Needle "home" position is off-center
09-19-2021, 11:54 AM
#1
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 25,194
Needle "home" position is off-center
I just bought a Kenmore 158.12111 sewing machine yesterday. I paid $15.00 - not thinking the lady would say "okay" for that price.
It seems to be running "fine" since I oiled it very thoroughly.
However - the "home" position is about 1/16 to 3/32 to the left of center. From the little bit that I have played with it, it seems to sew nicely. It went through four layers of denim without a hiccup and about eight layers of cotton sheeting.
So - does it really matter - other than being a bit annoying to me - that the home position is not centered.???
Can it be centered?
I do not think it is a left homing machine - because the zigzag goes beyond that point at its widest setting.
It seems to be running "fine" since I oiled it very thoroughly.
However - the "home" position is about 1/16 to 3/32 to the left of center. From the little bit that I have played with it, it seems to sew nicely. It went through four layers of denim without a hiccup and about eight layers of cotton sheeting.
So - does it really matter - other than being a bit annoying to me - that the home position is not centered.???
Can it be centered?
I do not think it is a left homing machine - because the zigzag goes beyond that point at its widest setting.
09-19-2021, 12:43 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,134
I don't know about that machine but, my Juki 2010q is off center also. It is a problem with this model. It sews perfectly fine, the only problem I have is occasionally the needle flexes when free motion quilting and breaks on the needle plate. As long as the needle is catching the bobbin thread. You should be good.
09-20-2021, 01:27 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: South of St Louis
Posts: 862
The centering can be adjusted, how to go about it depends on the machine. My 158 series machine is out on loan right now so I can't check it, but I did just have a 152 series machine pretty well apart, and on it there was a horizontal bar running from the needle bar over the gears for the ZZ and other pattern discs, and there was a set screw holding that horizontal bar in a clamp and I loosened it and then moved the needle to where I wanted it and then tightened it back up.
If you adjust it check the ZZ at it's widest setting and test turning by hand, to make sure the needle doesn't hit the plate on one side or the other. Adjusting the stitch width is likely controlled by a small cam near the mechanism holding a pattern disc, at least it was on the 152.
If you adjust it check the ZZ at it's widest setting and test turning by hand, to make sure the needle doesn't hit the plate on one side or the other. Adjusting the stitch width is likely controlled by a small cam near the mechanism holding a pattern disc, at least it was on the 152.
09-21-2021, 10:55 AM
#6
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 25,194
The centering can be adjusted, how to go about it depends on the machine. My 158 series machine is out on loan right now so I can't check it, but I did just have a 152 series machine pretty well apart, and on it there was a horizontal bar running from the needle bar over the gears for the ZZ and other pattern discs, and there was a set screw holding that horizontal bar in a clamp and I loosened it and then moved the needle to where I wanted it and then tightened it back up.
If you adjust it check the ZZ at it's widest setting and test turning by hand, to make sure the needle doesn't hit the plate on one side or the other. Adjusting the stitch width is likely controlled by a small cam near the mechanism holding a pattern disc, at least it was on the 152.
If you adjust it check the ZZ at it's widest setting and test turning by hand, to make sure the needle doesn't hit the plate on one side or the other. Adjusting the stitch width is likely controlled by a small cam near the mechanism holding a pattern disc, at least it was on the 152.
