1955 Elna Supermatic (Type/Model 722010) Coupling Knob Will Not Unscrew
I'm trying to replace the pulley on a new (to me) 1955 Elna Supermatic, but the coupling knob (the circular knob found inside the exterior of the flywheel) absolutely will not unscrew! Ugh! First, I removed the set screw. (There is no snap ring on this model.) I then turned the knob counter-clockwise, and found it to be very difficult to turn. I continued to slowly turn and turn and turn, but the knob would not come off. I am beginning to wonder if the inside shaft itself is turning with the knob? *FixYa, Why is this happening, and how do I get the knob to come off?* I have tried oiling the threading behind the knob with Tri-Flow, even letting it sit for ~15min before trying to turn again. But so far, no luck at all. If you'd like to see the parts as they should work, check out about 25 seconds of this YouTube video: http://goo.gl/ZhLn62 (start at about 1:00). [Technical notes on the state of my machine, in case they matter: When I turn the flywheel, the coupling knob turns with it, and the needle rises and falls. When I turn the coupling knob without touching the flywheel, the flywheel turns with it, and the needle rises and falls. And finally, when I hold the flywheel still with one hand, but turn the coupling knob with the other, the needle rises and falls. Is this what should be happening?]
You could also try yahoo group "Elna Heirlooms"; members aren't allowed to sell there but sometimes will "swap" items or cross post to another yahoo group where you can offer sewing items for sale. Called "SES for sale". Also, please be aware that there are two variants in the discs, to do with the depth of the little hole on the underside where the finger goes into in the elna-ograph disc device. If you visit Elna Heirlooms and search old messages, you should find the thread, I think the early discs will jam in the newer machines so probably won't affect you. One of the group explained it clearly.
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Hi Beverly, My suggestion is that you join up the Yahoo group called "Elna Heirlooms" you'll find lots of very helpful fellow supermatic owners there and probably what you are looking for too. Here is one page from the manual for threading the bobbin into tension, once you've mastered this on the Elnas, its the same for all the Swiss ones.
Yes, top threading is important, you need to get the thread into the tension discs and also the take up lever. Have you cleaned out the tension discs too? these do get gummed up with fibres and dye particles sometimes. Just turn tension down to zero and "floss" between discs with the selvage edge of a clean piece of waste cotton fabric.
Might see you over on Yahoo, several of the members there are really knowledgeable on these great machines. cheers Tallygirl
What is the stitch length lever set to (4 in the diagram below)? these models have a lever that slides from positive to negative (ie) reverse, so you need to set it to the positive area, between 2 and 3 above zero. If you move it below zero then it sews that stitch length backwards.
If this machine is new to you, you might want to join the yahoo group called "Elna Heirlooms" there is lots of helpful members who share info on these old machines there.
not unless you can find another swiss elna, like star series su. check bobbin in right way, holes on top to wind and load. you havent bought anothet type bobbin??? go to www.arizonaexpressionz.com and download a manual for supermatic. then read bobbin winding and threading carefully and rewinf bobbin and thread up again. make sure thread goes into tension spring all the way. bobbin should turn anticlockwise when yoou pull thread. also please brush clean bobbin holder area and check for any threads caught there. now a drop of quality clear machine oil in middle hole and gently run for 30secs to work in. do this every time you get your machine out. there are several oiling points shown in manual. oil them. these machines are quality but yours may need love tlc from a elna tech especially if it has not been serviced in a while. but a well maintained elna will out stitch a new plastic machine any day in my humble opinion. if you want to join yahoo group elna heirlooms, experts who service their own and share photos info manuals and love these vintage classics.
Try the usual eBay route, but also approach any Sewing Repair shop as they often acquire odd bits from old machines....We had 9 disks for a lady with an Elna SU only last week, all from a machine traded 2 years ago and really beyond resale.
There are two types of discs - single and double.
For the thinner single discs do as follows:
1.Turn stitch width knob to "0"
2. Turn stitch length knob to "0"
3. Insert the single disc
4. Turn the top selector to "A"
5. Make sure the needle selector is in the centered position.
6. You may now choose any stitch length or width you wish. I usually try "3" for the width and 1/2 for the length to start.
For the thicker double discs do as follows:
1.Turn stitch width knob to "0"
2. Turn stitch length knob to "0"
3. Insert the double disc
4. Turn the top selector to "A"
5. Make sure the needle selector is in the centered position.
6. You may now choose any stitch width.
7. The stitch length must be put on "A" - this is the difference between the single and double discs! I hope this helps!
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