Updating a machine to sew with non-cotton thread?
12-21-2014, 05:53 AM
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,333
Tammi, thanks for the history on the threads. I really had no clue as to the introductions of the different types. I will save this reference....sure it will come in handy in the future.
Last edited by Cogito; 12-21-2014 at 06:01 AM.
12-22-2014, 09:46 AM
#32
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Not Here
Posts: 3,817
You are welcome. 
I went looking because I was sure I had some non-cotton threads in Grandma's sewing basket that predated my dad. Turns out they probably weren't quite that old, but close. Grams never threw anything out!
I went looking because I was sure I had some non-cotton threads in Grandma's sewing basket that predated my dad. Turns out they probably weren't quite that old, but close. Grams never threw anything out!
12-22-2014, 06:09 PM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pratt Kansas
Posts: 1,222
Okay. I skim-read all the posts.
I sew nearly exclusively with a 403A (my 1974 HS graduation gift-they gave me mom's & upgraded hers).
15 months ago, I left a metropolitan area (1/2 million) to move to a rural city (6,800). Before I left, I had my machine serviced. My guy (who I've done business with for years & is very well thought of in prior city) suggested this fix to me. I questioned him... He said, does your polyester thread ever throw an extra loop & get caught around the bobbin case/race area. Well, It did. So, I let him put in the work-around, whatever it was. The extra thread loop got thrown about every 10-15 hours of sewing. It just meant taking out the bobbin case, and clearing the race, not terribly difficult to do, so it wasn't a big deal, but there were times it would hit at a particularly tricky bit of sewing and be a pain. Hasn't happened since. So, maybe the guy's blowing smoke, maybe not. But, I had it done and am glad.
...just so you know.
I sew nearly exclusively with a 403A (my 1974 HS graduation gift-they gave me mom's & upgraded hers).
15 months ago, I left a metropolitan area (1/2 million) to move to a rural city (6,800). Before I left, I had my machine serviced. My guy (who I've done business with for years & is very well thought of in prior city) suggested this fix to me. I questioned him... He said, does your polyester thread ever throw an extra loop & get caught around the bobbin case/race area. Well, It did. So, I let him put in the work-around, whatever it was. The extra thread loop got thrown about every 10-15 hours of sewing. It just meant taking out the bobbin case, and clearing the race, not terribly difficult to do, so it wasn't a big deal, but there were times it would hit at a particularly tricky bit of sewing and be a pain. Hasn't happened since. So, maybe the guy's blowing smoke, maybe not. But, I had it done and am glad.
...just so you know.
12-23-2014, 07:56 AM
#34
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 8,152
I'm curious to know exactly what is done, since my DH is my sewing machine mechanic. I wonder if it's something very specific to the 401/403 design. Quiltmouse, can you take pictures so we can see if we can spot what was done?
12-24-2014, 03:34 PM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pratt Kansas
Posts: 1,222
I'm kind of picture challenged right now. I don't have home internet, and my two photobucket accounts have been inactive long enough that they are closed. *sigh* (don't ask me about my huge photo issues)
12-25-2014, 05:06 AM
#37
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Russellville AR
Posts: 1,942
My 401 sews beautifully with any thread I put in her. While doing some genealogy research this week, hubby and I were discussing if we could take one piece of modern technology into the past what it would be. For me, it would be my 401!
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