dove

I have not mastered my tension for long arm quilting and I am wondering if the towa gauges for the top and bobbin tension are worth the expense. Does anyone have one or both of these items and are able to speak from experience?

Thanks so much and Happy New Year to all! :-)

DebraK

I don't find the top gauge very helpful, but use the bobbin gauge every time I change threads.

mcwillia

DebraK is correct....the TOWA top gauge isn't worth the money.

Jamie Wallen has an excellent YouTube video explaining how to deal with tension on a long arm. I use all kinds of threads and by using his method, my tension is darn near perfect (and if it is off, that usually means there is lint lurking in the bobbin case).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1mRhcquZTM

dunster

I know that a lot of longarmers swear by the Towa bobbin gauge, and a smaller number use the top gauge, but I haven't found it necessary (knock on wood) to use either one. I think a big factor is getting your bobbins wound nicely, whether you wind your own or buy pre-wounds. Keeping the lint out of the bobbin area is another biggie, as mcwillia points out.

quiltingshorttimer

when I bought my used Gammill, it included a Towa for the bobbin--sad to say, I haven't really figured out how to use it--you still have to know the numbers for the different types of thread and I don't have that--is there a chart? But I did watch the Jamie Wallen YouTube and he does an excellent job of explaining how to get good tension. One thing I have found out the hard way, is that when I use a Glide or similar thread (not with So Fine though) I need to put a "sock" on the thread cone on the machine, as this very fine, slick thread seems to come off the cone too fast and it messes up the top tension, slides out of the intermediate tensioner, etc.

dove

thank you all...I will check out the video and take it from there. :-)

DebraK

you can find a free thread chart at Superior threads. Very handy.

lfletcher

I have used the Towa bobbin gauge since I've had my longarm and use it for every bobbin change. I've read about the top tension gauge but have elected not to purchase because I don't really have any problem with my tension. I have a Gammill.

mighty

Have both do not use either. I have may tension pretty good after watching Jamie Wallens you tube tutorial.

Mariposa

Thanks for posting this. I will watch the video, and look into the gauge~