with the needle. Even slight variations cause problems. This synchronization is known as hook-needle timing. If you see skipped stitches, bad stitches, or none, check the hook-needle timing.
In about twenty percent of all standard sewing machine services, the hook-needle timing will need to be set. So, get use to this adjustment. It will be frequent. The cause of faulting timing can be traced mostly to user activity. Forcing the sewing machine to go beyond its intended use by pulling the fabric while sewing or sewing too thick a material is a common cause. Broken needles, wear and tear, Dirt, and debris are also common causes. To make this adjustment check your service manual for the model you are servicing. In time, you will gain confidence and do most adjustments without having to look them up.
When you consider that there are almost 90,000,000 sewing machines in use today, there are a bunch of sewing machines to service and repair. Sewing machine repair makes a great hobby or business.
About the Author:
Discover the secrets of repairing sewing machines Dr. David Trumble. See his extensive curriculum of sewing machine repair courses. Pick up your own free copy of his beginning course 7 Steps To Peak Performance For Your Sewing Machine.
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