Ultra Feed Ls1 Machine Makes Clunking Noise

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Doug T.
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Joined: 14 February 2011
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Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Topic: LS-1 Problem, Please Help!
    Posted: 14 February 2011 at 11:38pm

I just wanted to give a heads up to some of the issues I've fixed since I bought
my LS-1 a year or so ago. I still have a few issues, but I'll get into that later..

My machine brand new made this terrible clunking noise at one certain point of it's revolution,
which also made the machine unable to work at slower speeds, and is also a problem I've noticed
other owners having, but maybe not to the degree of mine.. The first thing I did was I stripped off
all the belts so as I turned the machine through a revolution by hand, I wouldn't have any resistance
from the motor. I also took off all the cover plates so I could see what was going on and where it
was hanging up.. I made sure to oil everything prior to this, so I could mark one thing off the list
of possibility's.. Once I got into it, I was able to narrow the noise down to one particular bracket
(presser bar actuator) that after inspection turned out to be 50% of my machines problem. The actuator
was poorly machined giving it an irregular oval slot which the machine would hang up on. The burrs weren't
helping either.. I managed to dremel the part out smooth so I could try it out and YUP, that's what was
causing this machine it's main issue.. unfortunately, I'm gonna need to buy a new bracket, because after
the little bit of work i did to smooth this part out, the result is the actuator has a little bit of slop
to it. The part isn't expensive, but if I noticed this issue when I first got the machine I'm sure the
great staff would have swopped out this one for a new one, but, not a big deal because I found part of the
problem.. Here's a link to the part so you guys can look for yourselves if your having the same issue.
I wouldn't advise messing with the machine yourself if your not familiar with how to get it back to it's
original set up after replacement of the actuator..

 http://www.sailrite.com/Presser-Bar-Actuator-for-Ultrafeed

Before going any further, I put all the belts and top cover plate back on so I could test the machine. After
threading the machine, I ran my first piece and HOLY COW, not only was the machine able to operate at slower
speeds, but that horrible noise was gone and the machine still ran stitches like it was before.. Being very
fussy with being able to have maximum control of this machine, I took the belts and top cover plate off
again to see if I could notice anything else hanging this machine up.. As I ran it through a revolution again,
I could still feel something catching at one specific point.. after spending an hour looking over everything,
I came accross the second problem (and where I screwed up :( ) on the Arm Shaft (pictures 1 below) there is a
feed cam that a forked rod attatches to. As I turned the machine through a revolution I could notice the fork
hitting the outside edge of the cam causing the Arm Shaft to drag at one point.. I loosened the set screw for
the cam and slid it over a little. I tightened up the set screw and ran the machine through another revolution
and BINGO, that's it, the machine runs smooth without any more hangups.. I buttoned up the machine, threaded
the machine, and UH OH!, My machine is now running stitches like crap and is causing the thread at the needle
to shred, not to mention the seam is puckering like crazy.. I'm sure it was the cam adjustment and I can't
believe I didn't pay attention to it's position prior to looseing the set screw (not like me to do that). Can
you guys help me out with how to get it back to it's original position? I looked through my book and did not
see any sort of adjustment/position that the cam is suppose to be at. I took a picture (pic 2 and 3) of where
the set screw is, at the top of the needle bars travel. Picture 2 and 3 is where the location is after I played
around to see if I could make a difference in the machines operation.. It did seem to help, but I want to make
sure this position is correct because I have a really big project coming up and I'd hate to ruin it on a count
of this adjustment...... If there is an adjustment I really need it, but if not, then here is what I checked
just to make sure it's not anything else..

-changed out the needle
-made sure needle is properly positioned
-checked the shuttle hook for burs
-checked the retaining ring for burs
-checked to make sure the needle enters the retaining ring cap at it's center
-checked the timing in all positions
-checked my bobbin and even changed it out just to make sure
-checked the tension dial to make sure it was unchanged from where I had it
-checked the feed dog height and forward and backward clearence
-checked to make sure there isn't any play in any of the important timing parts
-Checked my thread after rethreading the machine.

Everything seems to look good, so I really do think it's that darn cam. Ugh!
Like I said, it was running normal, actually a little better proior to me moving the cam. After that everything went
down hill.. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long winded story. I hope the explanation of my new problem came accross ok.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Doug T.
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Joined: 14 February 2011
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Points: 12

Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 14 February 2011 at 11:45pm

I just wanted to mention that after having the initial problems over a year ago, I got so

frustrated because I just wasn't getting anywhere with it, so as a result, I stored it

away and went back to my $20.00 garage sale machine.. I'd really love to finally get this

Ls-1 working so I can  retire that old junky machine and start using the LS full time.

I really hope you can help..

regards,

Doug

MattGrant
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Joined: 21 April 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
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Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 15 February 2011 at 8:15am

Hi Doug,

First I want to offer that we would be happy to bring the machine back in and run it through the process to find any remaining gremlins for you. But if you think that you have most worked out, I can certainly help with the proper position of the cam you adjusted. I have sent a support case with a video that shows the correct positioning of the cam. Once you make this adjustment you should be back in business. The video also explains the finer points of the cam setting and what it does. Please let me know how your progress goes after watching the video.

