I've seen several posts/questions regarding the issue I'm having. Yet, my SailRite guides are on the boat and I'm ashore currently. So, I apologize in advance for repetition.
Broke a needle yesterday. Replaced with a size 20 that came with my LZ-1 machine. Won't pick up the bobbin thread. If I adjust the needle down slightly, it does pick up the bobbin thread. However, the machine skips stitches and the bottom thread is all kinds of crazy loopy.
I've adjusted the bobbin tension, the top thread tension, and foot tension. Got things working, then as soon as I slid my project in place - nope! Back to the loopy loop stitch skipping happy happy joyness.
What can I do to adjust for these issues? I need to finish a project and was almost finished when the needle broke. Murphy's Law!
Thanks in advance for help, advice, suggestions, etc.
In the meantime I would suggest checking the driver rotation to see if it slipped counterclockwise. I would also make sure the cap spring is not burred. Both issues are covered well in the guidebook.
Finally make sure the needle is in so the flat area just above the eye of the needle faces to the right as the needle is installed.
Thanks, Matt. I have ensured the needle is facing the proper direction.
I'll get a support case started, and in the meantime how would I check the cap spring for burrs?
Driver rotation is not too bad to set. Send a photo of the position to mattb@sailrite.com after starting the support case and before making an adjustment for his comment on if it slipped.
The cap spring is the curved metal plate on the top of the retaining ring that the needle goes through right beneath the needle plate. Please make sure it has clean edges and the needle has not struck it leaving a rough edge. If the edge is rough it can be polished with emery paper and that generally works.
Looks like the cap spring has been struck. Definitely has a burr.
Took a picture of the cap spring. The gib hook also appears to have a burr. Mutter, mutter.
For drive position, picture of underside or by wheel?
Polish those out and try again.
photo from the underside looking right at the hook like figure 45 on page 43 of guidebook.