Service

manual

instr uct ions

for
. .
serv1c1ng
Necchi
.
sewing
machines

NECCHI
VITT O RIO NECCHI s. p. a . PAVIA (Italy)
 Service
Manual

• •
1nstruct1ons
for
• •
serv1c1ng
Necchi
•
sewing
machines

NECCHI
VITTORIO NECCHI e. p. a. PA VIA (Italy)

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,, ,
GENERAL INDEX

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICING NECCHI SEWING

MACHINES . page 1
Tools and necessary accessories . » 4
Instructions to be given to the customer . » 5
1. Using the correct needle . » 5
2. Correct threading of the BF and BU Mira machines . » 6
3. Correct threading of the BF and BU Nova machines » 8
4. Cleaning the shuttle race . » 8
5. Adjusting the thread tensions » 12

ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS ON MACHINE MAIN-

TENANCE » 13
1. Cleaning . » 13
2. Lubrication » 13
3. General remarks » 14

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NECCHI SEWING

MACHINES . » 14

ADJUSTING THE MOVEMENTS OF THE VARIOUS

GROUPS OF PARTS IN RELATION TO EACH OTHER
(TIMING THE MACHINE) . » 15

TIMING OF SHUTTLE AND NEEDLE BAR IN THE BF

NOVA AND BF MIRA MACHINES . » 17
I Adjustment - height •of the needle bar . » 17
1. Insertion of the timing gauge No. AC 4/75 . » 17
2. Timing procedure » 19
II Adjustment - distance between the needle and the
shuttle . » 19
III Adjustment - centering the needle in relation to the
race cover plate . » 20

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 IV Adjustm ent - position of the needle eye in relation
to the shuttle page 20

TIMING OF SHUTTLE AND NEEDLE BAR IN THE BU

NOVA AND BU MIRA MACHINES » 22
I Adjustm ent - height of the needle bar . » 22
II Adjustm ent - position of the needle eye in relation to
the shuttle . » 22
III Adjustm ent - distance between the needle and the
shuttle . » 24
IV Adjustm ent - centering the needle in relation to the
race cover plate . » 24
1. Insertion of the timing gauge No. AC 4/68 and of the
square-a ngled bar E . 26»
2. Timing procedur e » 26
3. To remove the gauge AC 4/68 » 27

IMPORTANT - ADJUSTMENT OF THE SHUTTLE

CARRIER SHAFT IN BF AND BU MACHINES » 28 -:.

TIMING OF FEED DOG AND NEEDLE BAR -

GENERAL RULE » 31
TIMING THE ZIG-ZAG MECHANISM AND THE
NEEDLE BAR (FOR BU MACHINES ONLY) -
GENERAL RULE » 34
Timing procedur e >> 36
The feed dog » 37

ADJUST ING THE MAXIMUM RISE OF THE FEED DOG

TEETH ABOVE THE NEEDLE PLATE - GENERAL
RULE » 39
RE. 1. Incorrec t pressure of the presser foot . » 41
RE. 2. Bottom face of the presser foot rests incorrectly
(not flush) on the teeth of the feed dog . ~ 41
TESTING THE FEED DOG . » 43

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THE NEEDLE BAR page 44
·1

THE NEEDLE OF THE MACHINE » 44

PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT OF THE PRESSER FOOT. » 46

POSITIONING OF PRESSER BAR AND PRESSER FOOT » 47

Height of presser foot . » 48
1. The presser bar lever is entirely down » 48
2. The presser bar lever is partially raised » 48
3. The presser bar lever is completely raised » 48

TENSION OF THE UPPER THREAD . » 49

The thread take-up spring (check spring) of the upper
tension » 50

TENSION OF THE LOWER THREAD (TENSION OF

THE BOBBIN CASE) » 52

THE OSCILLATING SHUTTLE » 52

THE BOBBIN CASE » 55

THE BOBBIN » 55

THE STITCH REGULATOR » 56

1. The stitch regulating indicators do not move . » 57
2. The length of stitch during forward sewing is not the
same as that during reverse sewing . » 59

THE BOBBIN WINDER MECHANISM (FOR BF AND

BU MACHINES) » 59

THE ZIG-ZAG STITCH MECHANISM . » 62

Upper group of the zig-zag mechanism . » 64
Adjusting the upper group of the zig-zag mechanism » 75
The lower group of the zig-zag mechanism . » 75

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/4
 TAKING CARE OF THE SEWING MACHINE MOTOR page 77
A. Motor does not run at all or runs sluggishly . » 77
B. Motor turns tightly . » 77
C. Motor runs, but does not pull the machine » 78
D. Motor is weak :. 78
E. Motor gets too hot . » 79
F. Motor smokes or emits a burning smell . » 79
G. Motor runs noisily or growls. Rattling noise during
sewing » 79
How to remove the machine head » 80

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I
r INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICING NECCHI SEWING
MACHINES

