These machines are definitely for the mechanically inclined and the type of person that likes to tinker with stuff, when they manufacture these things they do the bare minimum just to get them running and shipped out, when I got mine I I took it completely apart file down all the sharp edges that I could find that would create an issue, I also took my angle grinder with a flat wheel sanding disc to knock down and polish any of the bare metal, while I had it disassembled I cleaned everything, and when I reassembled it I had to regrease and lubricate everything that needed to be lubricated again, I also made sure that everything was in time and running smoothly, when I have come across issues with my thread breaking I always seem to find a way to fix it by adjusting tension in either the bobbin tension or the main thread tension, these machines have their own quirks depending on what manufacturer you get it from, but I have found my machine to be very easily modifiable and customizable, I've made a couple of videos on my channel showing what I have done to my machine, if anyone has any questions leave a comment in one of my videos and I will see what I can do about answering any of them, I'm not an expert but I really like my machine and I want to help others enjoy theirs also.👍🏻😊
@anarchytelevision8445Ай бұрын
I know this video was quite a few years ago, but I'm wondering if you had figured out your machine and working with it? I've got one of these machines and I really enjoy it but you have to understand they did the absolute bare minimum when they manufacture these machines, they definitely need a little bit of work to get them dialed in and timed right, I have found they are very user-friendly and easily modifiable and customizable, I've made a couple of videos and put it on my channel showing what I have done to my machine, if you still have questions, I can try to answer them, it's a little hard through a comment on a video, but I hope you have figured out what the problem was and you're able to use the machine and enjoy it, thanks for taking time to make your video though 👍🏻🙂
@user-ie5ke8di8r6 ай бұрын
Thank you very mutch
@ricksworlddereaux23977 ай бұрын
These cheap chinese Clones..are always got issues..they never good as them original old singer 29 or adler 30-1..🤔i got my adler 30-1 from the 1970 with a claes Table for 120$ here used in Germany..from a old Shoemaker.that passed away..on ebay...they in Europe available from 100$ to 700$..🤔🇩🇪🇺🇸🇪🇺
@enyawdnitram1858 ай бұрын
Hello. Perhaps you can help. I bought the Chinese shoe patch machine in October of 2022. I spent a month watching videos, etc. For some reason I could not get the machine to pick up the bobbin thread. So frustrated I put in the closet for a year. Pulled it out recently, and finally fixed the bobbin thread issue. Once the bobbin pickup worked, then I had an issue of the upper thread breaking. Watched some more videos, and did some intense sanding of all the bobbin parts. That stopped the breaking. Now, the thread is too loose. Before I just immediately tighten the bobbin spring, can you tell what would be causing the bottom thread to be too loose on my finished tests?
@anarchytelevision844522 күн бұрын
One little trick that I have learned about creating more tension in the bobbin thread, without adjusting anything, if you are using the second hole and then you have the thread under the tensioning spring instead of going to the hole that is directly adjacent go to the first hole instead that will create a little bit more tension, it also depends on what kind of thread, The thinner thread you should use the first hole and for thicker thread use the second hole, like I said if you're still having tensioning problems just crisscross from whatever hole you were using use the other hole when you come out of the bobbin cradle, I have found out that depending on what type of stuff you are sewing, like thick fabric or thick multi-layer leather it will matter what kind of thread you use and how much tensioning you need, beast machines are kind of finicky and have their own quirks depending on the manufacturer, but if you're a mechanically inclined and like to tinker with stuff these machines can be really nice machines, I've modified and customized my own machine to my liking and it is so much better than when it was first shipped out, most of these manufacturers that make these machines do the absolute bare minimum just to get them running and shipped out. I've made a couple of videos on my own channel showing what I have done to my machine, if you still have some questions leave a comment on one of my videos and I will try and answer it with a video if I can I'm not an expert but I've been playing with my machine for a little while.
@ricksworlddereaux23978 ай бұрын
You need lower your toptension..would be my guess.??.and bobintension need to be checked too..the tread shut hold the shuttle..and at least i think your tread is not a good nylon one..cheap treads not work on them patcher Machines..
@andressantiago56379 ай бұрын
what estebans workshot vedio troiuble shooting
@aiisaouihakim-5558 Жыл бұрын
What type and size of thread and needle size do you use please
@earlelzy9975 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your video. I have a new machine and I'm in the same spot you're in. I /we have to just keep adjusting to make it right.