Best Regards, Matt Grant

Sailrite

Best Regards,
Matt Grant
Sailrite

Doug T.
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Joined: 14 February 2011
Status: Offline
Points: 12

Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 15 February 2011 at 10:31am

Hey Matt,

Thanks so much for the quick reply. I watched the video so thanks for sending it to me, it does help me a great deal. I just want to mention that I did in fact have the cam in that position at one point while testing different positions, but I was still getting thread balling up at the needle, stitching issues, and puckering. Is it a problem to have it in the position it's at like in picture #2. If so what kind of issues could I run in to with it being at that position? I thought that it would also be helpful to mention that I usually run thin leather (nothing overly heavy) say about 1.5 to 2 Oz.. It's very thin so maybe this machine isn't quite right for it because I've always had an issue with the knot showing on either the top and or bottom (depending on where I set the tension dial) There doesn't seem to be a happy medium. Would maybe loosening the bobbin case spring help? Well, that's something for after I get this initial problem taken care of.. Other then the Cam issue now, I think that the machine really only had the couple issues. I haven't had to adjust, or take anything apart. I just went through it to make sure the machine had no other issues

Thanks again for the quick reply

Doug

P.S. If it's easier to talk on the phone, I can send you my # or call you.. Thanks!

MattGrant
Admin Group

Sailrite Employee - Expert

Joined: 21 April 2005
Location: United States
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Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 15 February 2011 at 1:42pm

Picture 2 is really wrong. The screw should be toward the back and not the front. You also need to make sure the needle bar is at the top of its stroke when you set the cam.

The #2 position would cause all kinds of stitching issues.

Yes, feel free to adjust the bobbin case tension and the top tension. You may actually find that you need to increase bobbin case tension which will require a likewise increase to top tension. More tension on both sides has a tendency to negate the material type and properties to a certain extent. Thus allowing for more control over the knot position.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, Matt

Sailrite

Best Regards,
Matt Grant
Sailrite

Doug T.
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Joined: 14 February 2011
Status: Offline
Points: 12

Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 15 February 2011 at 2:15pm

Hmmmmm, that's weird then, because where it's at in picture #2 it seems to run great and all the above problems went away.. I'll try adjusting it back to the location the video shows. Is there a tolerance the screw should be left or right, or just in that general location. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is there an easy way to make sure the adjustment is perfect (tool, etc) or should I just eyeball it? Also, take a look at pic #3 because it's the same location as pic #2 but for some reason in pic 2 it looks more to the left.. Pic 3 looks more like it is on the machine.. Sorry for the confusion.. I'll wait to hear back from you before making any further adjustments.

I know you are extremely busy, so please let me say how appreciative I am that your

replys have been so quick.. If it wasn't for all the great things I read about the support for your company, I might not have bought this machine. Customer support is crucial for a company and yours has been the best I've had..

Many Thanks,

Doug T.

MattGrant
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Joined: 21 April 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
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Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 15 February 2011 at 2:56pm

You should have way too little tension with the cam in the position you show. It is really a "sweet spot" setting. Further back and the machine has more tension range but jumpy feeding. Further forward and you lose tension control but the feeding becomes very smooth. But in general that 20 degree aft of vertical setting is what you want.

Pic 3 looks the same to me. The screw is too far forward. Move it back, it will be better I promise :)

Keep me posted.

Thanks, Matt Grant

Best Regards,
Matt Grant
Sailrite

Doug T.
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Joined: 14 February 2011
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Points: 12

Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 15 February 2011 at 8:17pm

Ok Matt,

I moved the cam to the proper location, and after I ran some leather, it seemed to work the same as the position I had in pic# 2 and 3.. I'm gonna leave it because now the cam is at it's proper location and still working perfect in high speed and super low speed of about 1 stitch a second without the need of the Monster balance wheel . That's exactly the kind of flexibility I knew this machine was capable of :)..

My only issue remaining is the thread knot showing on the bottome still.. I messed around with the bobbin case tension and upper tension in combination, but I still can't get a nicely pulled  stitch using the 1.5 -2 oz leather I have. After racking my brain, I can't seem to think of any other solutions to this problem.. What do you think? Any suggestions would be great..

Thanks again for helping me with my main cam problem

Edited by Doug T. - 15 February 2011 at 8:19pm

MattGrant
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Joined: 21 April 2005
Location: United States
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Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 16 February 2011 at 8:25am

Pulling the knot into the leather may be a function of the needle and thread combination (also needle type). What are you using?

Thanks, Matt

Sailrite

Best Regards,
Matt Grant
Sailrite

Doug T.
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Joined: 14 February 2011
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Points: 12

Post Options Thanks(0) QuoteReply Posted: 16 February 2011 at 10:08am

I'm using a # 14 needle and coats nylon thread..  The thread moves very easily through the needle (no drag at all). What do ya think? What would you suggest using on a 1.5 to 2oz leather?

Regards,

Doug

johnstonyouted.blogspot.com

Source: http://forum.sailrite.com/ls1-problem-please-help_topic1205.html

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