Glenn

https://groups.io/g/Wheeler_and_Wilson-Sewing-Machines If you join this group they have the manual you can download for free. This is a very good W and W group for info.

OurWorkbench

Glenn, thank you for info regarding the W&W group.

Janice, I gather the manual you have is missing the pages that tell about the bobbin case and gib screw. Knowing what I do about bobbin cases and gib screws, I would check all the upper threading and guides before tackling the bobbin area.

I don't have a Wheeler and Wilson, but have a newer Junker & Ruh. It has a W&W 8 bobbin case & holder, but has the "thread check", "tension pulley" and "thread guide and controller" like the W&W 9. From what I've read about the Wheeler and Wilson threading and experienced with the Junker & Ruh each has an adjustment and needs to be threaded and adjusted to be able to sew properly.

Another thread you might want to look at is Adjusting Tension on Wheeler & Wilson 9 Your "thread guide and controller" might be a little different from the ones pictured in that thread. I have seen a few variations, but they are adjustable.

Good luck on getting it to stop breaking thread. Treadles are fun to sew on.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Addiction

Another solution to the needle thread breaking is to make sure the needle is installed correctly in the needle arm, and that it is the correct needle.

I admit my own issues on this seemed to stem from using a filed-down Singer needle in my early model WW9. The needle had to be installed lower to work, but it was breaking threads. When I lowered the needle another 1/16 inch, it stopped breaking threads

Addiction

I should also add that the tension dial needs to be assembled correctly, and sometimes the felt disc is hardened or missing. It is a simple dial: felt disc or discs go on first. Then the big disc with the slot in it with the "saucer" facing OUT. Then the slotted washer. Then the spring. Then the nut. I added one felt disc to my machine, reassembled it correctly, and my top tension problems are gone.

RotaryQueen

I have a Standard Rotary that I foolishly decided to remove the tension assembly for cleaning-on the porch, at dusk. The pieces flew all over and the next day I found a felt disk on the floor, no idea where it goes! I googled around and asked here (Standard Rotary treadle tension reassembly help!), entry #6. I was never able to find any references to a felt disk in tension assembly, and I still sometimes have issues with that machine. If you can make sense of my post, can you tell me if I put the felt back in the wrong place?
Thanks,
Anne

queenbjan

Oh my. I didn't see all the responses to my earlier questions about the thread breaking. I have resolved that problem now, and my machine is sewing fairly well. My latest question is about where to find needles that will work on my machine. I have ordered some Schmetz needles in size 10 and 11. I haven't been able to find anything else that I know will work on my machine. Suggestions anyone?

Also, FYI, I started a facebook group called Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machines if anyone is interested in joining us there.