NEBS style bobbins & tension

[ckramer]

I tried out the NEBS style of bobbins as it was said that they a great because you don't have to reset/check the bobbin tension everytime you put in a new bobbin. That they hold the tension for quite some time. However, they are not keeping the same tension on my machines. I am wondering why that might be? Are my settings so far off that it is pulling the spring to loosen the tension within the use of one bobbin or less? I have used a couple of new bobbin cases and that didn't really seem to make a difference. I have Amaya pre-XTS, not big red, using version 9. Setting the tension to a spider crawl, auto feed, lower limit 2, thread feed 38-40 on most machines. Ideas anyone???

[GF]

The NEB bobbins are the only ones I use although I have an Amaya XT (not big red and not pre-XTS) so not sure there would be a difference really. I have the TOWA bobbin case tension gauge and set it about 32. The tension should be checked with every garment and/or every bobbin change. Your bobbin case is what holds the tension and if you're experiencing a problem with every bobbin, it's probably your bobbin case and just not adjusted correctly OR, more likely, your feed settings and actifeed settings are off which is where I would look first.

[Just Sew It]

Mike Malmin, my tech from Denver, was just here solving problems with my two Amayas. One problem was the plastic sided bobbins in one machine were being chewed up on the front side. The needle was hitting the plastic and the simplest cure was to go to the magnetic core bobbin. Because they cost more, I had never tried them and had used the plastic sided bobbins since 2004. My eyes are opened! The difference in the look of the lettering on hats and the smoothness of sewing without the pops and jerks, is amazing! I kept checking to see if the bobbin was running out and it just kept going.
Anything that helps.

[Rod or Sharon]

We have Big Reds, Pre XT's and XT's and have always used NEB Bobbins. We very, very seldom have to re-tension the bobbin case--in fact, still use the original cases and have found lint under the leaf springs very, very seldom. We highly recommend them to all our customers and we have heard no complaints from any of them---the same results as we have always had. If you are eperiencing issues with your machines and NEB bobbins, I will be willing to bet it is an issue with something else...not your bobbin. We have been more than pleased over 10 years now with NEBS and have tried all the bobbins.
Sharon Springer

[GF]

I agree with Sharon. NEB bobbins also have always given me the best results. I'd ask your tech why your needle was hitting the plastic? That would point to a different issue. The needle should not hit the bobbin. Going to a magnetic core seems like a way to override the problem rather than fixing it?

Sharon, why would the needle hit the bobbin? What are your thoughts on this? Just curious now...

GF

[ckramer]

Well, that was my thought as well, that perhaps I'm losing a thread sensor, or something. And I definitely agree with GF, can't believe a tech would suggest a different bobbin style to solve the problem for Just Sew It. Glad it helped, but rather surprised at the fix. Unless I guess, one was looking for a cheaper way to keep running. My tech is on the way!

[Merlin1964]

My old machine had the same problem of needle hitting the bobbin edge.

I fixed the problem by re-adjusting the hook assembly. Which in turn found out the the hook assembly was warn out and needed to be replaced.

Maybe something as simple as just re-adjusting I hope.....

[Just Sew It]

You all assume too much. I have always used the NEB bobbins, I said that I never had a problem with them since 2004. It is not the bobbin, it was the needle. The four-pack of needles could be adjusted but would then cause the three other packs to be adjusted, or the four pack could be rebuilt. The simplest and cheapest fix for me at this time was to change the bobbin. I will keep an eye on the machine to make sure nothing else needs attention.
I am grateful to my tech for working with me on a solution that is less expensive right now. He has to come 350 miles one way to help me and always does an excellent job.

[Mama Kass]

In defence of the people who "assumed to much," I also thought Just Sew It was blaming the NEB bobbins when she said that her "eyes were opened" by trying another type of bobbin. I don't understand the problem with the packs of needles but am glad to hear that the bobbin change was a stop-gap solution rather than a problem with NEB bobbins.

[Mama Kass]

In defence of the people who "assumed to much," I also thought Just Sew It was blaming the NEB bobbins when she said that her "eyes were opened" by trying another type of bobbin. I don't understand the problem with the packs of needles but am glad to hear that the bobbin change was a stop-gap solution rather than a problem with NEB bobbins.