Upholstery question sorta

I just bought an Adler 372 walking foot sewing machine. It needs a little adjustment to sew perfect. Are there any online resources for minor adjustments or tuneup procedures on industrial type machines? I bought it knowing it didn't sew quite right, because the guy didn't want but 75 bucks for it.

Thanks
Will Vaughan

 

http://www.get-up-and-go.com/upholstery-forum/index.php?board=1

 

Can you describe the problem?

 

The machine sews pretty good going slow, using the handwheel. When using the motor and sewing at speed it misses a stitch every few stiches and will tangle up on the bottom side. The top thread tensioner doesn't have any markings on it so I really don't know exactly where to start with it.

Thanks
Will Vaughan

 

Closer inspection reveals the hook is passing the needle before the loop is formed on the needles upstroke. Then is cathching the released loop before the lifting arm pulls it out of the way. Also the hook looks to be about 1/16 of an inch or a little more from the needle. Is this too far? The hook doesn't always miss the loop just every few stitches.

Thanks
Will Vaugahn

 

I'd start with the easy stuff. Are you using a new needle? Is it installed the right way? Try tightening the top tension? It might not have any markings but I bet you can figure it out.
Having the needle & hook 1/16 of an inch apart would screw with my stitches. If you can figure it out, try moving it closer. Sorry, I'm not familiar with the Adler, so I can't help there.
Does it seem like the hook is passing the needle at the right time to catch the thread, but too far away? If that's not it the timing might be off.
Worst case- take it to a sewing machine shop and have it serviced for $60.

 

Things are working much better. I moved the hook very close to the needle, and adjusted the timing. It now misses a stitch every three or four inches of sewing. Is top thread tension a common cause of this? Or timing still a little off?

Thanks
Will Vaughan