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.
A quick inspection of a sewing machine, and the technician can tell if the sewing machine hook assembly rotates or oscillates. These two types of mechanisms are very different, but perform the same basic function.
The Rotary Hook Assembly includes a hook that moves in a complete circle round and round. The hook slides behind the needle, and proceeds all the way around the bobbin carrier until it again slides behind the bobbin carrier. Singer sewing machines revolutionized the sewing world with their drop in rotary hook systems.
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.
A bobbin installed on the left side of the sewing machine may either have a rotary hook or an oscillating hook. The same is true of front loading sewing machines. For example, while Bernina sewing machines became famous for the CB Oscillating Hook System with front loading, they continue to use front loading on the high end rotary hook sewing machines.
If you are unsure what kind of hook system your machine has, rotate the hand wheel and watch the hook Oscillating hooks travel half way and then travel back. They move back and forth. Rotary hooks travel all the way around the bobbin carrier in a continuous rotation.
To double check you thinking, does the point of the hook go all the way around the carrier (Rotary Hook) or only part way (Oscillating Hook)?
The Oscillating Hook Assembly involves a hook that begins a few millimeters to the top left and moves to the right sliding behind the needle and past it around to the bottom of the swing. Then the hook travels back again the same way to its original position for a return oscillation. Bernina sewing machines built their superior reputation based on their advanced oscillating hook system called a CB Hook.
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.
Each part must work in perfect timing and coordination. The hook assembly and needle must reach their exact connection point on every stitch precisely when as where they are suppose to. This is called hook-needle timing. When they are out of synch or time, you will see skipped or potentially no stitches formed at all.
Adjusting the hook-needle timing is a very common adjustment. If the user breaks a needle, sews on excessively thick material, or debris builds up in the gears; the timing often gets jolted out of adjustment. The specifics of making this adjustment vary considerably from one model to another. Some adjust on gears located directly below the hook. Some adjust at the side or at the end of the lower shaft. Some use timing belts. The essential adjustment is always the same, however, in that the point of the needle must reach the scarf at precisely the right time and in the right way. Check the specific service manual for details on adjusting the hook-needle timing until you gain enough experience and knowledge to adjust it on the fly.
As long as there are millions of people using sewing machines, people will need sewing machine repair. You may just be the person to meet their needs either as a hobbyist or as you own business. - 16069
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.
A quick inspection of a sewing machine, and the technician can tell if the sewing machine hook assembly rotates or oscillates. These two types of mechanisms are very different, but perform the same basic function.
The Rotary Hook Assembly includes a hook that moves in a complete circle round and round. The hook slides behind the needle, and proceeds all the way around the bobbin carrier until it again slides behind the bobbin carrier. Singer sewing machines revolutionized the sewing world with their drop in rotary hook systems.
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.
A bobbin installed on the left side of the sewing machine may either have a rotary hook or an oscillating hook. The same is true of front loading sewing machines. For example, while Bernina sewing machines became famous for the CB Oscillating Hook System with front loading, they continue to use front loading on the high end rotary hook sewing machines.
If you are unsure what kind of hook system your machine has, rotate the hand wheel and watch the hook Oscillating hooks travel half way and then travel back. They move back and forth. Rotary hooks travel all the way around the bobbin carrier in a continuous rotation.
To double check you thinking, does the point of the hook go all the way around the carrier (Rotary Hook) or only part way (Oscillating Hook)?
The Oscillating Hook Assembly involves a hook that begins a few millimeters to the top left and moves to the right sliding behind the needle and past it around to the bottom of the swing. Then the hook travels back again the same way to its original position for a return oscillation. Bernina sewing machines built their superior reputation based on their advanced oscillating hook system called a CB Hook.
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.
Each part must work in perfect timing and coordination. The hook assembly and needle must reach their exact connection point on every stitch precisely when as where they are suppose to. This is called hook-needle timing. When they are out of synch or time, you will see skipped or potentially no stitches formed at all.
Adjusting the hook-needle timing is a very common adjustment. If the user breaks a needle, sews on excessively thick material, or debris builds up in the gears; the timing often gets jolted out of adjustment. The specifics of making this adjustment vary considerably from one model to another. Some adjust on gears located directly below the hook. Some adjust at the side or at the end of the lower shaft. Some use timing belts. The essential adjustment is always the same, however, in that the point of the needle must reach the scarf at precisely the right time and in the right way. Check the specific service manual for details on adjusting the hook-needle timing until you gain enough experience and knowledge to adjust it on the fly.
As long as there are millions of people using sewing machines, people will need sewing machine repair. You may just be the person to meet their needs either as a hobbyist or as you own business. - 16069
About the Author:
Discover the secrets of repairing sewing machines Dr. David Trumble. Explore 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.
