Pfaff 1199 custom sewing machine needle won't go up or down, or zig zag. Worked perfect yesterday. Any ideas?
Looks like an older mechanical machine--looks very similar to a Bernina I have. Hopefully nothing is broken or out of alignment that would cause this. Refrain from forcing the motor to run while the machine's parts will not move freely or it could damage the motor.
These are great machines, however, they do need maintenance to keep them operating smoothly. They are very prone to seizing when the old oil dries and turns to varnish, thus preventing the parts from moving efficiently. Here's the method I've use to fix several older machines that suffered from this problem. The problem can affect any moving part of your machine, ie the needle bar, the selector knobs/dials/levers, the feed dogs, the handwheel, etc.
Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...
SOURCE: singer sewing machine will not zig zag
Over time, and especially when not used, there is a likelihood of dust and old oil forming a sort of glue, or clag....
Remove the needle for safety, then, when you have the setting on Zig zag, gently push the needle arm to the opposite side of the zig stitch.......release the needle arm, and if it springs back quickly, it is fine, if it moves slowly, or almost not at all, then the clag needs removing with application of few drops of methylated spirit to start, at the sort of piston affair that shifts needle arm L & R .....move the needle arm back & forth until it frees up, a drop of oil to finish.........if almost seized, may require leaving overnight after using a penetrating lubricant if it is really resistant....I have had them on the bench for 3 days with manual manipulation a few times each day before they finally come good.
Denatured alcohol is fine, surgical spirit too, different countries have different names or products, essentially alcohol with few impurities that will evaporate quickly with little residue.
Hope this does work for you, tho' as I said, it may take a little time to penetrate depending on severity........the same applies to the reverse mechanism of many machines when they seize.
If you want any more help with this, just post back here, or, drop a line through the "Contact Us" page at www.bargainbox.com.au
SOURCE: can't tighten clutch on Kenmore zig zag sewing machine.
The clutch has fallen off the shaft. Remove the very small screw in the clutch release screw to remove the clutch release. Place the clutch(round thing with ears on it) back on the shaft with the center ears pointing towards the outside. Put the clutch release screw back on. Tighten it to make sure it works
properly. Put the small screw back in the clutch release screw and test it again. If it will not tighten or release properly, remove the clutch ,rotate it180 degrees and try it again.This should solve your problem.
sewman7
put in a new needle
rethread the machine top & bobbin--use every thread guide
make sure the zig zag settings are correct
it's also possible that the machine could have a worn or damaged gear or cam--which would have to be checked at a sewing machine shop
SOURCE: Pfaff 362 won't zig zag
yes, it's very possible that the control/knob needs to be replaced
or the cam or gear that works the zigzag
SOURCE: I have a Bernina 830, the older original one which
If your machine has not been professional serviced recently or you have not cleaned and oiled it lately, then you might refer to your owner's manual instructions for oiling. I would suspect that perhaps the oil has hardened and is preventing the machine from operating properly--perhaps some of the selector lever/dial mechanics are not moving internally. Use liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil (usually available at the hardware store) and put a drop or two every place that the manual recommends. Direct a hot hair-dryer into the internal works of the machine. (I usually let it get pretty warm to the touch - but make sure to stop periodically because your hair dryer may overheat.) Test your machine. If you can determine that the selector lever/dial mechanics are not moving, you can try putting a drop or two of oil in its metal joints and working it gently back and forth to loosen. Depending on how hardened the oil has become, you may have to repeat oil/hair-dryer process several times before things loosen up. Once it is working again, be sure to clean and oil regularly. (I recommend a good quality oil, ie Bernina oil for mechanical machines. It may seem expensive but it lasts a long time if you use only one or two drops each spot and, IMHO, is worth it in the long run. I do NOT recommend 3-in-1, WD-40, cooking oil, or the cheap sewing machine oil from fabric departments.) You have a wonderful machine and it will continue to serve you well if you treat it well. Suggest cleaning/oiling every time you change a bobbin, every 8 hours of continuous use, or every six months if it is not in regular use.
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