@iamnoone. Жыл бұрын
Your bobin holder is out of time. Set handle at 12 and bobin at 3
@danielgarcia6416 Жыл бұрын
I hope you have fixed the issues and are enjoying your machine
@danielgarcia6416 Жыл бұрын
I have just got mine dialed in using 135 nylon with size 22 needle.
@Linda-sr3si Жыл бұрын
Also the rod that holds the needle can be unscrewed and moved up just a hair to possibly fix the problem.
@michaeladams5535 Жыл бұрын
I'm having a lot of the same issues, been trying every tutorial I can find, still not working. I have come to figure it's a gamble, you either get one that works or you wasted money
@vinniecarter7183 Жыл бұрын
Check out Harrison Hightower's videos on KZread. He has some of the best videos out there.
@enyawdnitram185 Жыл бұрын
I enjoyed the video. Yet, I'm still frustrated. I will try to use the proper terms. I made sure the crank nob is at 12 o'clock, and made sure the bobbin holder's back wall is facing right. I put the bobbin thread through the first hole closest to the spring. I pulled the thread through the top hole that is lined up with the bottom hole. I got the thread behind the spread. I tested the bobbin shuttle and the end of that bobbin gear is flush with that hole on the left of the bobbin shuttle when the crack nob is at 3 o'clock. That vertical thread shaft top is at 1/4 inch protruding out the top. I sanded all the bobbins, bobbin holder, and shuttle area. On the hand crank, I made sure bobbin shuttle notch is in the middle grove, and the other gear notch is in the outer grove. I made sure that little notch in the middle is lined up with that small notch on the hand crank. So here is what happens when I crank the machine to pick up the bobbin thread. The bobbin thread is not moving so the needle could pick it up. So I removed the bobbin cover and test cracked it. The bobbin is moving properly. I put the cover back on and held the bobbin with a little tension. The thread is moving but still not picking up. I'm clueless.
@swaybelly3212 Жыл бұрын
Make sure the needle just -barely- touches a finger at the bottom hole when the needle is at the lowest point in the cycle. This helped my machine once I had verified the timing was correct.
@enyawdnitram185 Жыл бұрын
@@swaybelly3212 You're a genius. It worked. I lowered the needle to point I can feel the tip through that hole under the bobbin shuttle/casing. It picked up the bobbin thread. Thanks so much.
@swaybelly3212 Жыл бұрын
@@enyawdnitram185 Glad it helped.
@Esteric100 Жыл бұрын
I use the 9.00 position and it works for me put an old CD for your cotton to sit on
@garrytborlase Жыл бұрын
I feel your pain mate , having kinda same problems with mine
@crazylife2501g Жыл бұрын
I bought one of these machines and it won't thread at all it won't can you send me a video on what to do so it can thread
@bonifaceraphael86552 жыл бұрын
I stopped using mine because of the same problem
@MrIgottap7 ай бұрын
Don’t be a quitter man, these machines can be pretty slick once figured out.
@claudiomenesesc2 жыл бұрын
I solved the same problem by loosening the tension spring on the bobbin carrier.
@Jeweled_and_tooled_customs2 жыл бұрын
You need to edit the background noise out it’s very hard to hear you!
@gulamhoosendocrat70912 жыл бұрын
I'm really sorry , but you are so clumsy with everything. No wonder you're having so much trouble.
@kiyotakakaneko36022 жыл бұрын
I solved this problem by shaving the shuttle holder. Video for reference kzread.info/dash/bejne/nn15sJOjqq67acY.html
@ianhaynes47492 жыл бұрын
Same issue, rotated the needle flat side towards screw which is counter intuitive and it was fixed. No other changes.
@PonicsHaven307202 жыл бұрын
DO NOT USE THE THREAD THAT CAME WITH IT. It's junk will break everytime you use it. Go by you some
@zakariabinabdullahkurakura38702 жыл бұрын
U have more pratis... This mesen...
@malcolmparkins19352 жыл бұрын
If you rotate the hand crank clockwise and stop the handle exactly at 12 o'clock, the center of the "half moon" of the bobbin carrier should be pointing at 3 o'clock.
