Solving all problems with the bobbin case of a Singer sewing and embroidery machine. How to make ...
How to Clean and Lubricate the Bobbin Area: Solving All Shuttle Problems on a Singer Sewing and Embroidery Machine - How to Make It Work Perfectly (Model 247)
Nothing is more important for stitch quality than keeping the bobbin and feed area clean and lubricated. Below, you'll find instructions on how to do this for four different types of sewing machines.
How to Clean and Lubricate the Bobbin and Feed Area on a Swing Hook System:
1. You will need the brush that came with your machine, a stiff paintbrush, or a toothbrush. You will also need clear sewing machine oil.
2. Remove the bobbin case, take the bobbin out, and clean the inside of the bobbin case with the brush. Check the tension spring and make sure there is no lint underneath it.
3. Remove or release the retaining ring and then wipe it with a brush.
4. Remove the hook and clean it inside and out. Check for burrs on the point. These can be removed by very lightly sanding with very fine sandpaper (500 grit).
5. Remove the needle plate. Check for burrs. These may also be covered with sandpaper.
6. Then, wipe all the lint from the feed dogs and pulley area, from top to bottom. Brush it towards the front of the machine to keep it out of the gears.
7. Check the race (the rim that the hook attaches to) for embedded lint or needle fragments. Use a large pin or small screwdriver to remove any particles.
8. Apply only one drop of oil to the race.
9. Put it back together. When you look at your shuttle area, you will see the "driver," which forms a semicircle. The hook completes the other half of the circle and sits only on the rim; it does not lock. Replace the retaining ring and the needle plate. 10. Before sewing your project, sew a piece of flannel to remove any excess oil.
How to Clean and Oil the Boll and Feed Dog Area on a Drop Boll System:
1. You will need the brush that came with your machine, a stiff paintbrush, or a toothbrush. You will also need clear sewing machine oil.
2. Remove the shuttle.
3. Remove the needle plate. Some needle plates have a metal shuttle cover that slides forward but doesn't pop out completely. Check for burrs. These can be sanded with very fine sandpaper—about 500 grit.
4. Remove the shuttle sheath. Some shuttles have a locking finger that screws away with a screwdriver. Others have screws that shouldn't be unscrewed. The shuttle case needs some side-to-side play to allow the thread to pass through the spring. Brush the inside and outside of the shuttle case. 5. Inspect the shuttle housing for any plastic splinters, lint, or needle holes. The plastic shuttle housing can be lightly sanded with very fine sandpaper—about 500 grit. However, sanding can sometimes make things worse. You can try removing burrs with a razor blade, which may only be marginally effective. Replace the shuttle housing if it is severely damaged.
6. Inspect the hook for burrs. The hook is the pointed part of the ring that goes around the shuttle housing. It is important to sand any burrs on the hook—only with very fine sandpaper.
7. Wipe all the lint from the feed dogs and the pulley area.
8. Place a drop of oil in the center hole. Some machines have a "wick" in the center hole, which looks like a small felt stick. This will keep the oil in place. If there is a moving ring around the center hole, place a drop of oil between the stator and the rotor. 9. Check the spring. When this spring bends out of shape, the machine will make a loud noise. You can try gently bending it back into shape, if needed. Or it may need to be replaced.
10. Put it back together. The shuttle case sits on a flange in the hole, with the tension screw at the front. Position the Singer shuttle cases on the flange, then replace the tensioning pin. Remember that there should be a little "play" to allow the thread to pass through the spring. Replace the needle plate.
11. Before you sew your project, sew on a piece of flannel to remove any excess oil.