Keystone Greg I need some advice

[Lynn]

Hi Greg,
It seems you are the sewing machine genius around here! so maybe you can help.
We have a Juki 1571 (my husbands machine). We build a product called a Rockgard(rockgard.com).- just sew the body part. It has webbing straps across the bottom and here is the problem. This machine doesn't like sewing webbing! It strips thread like crazy and my hubby is getting seriously p.o'd. I have had it into two different repair shops now. We have tried bigger needles, smaller needles, Nylon thread, polyester thread (that's the one I need to be using for outside). It seems it's all about the reverse. He can sew straight lines 'till the cows come home, but as soon as it's time to put the webbing on the machine has a hissy fit!
I run a Sunstar KM591BL and it sews the webbing without a hitch. I've considered buying another Sunstar, but they are not made in Korea any more (China now) so I don't know if the quality is the same. Any suggestions?

Lynn

[Gregg @ Keystone Sewing]

Lynn,

I'm guessing first off this is a Juki DNU-1541 series machine.

Also, the checked to take a look at the Sunstar KM591BL to educate myself on the model, as we do not carry Sunstar products.

Both should do the same type capcaity work, more or less.

It sounds like the Juki DNU may need to be serviced.  Not clear on the issue, but you mention reverse sewing.  This is usually when sewing machine setting issues such as incorrect timming, needle bar height, or distance from hook to needle issues show up. 

Really, it's a difficult issue to resolve without being able to see a sample of your work, and the machine in question. 

But, if I were a betting man, I would say the Juki needs to be serviced as your Sunstar machine seems capable.

[Lynn]

Morning Gregg,

Yeah, sorry it is a DNU 1541! I think I was half asleep last night when I wrote that!
It's been serviced twice in less than two weeks! They both claimed to have fixed the problem. The second time it worked fine for a couple of days, then it went again. My husband was wondering if if it was the needle bar height. Actually I think I know how to adjsut that so I might try it myself - can't do any worse than the 'professionals'!

thanks,
Lynn
Ps I've reset the timing on this so many times, I think I could do it with my eyes closed!

[Gregg @ Keystone Sewing]

It's been serviced twice in less than two weeks! They both claimed to have fixed the problem. The second time
Lynn

Ahhhh, this is the issue possibly then.  When the machine new, working out of the box breaks down, then I've got somthing to work off of, normally.  When Joe mechanic gets up in there to work on the machine (in this case two) I have no idea what they did to it.  Trying to correct this without seeing actual machine would be worthless.  I have to ask did you buy this machine new, and if so, what kind of support are providing?  Is this machine under warranty by chance?

[Lynn]

hi Gregg,
Yes I've had it from new. It's four years old. We have to ship it off Island to get serviced at the place we bought it, so it only goes if it's broke! My husband is pretty diligent at keeping it clean and oiled (unlike me who abuses the crap out of my Sunstar!)


Lynn

[Gregg @ Keystone Sewing]

hi Gregg,
Yes I've had it from new. It's four years old. We have to ship it off Island to get serviced at the place we bought it, so it only goes if it's broke! My husband is pretty diligent at keeping it clean and oiled (unlike me who abuses the crap out of my Sunstar!)


Lynn

Oh, didn't notice you were with limited recources.  Anything I can do to help...

[needles eye]

just suggesting
maybe a squirt of silicone spray in the bobbin holder, check for lint, check that bobbin spring tension is ok, especially flat spring washer is ok if using that particular juki bobbin
check bobbin holder hook for any slight burrs
try a  brand new reel of polyester if you have any unwrapped at hand
get new really good quality needles, schmetz leathermaking needles (chisel pointed) 134-35 size 22,say, and when you tighten needle in with needle lock screw give the needle a slight twist towards you, was told this trick by saddlemaker
check that presser foot tension is ok over the webbing when sewing, maybe it is to tight
you may have to walk over webbing by hand slow with balance wheel 'till properly fixed

anyway good luck being with resetting the needle bar height
but seems to me a tension problem
don't mind me i'm just a newbie
and good luck greg with your long distance diagnostics