@gruntsculpin12 жыл бұрын
Get some braided fishing line, 30 lb test, and sand down the corners of the bobbin, problem solved
@shortattentionspangarage13122 жыл бұрын
Lower the needle bar. That's what mine was doing. I noticed the point on the bobbin cage was chopping the thread when it would swing around. I lowered my needle bar so that if I put the tip of my finger under the hole on the underside of the sewing bar and cranked the machine the tip of the needle would just barely protrude past the very bottom of the hole and my finger could feel it without breaking the skin. Chances are your needle is too high. Also, Harrison Hightower (Mainly Acres) is a great resource for these machines.
@southernasylum2 жыл бұрын
I know this is from several years ago but I thought I'd give some input for anyone who comes across this problem. Most likely the needle is not traveling deep enough causing the thread to get cut by the bobbin. When the needle is in the lowest position you should just feel the needle at the bottom of the machine. If you don't feel it loosen the piston screw at the top and move the needle down to the correct depth. Polishing down the sharp corners on the bobbin helps as well. Lastly a larger needle may be needed to accommodate larger thread. Hope someone finds this information useful! I just recently purchased one of these and I wish this info was easier to find. Have a groovy day!
@PWeezFMR_ESSV_2002 жыл бұрын
Do you have any feed back on how my needle can catch the bobbin thread?
@snapon19482 жыл бұрын
Hi your thred is not free running make or get your self a thred stand I made one out off a brazing wire and a heat shrink
@jejenjeni64532 жыл бұрын
Berapa
@jejenjeni64532 жыл бұрын
Berapa hargaya
@robertward5532 жыл бұрын
I feel for you dude.
@robertward5532 жыл бұрын
This is why I'm not sure if I should buy one of these. I know zip about sewing.
@Lompies1002 жыл бұрын
I had the same issue. Figured out the bobbin sled does not release the top thread, but carries it back clockwise, and then pinches it. This is caused by the sled carrier not going anticlockwise far enough to leave a gap for the thread to escape. Solved by using my spare sled carrier on which the upright part is 1mm longer. Also sanded down the buldge on the sled and the hole the needle goes down in to create a gap for the top thread to escape the bobbin
@kickitatw3 жыл бұрын
Thank you all for sharing your tips. For me, my thread was fraying and breaking before the needle. I removed the needle plunger tube thingy and used a fine dremel bit to debur and round all of the super sharp edges. Worked!
@paca_bill48632 жыл бұрын
Just got my machine a week ago, and I've had it apart after watching all the different videos. I found 1) sharp burr on the inside of the needle tube - ground that down smooth 2) needle depth too shallow - set it lower so the bobbin would pick it up 3) timing camshafts were off - had to adjust them a bit so all the moving parts were in good timing 4) the bobbin drive bar was not set correctly - adjusted that so the bobbin was in the correct position 5) the bobbin thread did not have enough tension, so was pulling up through the fabric - figured out the thread had to go under the bobbin tension spring to maintain proper tension (I know others said they removed theirs with no problem, but I found it to be a necessary part) 6) moving parts were coated with thick grease - cleaned it off, and applied silicone grease sparingly at contact points only 7) lots of rough finish pieces making contact with each other - sanded/polished what I could, installed some Teflon washers where needed. It still needs some more work, but it's a great feeling when the thing actually stiches like its supposed to. Also, my Optivisor is now my best friend (now I can see all those little parts :) )
@safecracker453 жыл бұрын
I think you might have a timing problem.. Mine did time better at the down position on the crank
@30dchung3 жыл бұрын
try up and down niddle position.
@alvinseaside7903 жыл бұрын
Y’all don’t know what you’re doing, that’s the problem.
@Jim-tz9lj3 жыл бұрын
Make sure your top thread is above the presser foot. Your timing looks okay, but when the foot advances it breaks the thread if the foot is on the top thread. Making sure the top thread was not being captured by the presser foot solved all my problems.
@chriscook1443 жыл бұрын
Ive found that pulling the tail back with some decent tension at least the first several stitches keeps it from breaking. I have the EXACT same issue. Just got my machine about a month ago so thats the only work around ive found.
@leithdarkin31923 жыл бұрын
Just fixed mine with the same problem, with each turn of the crank, the machine releases enough cotter to complete a stitch, if you needle is positioned too low then your cotton will snap in the down position where the thread is stretched, I came to the conlusion that when my machine was made the welded the needle stop in the wrong place by a mm or two so I liinished about 2mm of the head of the needle and problem solved. The reason your first few stitches work is from the extra slack in the cotton from starting. if this works for you please do a video so others can benefit. Thanking you Leith
@benjamingentry35742 жыл бұрын
What is "liinished"?
