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Needle bar & timing


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Ok, this is for all you DIY cool cat's out there. Always check your needle bar depth before you start timing. Always!!!!!!!! Don't have me tell you twice.

For several months I have been having trouble with my UI. Skipping stitches & thread breaking. It's enough to make you start drinking. OH MY GOD!!!!!!! Now most of you know who I am & what I do & how long I've been at it. This was the last straw, because this machine has been so good to me and never really had any bad malfunctions or mishaps. It is a true workhorse and a half. You got to love them, right. Anyways, I had tried everything in the book and finally took a look at the needle bar setting. Don't know why I should look, because I have never hit anything and it's been at the same place since I bought it. Well, low and behold, it's out of adjustment. How can this be, crap! I know that this setting screw will be a tough one because it's never been adjusted. Busted two screw driver tips in the process. One a craftsman and the other a gunsmith driver. Craftsman driver can be replace, but the GS driver will have to be replaced. Finally broke the screw free and lifted needle bar up 1/32" so only the eye of the needle was visible in the hook. Rechecked the timing and it was still good. Holy cow how'd that happen? Now I'm happy again. I'm doing a happy dance while I type this, ha ha ha ha.

Zeke. Don't get needled under the pressure foot.

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Not even sure. I'm replacing my motor in hopes that I will be able to sew at slower speeds. I've already replaced the speed dial. Then two weeks ago I broke a needle and now it's not picking up the bobbin thread. Possibly needle bar is off and timing. Then I haven't been able to get the YouTube videos on timing to play on my iPad so I gave up the other day. I will try again today. I also need to go to the hardware store to get an Allen wrench (I think) that will remove the little wheel thing on the back of the motor that the belt hooks on to so I can put it on the new motor. Then really hoping there is nothing else wrong.

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Batty:  Did you check your needle as Nigel suggested?  Do the simple things first before you go on to the more difficult.  Do you have the proper needle?   Should be 134 san 11, also known as 134 MR, 1955 MR, or DP X 5 MR.  I'm not sure that the last three fully describe the needle.  The san 11 designation is important, because it ID's the depth on the needle scarf.  They come in several weights from 90, 14, 3.0 to 130, 21, 5.0.  Some folks have mistakenly tried to use san 7 needles (I think used by Tin Lizzy and some Noltings), and they don't work.  

 

Your hook point should meet the needle near the middle of the scarf, and should just barely touch the needle.  The needle bar height should be as Zeke's diagram shows. About 1/32" to 1/16" showing above the needle eye when the needle is in it's lowest position.

 

BTW, identify the model and year (if you know it) of your machine, because there are minor differences from model to model which might impact sewing issues.  It will help us offer suggestions.  Good luck.  Jim

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My machine is an ultimate II. I got the needles from APQS and had been using them. Prior to the broken needle it was sewing fine except it wouldn't run on a slower speed and sometimes the speed would fluctuate. Changing the speed knob out didn't fix the problem so I bought a new motor on Amy from apqs advice although I had been told the motor was replaced two years ago by the previous owner.

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I seem to be running again. Finally got the new motor on and it will sew at a bit slower speed than it used to. Needle bar lowered a tiny bit and machine retimed. It still seems to vibrate a bit when sewing. More when I'm going left to right. It is sewing though so that is a plus.

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Thanks Zeke, isn't it fun  and it makes you feel so good when yolu can searh out and adjust what is causing the problems.  It's good for me to know with Mr. fix-it (not!) in the house.  I have to give Himself  credit for he does listen to Amy and leaves the machine alone now unless I ask for help.  Teehee that is progress!  :P;):D
 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Marti:  I changed out my needle bar and bushings about 3 years ago.  APQS wants you to change the bar along with the bushings.  If there is any play in the bushing/bar (grab the end of the bar and tug it front to back and side to side-if there's any wiggle the bushings need to be replaced)  The replacement wasn't particularly difficult.  You need to take your machine off the table so you can turn it on it's side while the sealer sets.  APQS provided great instructions with the parts.  You need to tap the old bushings out which I don't remember being difficult or nerve racking (it was 3 years ago so my recollection might not be that good)  

 

While you have your machine off the table, it might be a good time to check the grease in your gear box.  Hope this helps.  Jim

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Marti, it's very easy to do. I've done many bushing changes. Like Jimmy said, you have to get it on it's side. It's best with two people. You do the bushing swap while your friend just holds the machine still. You'll be using the old needle bar to remove the old bushings & a small piece of wood to press in the new. Just follow APQS's instructions. Very simple. Zeke

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I just bought a newer Millie and she should be at my house maybe this Friday I am so excited. I traded the Millie I have now in on my newer Millie. I have to thank Joyce Coburn for all of her help, she told me about the machines that APQS was going to list for sale and the one I bought was a good fit for me. I can't wait for my new Millie to get to my house yay. Thank you again Joyce :).

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Zeke,

Yes, now I won't need to replace the needle bar and bushings lol. I can't wait to get my newer Miller. I traded my 2006 for a 2009 :). I feel good about my new Miller, being it is coming from APQS and they went over the machine and she is running great.

Judy Day,

Thank you :) I went through the dealer in my area and she knew this machine was going up for sale yesterday. I told her I would buy it, she wrote it up and Kayla called me and I paid for it yesterday. They are going to ship it to me today. I hope to have it Friday. She said it would take 3-5 days for it to get to me. I feel like a kid at Christmas time lol. I can't wait to get it.

Thanks and have a great day,

Marti

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Zeke,

I got my newer Millie last Friday and she is running so smooth. I am very very very happy with her. I finished the two quilts that I had for customers. These quilts are Christmas gifts. Now this weekend I will quilt one of my quilt tops. My new Millie even has quilt glide so now I will need to find some micro handles.

Thanks,

Marti

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