Before you first sit down in front of the machine, check to
see that the power cord is plugged in.
Many of the modern machines are self-lubricating and
have an oil reservoir in a pan below the head. Make sure
there is oil of the correct type and to the correct level.
Next, remove the bobbin case and bobbin from the
machine and the upper thread from the needle. This
allows you to check to see if the bobbin case is clear and
free in operation.
Without turning the power on, depress the treadle lightly
to release the clutch. Turn the balance wheel or drive pulley
TOWARD you and cycle the needle up and down several
times to see if the machine turns freely. Listen for any
sounds that seem abnormal and notice any feeling of
tightness or binding of the machine.
If everything seems normal, re-thread the needle. Take a
full bobbin, place it in the bobbin case [Figure 6-74], and
install it in the shuttle of the machine [Figure 6-75].
Cycle the needle down and pick up the bobbin thread. A
correctly threaded and timed machine will pick up the
bobbin thread on the first cycle.
INSTALLING THE NEEDLE AND THREADING
THE MACHINE
All single needle type machines have the needle positioned
in the needle bar with the long thread groove
facing to the left. Make sure that the needle is installed
all the way up to the stop in the needle groove of the
needle bar. Check that the long thread groove faces left
[Figure 6-76] and that the needle clamp screw is tight.
Take a cone of thread and place it on the thread stand.
Route the thread upward through the guide at the top of
the stand and then to the pre-tension thread guide on top
of the arm of the machine. Thread the machine according
to figure 6-77. Most modern machines use a similar
method of threading. However, there may be additional
thread guides of different shapes to route the thread
through. This is why the rigger should have a copy of the
operator’s manual for proper threading of each machine.
Once the machine is threaded correctly, take a sample of
material suitable for the type of machine, thread, and needle.
Form several layers and place it under the presser
foot. Lower the presser foot while holding the upper and
lower threads securely to the rear of the presser foot. Turn
the balance wheel again and run a few stitches by hand to
see if the machine sews properly. If everything works as
expected, turn the power on and begin sewing. If you are
unfamiliar with this particular machine, begin slowly
until you get the feel of the clutch and speed of the
machine.
If the machine does not sew correctly, consult the troubleshooting
guide [Figure 6-78] to determine what the
problem is and how to remedy it.
