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[Neon]

I have a Singer 211 G 156, old motor replaced with a servo. Before the servo, the machine would be uncontrollable and take such small, quick stitches that it practically perforated my leather and vinyl. It is easier controlled now, but I am unable to increase the stitch length beyond a 12 stitch. I'm sure that will need to be looked at by a mechanic. The main problem I have at the moment is that when I stop, the machine does not start up smoothly. It 'sticks' until I literally put the pedal to the metal. I try to go slow around corners for better control and like to keep two hands on the vinyl especially for topstitching. However, I usually need to use one hand to help the wheel get started turning. We oil this machine often. Suggestions?

[Revv Up]

Is there a needle position sensor? Could it be that it’s stopping at the wrong place .... like the very top of the stroke where the motor has a hard time overcoming the lack of leverage to get it moving?

[Neon]

Revv Up, you were exactly right. I watched the needle position every time it did that and yes, it was always in the same position. When the machine stopped with the needle at almost the lowest position, it had a hard time starting up again. When the needle was advanced to just passed the lowest point, there was no problem. If the machine was stopped with the needle out of the fabric, no problem. Your insight was spot-on. It is a little concerning that the thickness of the material does not seem to matter. Whether it is joining two pieces of fabric, or going over a junction of two seams with four or more layers of fabric, the machine will stick if the needle is in that almost-bottom position. Regardless, you helped to pinpoint the problem. Thank you!

[Revv Up]

[John]

your the man @Revv Up

[davemac2]

Neon, I think you need to check your machine first without any fabric under the needle at all and see if it runs smoothly. Remove the belt around the flywheel to the servo and maybe even the needle for now and move the flywheel by hand at least 2 full turns. It should feel completely smooth with no binding. If you feel resistance at any point in the turn, then you need to figure out where that may be occurring on the machine. You may have a bent shaft, some binding in some gears or other mechanism due to lack of oil] or rust present, or something is worn. You will need to turn the machine on its side to observe the bottom. If then machine runs smooth, try re-installing the needle and test it again. If it is still ok, then re-install the motor belt to the flywheel and with the motor turned off, try to rotate the flywheel by hand again and see if it still rotates smoothly.

[Neon]

Thank you Davemac2! I will definitely try that. Pretty sure there IS a problem, just not sure if it something my husband and I can fix, or if it needs somebody who actually knows what they are doing As it stands, the corner seat back was finished last night after work.....and let me tell you.....I ain't quittin my day job any time soon. No one looking at it would EVER confuse it for the work of a professional. S'okay, though. We are fixing up this boat to have fun this summer. Not planning on entering it into any beauty contests. I also now have an even healthier respect for you people who do this as a business. All the cutting, pulling, stapling, man-handling of fabric, and the nicking, cutting, and bruising of flesh......it's exhausting!!! ...and a little bloody....