@vladimirlopez78403 жыл бұрын
Is your needle on correctly? It looks like it is on wrong the flat part should be against the post. That could also be breaking your thread. Also these machines do need some filing of rough edges and burrs. And believe or not too little tension can also break thread. I have the same machine and after some filing and deburring it sews great. Also what size needle and thread are you using? Is that regular cotton thread or is it bonded nylon?
@sk8t3rgirl4562 жыл бұрын
What thread do you recommend? Thickness etc.
@aquac87277 ай бұрын
Thank you I was having the same problem I had my needle the wrong way!
@peternash88043 жыл бұрын
hi guys also had trouble, but i found by looking at the broken thread it was wearing as it was coming through the needle down tube so i removed the tube and found that when they squeeze and weld the end to hold the needle there are sharp bits of steel and in mine a piece of weld ?? a few minuits with a small round file cleaned up the sharp edges ,improved it out of site.
@cluek97803 жыл бұрын
Have yet to see anyone successfully use both upper tensioners. True, ALL surfaces touching threads need to be buffed
@redtoy22r3 жыл бұрын
Not enough tension on your thread
@jamesduckett743 жыл бұрын
Not sure if tou ever got it right but, I had to adjust my needle bar up or down depending upon the length of the needle.
Пікірлер
My first favorite rapper
These machines are definitely for the mechanically inclined and the type of person that likes to tinker with stuff, when they manufacture these things they do the bare minimum just to get them running and shipped out, when I got mine I I took it completely apart file down all the sharp edges that I could find that would create an issue, I also took my angle grinder with a flat wheel sanding disc to knock down and polish any of the bare metal, while I had it disassembled I cleaned everything, and when I reassembled it I had to regrease and lubricate everything that needed to be lubricated again, I also made sure that everything was in time and running smoothly, when I have come across issues with my thread breaking I always seem to find a way to fix it by adjusting tension in either the bobbin tension or the main thread tension, these machines have their own quirks depending on what manufacturer you get it from, but I have found my machine to be very easily modifiable and customizable, I've made a couple of videos on my channel showing what I have done to my machine, if anyone has any questions leave a comment in one of my videos and I will see what I can do about answering any of them, I'm not an expert but I really like my machine and I want to help others enjoy theirs also.👍🏻😊
I know this video was quite a few years ago, but I'm wondering if you had figured out your machine and working with it? I've got one of these machines and I really enjoy it but you have to understand they did the absolute bare minimum when they manufacture these machines, they definitely need a little bit of work to get them dialed in and timed right, I have found they are very user-friendly and easily modifiable and customizable, I've made a couple of videos and put it on my channel showing what I have done to my machine, if you still have questions, I can try to answer them, it's a little hard through a comment on a video, but I hope you have figured out what the problem was and you're able to use the machine and enjoy it, thanks for taking time to make your video though 👍🏻🙂
Thank you very mutch
These cheap chinese Clones..are always got issues..they never good as them original old singer 29 or adler 30-1..🤔i got my adler 30-1 from the 1970 with a claes Table for 120$ here used in Germany..from a old Shoemaker.that passed away..on ebay...they in Europe available from 100$ to 700$..🤔🇩🇪🇺🇸🇪🇺
Hello. Perhaps you can help. I bought the Chinese shoe patch machine in October of 2022. I spent a month watching videos, etc. For some reason I could not get the machine to pick up the bobbin thread. So frustrated I put in the closet for a year. Pulled it out recently, and finally fixed the bobbin thread issue. Once the bobbin pickup worked, then I had an issue of the upper thread breaking. Watched some more videos, and did some intense sanding of all the bobbin parts. That stopped the breaking. Now, the thread is too loose. Before I just immediately tighten the bobbin spring, can you tell what would be causing the bottom thread to be too loose on my finished tests?
One little trick that I have learned about creating more tension in the bobbin thread, without adjusting anything, if you are using the second hole and then you have the thread under the tensioning spring instead of going to the hole that is directly adjacent go to the first hole instead that will create a little bit more tension, it also depends on what kind of thread, The thinner thread you should use the first hole and for thicker thread use the second hole, like I said if you're still having tensioning problems just crisscross from whatever hole you were using use the other hole when you come out of the bobbin cradle, I have found out that depending on what type of stuff you are sewing, like thick fabric or thick multi-layer leather it will matter what kind of thread you use and how much tensioning you need, beast machines are kind of finicky and have their own quirks depending on the manufacturer, but if you're a mechanically inclined and like to tinker with stuff these machines can be really nice machines, I've modified and customized my own machine to my liking and it is so much better than when it was first shipped out, most of these manufacturers that make these machines do the absolute bare minimum just to get them running and shipped out. I've made a couple of videos on my own channel showing what I have done to my machine, if you still have some questions leave a comment on one of my videos and I will try and answer it with a video if I can I'm not an expert but I've been playing with my machine for a little while.
