ecmoore Posted July 3, 2017 Report Share Posted July 3, 2017 Hi All! I'm still struggling a bit with my machine, and trying to figure out what's going wrong. I'm not sure if it's the timing (and as I've never timed it before, am scared to death of that process!) or something else. The symptom is this - whenever I stitch in place, or stitch Right to Left (from the front of the machine), the thread will shred and ultimately break. When moving the same way, the thread also seems to want to pop out of the pigtail assembly that's right by the needle. If I move the machine left to right, though, there is no issue. I've had the machine just about 6 years exactly, and it doesn't get terribly heavy use (maybe one queen size quilt every 2-3 months.) I finally had a bit of time & patience today, and tried to adjust some, and look to see if there's any mark or burr on the hook assembly. The retaining hook was 2/3 of the way forward, rather than 1/3, so I adjusted that. Without thread, the machine seems to run fine after that, but when I add thread, it feels like the thread is catching on something. I took a video showing the hook and needle, the first part shows the slowest speed, the second part is me turning the flywheel by hand. https://www.flickr.com/gp/eilonwynn/sJ63tN I'm not sure if anyone can see an issue that maybe I'm just not seeing, or if there's any advice anyone can give, or even if there's anyone in the SF Bay area who would be willing to come down to the South Bay and help me diagnose and/or re-time? (Otherwise, I'll look into bringing it down to the APQS repair centre in LA!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Deming Posted July 3, 2017 Report Share Posted July 3, 2017 There is a video on how to set the timing - could be informative, even if you don't want to do it yourself. It may not be that. However, I didn't hear the hook point hit and deflect the needle as you rotated the needle up and down. The hook point must touch and deflect the needle for proper stitch formation. The video is fairly long, but you will find the needle deflection part at about 35 minutes into the video. The machine she is using is an older Millie, so you may want to watch the whole thing. https://www.apqs.com/timing-apqs-machine-video Enjoy your Independence Day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecmoore Posted July 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2017 Hi Sharon! Thanks so much for your help! I checked, and at first it was not quite touching (I could get a piece of mylar, but not a piece of paper between the hook and needle.) I looked at the needle, and I had it set to 6:00 exactly. I turned it more towards 6:15-6:30, and it's now touching. When I push my thumbnail between the two, I can feel the needle shift and deflect, but I don't think it's quite to the point of deflecting. If the needle isn't deflecting, would that indicate a timing issue, or something else entirely? https://www.flickr.com/gp/eilonwynn/7c6111 https://www.flickr.com/gp/eilonwynn/Q432m1 And here's the video showing the "tearing" noise with the thread. I'm not sure if it's normal and just more apparent because I'm holding the threads and don't have a quilt in there, or if it's something way off: https://www.flickr.com/gp/eilonwynn/RyF6oi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Deming Posted July 3, 2017 Report Share Posted July 3, 2017 I would say that is a timing issue, but I am definitely not very knowledgeable in this area. The whole hook assembly may need to be re-seated. I'd have it looked at. Do you have an APQS dealer in your area? They may be able to help you without having to take the machine anywhere. No harm asking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Deming Posted July 3, 2017 Report Share Posted July 3, 2017 Oh, btw - I assumed you used your phone for the video. Great close-ups! What brand phone do you have? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecmoore Posted July 6, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2017 Hi Sharon! It's an iPhone 7 Plus - which has an extra camera for zoom, and I used a bracing system to keep it as steady as possible. I'll see if there's a dealer close by, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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