You need lower your toptension..would be my guess.??.and bobintension need to be checked too..the tread shut hold the shuttle..and at least i think your tread is not a good nylon one..cheap treads not work on them patcher Machines..
what estebans workshot vedio troiuble shooting
What type and size of thread and needle size do you use please
Thanks for your video. I have a new machine and I'm in the same spot you're in. I /we have to just keep adjusting to make it right.
Your bobin holder is out of time. Set handle at 12 and bobin at 3
I hope you have fixed the issues and are enjoying your machine
I have just got mine dialed in using 135 nylon with size 22 needle.
Also the rod that holds the needle can be unscrewed and moved up just a hair to possibly fix the problem.
I'm having a lot of the same issues, been trying every tutorial I can find, still not working. I have come to figure it's a gamble, you either get one that works or you wasted money
Check out Harrison Hightower's videos on KZread. He has some of the best videos out there.
I enjoyed the video. Yet, I'm still frustrated. I will try to use the proper terms. I made sure the crank nob is at 12 o'clock, and made sure the bobbin holder's back wall is facing right. I put the bobbin thread through the first hole closest to the spring. I pulled the thread through the top hole that is lined up with the bottom hole. I got the thread behind the spread. I tested the bobbin shuttle and the end of that bobbin gear is flush with that hole on the left of the bobbin shuttle when the crack nob is at 3 o'clock. That vertical thread shaft top is at 1/4 inch protruding out the top. I sanded all the bobbins, bobbin holder, and shuttle area. On the hand crank, I made sure bobbin shuttle notch is in the middle grove, and the other gear notch is in the outer grove. I made sure that little notch in the middle is lined up with that small notch on the hand crank. So here is what happens when I crank the machine to pick up the bobbin thread. The bobbin thread is not moving so the needle could pick it up. So I removed the bobbin cover and test cracked it. The bobbin is moving properly. I put the cover back on and held the bobbin with a little tension. The thread is moving but still not picking up. I'm clueless.
Make sure the needle just -barely- touches a finger at the bottom hole when the needle is at the lowest point in the cycle. This helped my machine once I had verified the timing was correct.
@@swaybelly3212 You're a genius. It worked. I lowered the needle to point I can feel the tip through that hole under the bobbin shuttle/casing. It picked up the bobbin thread. Thanks so much.
@@enyawdnitram185 Glad it helped.
I use the 9.00 position and it works for me put an old CD for your cotton to sit on
I feel your pain mate , having kinda same problems with mine
I bought one of these machines and it won't thread at all it won't can you send me a video on what to do so it can thread
I stopped using mine because of the same problem
Don’t be a quitter man, these machines can be pretty slick once figured out.
I solved the same problem by loosening the tension spring on the bobbin carrier.
You need to edit the background noise out it’s very hard to hear you!
I'm really sorry , but you are so clumsy with everything. No wonder you're having so much trouble.
I solved this problem by shaving the shuttle holder. Video for reference kzread.info/dash/bejne/nn15sJOjqq67acY.html
Same issue, rotated the needle flat side towards screw which is counter intuitive and it was fixed. No other changes.
DO NOT USE THE THREAD THAT CAME WITH IT. It's junk will break everytime you use it. Go by you some
U have more pratis... This mesen...
If you rotate the hand crank clockwise and stop the handle exactly at 12 o'clock, the center of the "half moon" of the bobbin carrier should be pointing at 3 o'clock.
Get some braided fishing line, 30 lb test, and sand down the corners of the bobbin, problem solved
Lower the needle bar. That's what mine was doing. I noticed the point on the bobbin cage was chopping the thread when it would swing around. I lowered my needle bar so that if I put the tip of my finger under the hole on the underside of the sewing bar and cranked the machine the tip of the needle would just barely protrude past the very bottom of the hole and my finger could feel it without breaking the skin. Chances are your needle is too high. Also, Harrison Hightower (Mainly Acres) is a great resource for these machines.
I know this is from several years ago but I thought I'd give some input for anyone who comes across this problem. Most likely the needle is not traveling deep enough causing the thread to get cut by the bobbin. When the needle is in the lowest position you should just feel the needle at the bottom of the machine. If you don't feel it loosen the piston screw at the top and move the needle down to the correct depth. Polishing down the sharp corners on the bobbin helps as well. Lastly a larger needle may be needed to accommodate larger thread. Hope someone finds this information useful! I just recently purchased one of these and I wish this info was easier to find. Have a groovy day!
Do you have any feed back on how my needle can catch the bobbin thread?
Hi your thred is not free running make or get your self a thred stand I made one out off a brazing wire and a heat shrink
Berapa
Berapa hargaya
I feel for you dude.
This is why I'm not sure if I should buy one of these. I know zip about sewing.
I had the same issue. Figured out the bobbin sled does not release the top thread, but carries it back clockwise, and then pinches it. This is caused by the sled carrier not going anticlockwise far enough to leave a gap for the thread to escape. Solved by using my spare sled carrier on which the upright part is 1mm longer. Also sanded down the buldge on the sled and the hole the needle goes down in to create a gap for the top thread to escape the bobbin
Thank you all for sharing your tips. For me, my thread was fraying and breaking before the needle. I removed the needle plunger tube thingy and used a fine dremel bit to debur and round all of the super sharp edges. Worked!
Just got my machine a week ago, and I've had it apart after watching all the different videos. I found 1) sharp burr on the inside of the needle tube - ground that down smooth 2) needle depth too shallow - set it lower so the bobbin would pick it up 3) timing camshafts were off - had to adjust them a bit so all the moving parts were in good timing 4) the bobbin drive bar was not set correctly - adjusted that so the bobbin was in the correct position 5) the bobbin thread did not have enough tension, so was pulling up through the fabric - figured out the thread had to go under the bobbin tension spring to maintain proper tension (I know others said they removed theirs with no problem, but I found it to be a necessary part) 6) moving parts were coated with thick grease - cleaned it off, and applied silicone grease sparingly at contact points only 7) lots of rough finish pieces making contact with each other - sanded/polished what I could, installed some Teflon washers where needed. It still needs some more work, but it's a great feeling when the thing actually stiches like its supposed to. Also, my Optivisor is now my best friend (now I can see all those little parts :) )
I think you might have a timing problem.. Mine did time better at the down position on the crank
try up and down niddle position.
Y’all don’t know what you’re doing, that’s the problem.
Make sure your top thread is above the presser foot. Your timing looks okay, but when the foot advances it breaks the thread if the foot is on the top thread. Making sure the top thread was not being captured by the presser foot solved all my problems.
Ive found that pulling the tail back with some decent tension at least the first several stitches keeps it from breaking. I have the EXACT same issue. Just got my machine about a month ago so thats the only work around ive found.
Just fixed mine with the same problem, with each turn of the crank, the machine releases enough cotter to complete a stitch, if you needle is positioned too low then your cotton will snap in the down position where the thread is stretched, I came to the conlusion that when my machine was made the welded the needle stop in the wrong place by a mm or two so I liinished about 2mm of the head of the needle and problem solved. The reason your first few stitches work is from the extra slack in the cotton from starting. if this works for you please do a video so others can benefit. Thanking you Leith
What is "liinished"?
Is your needle on correctly? It looks like it is on wrong the flat part should be against the post. That could also be breaking your thread. Also these machines do need some filing of rough edges and burrs. And believe or not too little tension can also break thread. I have the same machine and after some filing and deburring it sews great. Also what size needle and thread are you using? Is that regular cotton thread or is it bonded nylon?
What thread do you recommend? Thickness etc.
Thank you I was having the same problem I had my needle the wrong way!
hi guys also had trouble, but i found by looking at the broken thread it was wearing as it was coming through the needle down tube so i removed the tube and found that when they squeeze and weld the end to hold the needle there are sharp bits of steel and in mine a piece of weld ?? a few minuits with a small round file cleaned up the sharp edges ,improved it out of site.
Have yet to see anyone successfully use both upper tensioners. True, ALL surfaces touching threads need to be buffed
Not enough tension on your thread
Not sure if tou ever got it right but, I had to adjust my needle bar up or down depending upon the length of the needle.