This service manual shall be used together with the instructions books
for the BF Nova and Mira and BU Nova and Mira Sewing Machines
and with the parts catalogue for these machines.
The maintenance of the NECCHI Sewing Machines requires no
special skill or knowledge. All that is needed is a certain mechanical
aptitude and the availability of the necessary tools. This manual is
• intended only for those mechanics who make routine repairs and
replace single defective parts. Major repairs should not be carried
out by persons of limited experience. Therefore, if major repairs are
required, it is suggested that the complete head be returned to the
distributor, after prior authorization has been received from that
distributor.
The NECCHI Sewing Machines, like practically all sewing machines
designed for household use, work on the principle of the Lockstitch.
This type of stitch is obtained by interlocking the upper and lower
thread inside of the fabric, while the needle, going down to its lowest
position, penetrates the fabric and rises again to its highest position.
The two threads of the seam are thus tightly interlocked at every
stitch, adhere closely to the fabric and hold the plies of the fabric
firmly together. If either of the two threads breaks, or if the threads
are cut off after the sewing operation is completed, the seam will
not unravel, but only two or three stitches may get loose and open
up. The illustrations, Figures 1 to 4, indicate the formation of a
single lockstitch and the interlocking of both threads in the fabric.

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 Lower thread
t Upper thread
t
1/,
1/,

~
1
1/,//, ~
~

1/,~·
~ ~~~

~~~■
./

~
J ~////,)"//, '}~I
%~

:~ %

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

\
Fig. 3 Fig. 4

' ,i

1 / / h , . ~ ~

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 All machines consist of two major portions, the arm and the bed.
Arm and bed are firmly held together by means of screws and pins.
In the horizontal portion of the arm is inserted the arm shaft ( upper
shaft) which obtains its rotary movement from the revolving balance
wheel. The balance wheel, which is securely fastened to the right
hand end of the arm shaft, is driven by a belt from an electric motor.
The various movable parts of the sewing machine obtain their respec-
tive movements from the rotary of the arm shaft with the aid of
connecting rods, cranks, levers, etc. Below the bed of the machine
is mounted the oscillating shaft (driver shaft), to the left end of
which is firmly attached the shuttle carrier. By means of a crank
connecting rod, and oscillating rock shaft, a slide block and a shaft
crank, the rotary movement of the arm shaft is transformed into
the oscillating movement of the carrier shaft. The shuttle carrier,
in turn, imparts the oscillating movement to the oscillating shuttle
which moves back and forth inside of the shuttle race. The forward
and backward, as well as the up and down movements of the feed
dog, are also obtained from the rotary movement of the arm shaft
by means of connecting rods, rock shafts and a feed bar below the
bed of the machine.
The up and down movement of the needle bar, as well as that of the
thread take-up lever, is also derived from the rotary movement of
the arm shaft by means of cranks and a connecting link.
The bobbin case is placed on the post inside of the oscillating shuttle
and then pressed into the oscillating shuttle. The oscillating shuttle,
after its point has entered the loop of the needle thread, makes a
partial revolution, just sufficient to carry the enlarged loop of the
needle thread over and around the bobbin case and then lets it slide
off easily from the oscillating shuttle. After the rising thread take-up
lever has pulled the needle thread away from the oscillating shuttle,
the shuttle returns to its starting position. This oscillating movement
of the shuttle is repeated at every stitch.
To the arm of the machine are also attached the tension mechanism
for the needle thread (upper tension), furthermore the various thread
guides which lead the thread from the spool to the needle.

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 Tools and necessary accessories

To service and repair any type of sewing machine efficiently, the,

mechanic should have available proper tools and several accessories,
essential for a good maintenance job. He must know how to operate
the machine and be familiar with the various mechanisms of the
machine and the manner in which they are adjusted (timed). Finally,
he must be scrupulous about cleaning the machine and oiling all the
parts which require lubrication.
The following tools and accessories should be at the mechanic's
disposal:
1. A set of two or three good screw drivers with various lengths
and widths of the blades.
2. A small screw driver for adjusting the tension spring on the
bobbin case.
3. An adjustable small wrench.
4. A light hammer.
5. A pair of medium-sized flat-nosed pliers.
6. A container of cleaning fluid (kerosene).
7. A container ( oil can) of good light sewing machine oil (NECCHI
oil).
8. Two tin pans (for cleaning fluid and lubrification oil), large
enough to hold various small machine parts.
9. A small brush (paint brush) for cleaning.
10. A sharp-pointed pin (long heavy needle) for removing lint and
' dirt.
11. Emery cloth (medium and fine).
12. Emery cord.
13. Soft cleaning rags.
14. Scraps of various types of material.
15. Assortment of needles and threads.
16. Necchi T-Wrench (for Nut No. 21339) and Wrench No. 40-6
(for Nuts Nos. 45 and 59).
17. Special screw driver and perforated ring for adjusting the
Zig-Zag mechanism. (Figs. 63 - 64 - 65).

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 •
After a short examination of the machine, a good mechanic will be
able to state with certainty whether the machine sews correctly or
not and, consequently, whether repairs are required. Many times a
customer calls in a mechanic to have a machine repaired which
supposedly is out of order. Quite often the customer attributes the
poor performance of the machine to imaginary defects of some of
the sewing machine parts, while in reality the trouble lies in the
customer's own lack of experience in using the machine.
There are four fundamental questions every mechanic should ask
in investigating the customer's knowledge with regard to the ma-
chine:
1. Does the customer know what type and size of needle to use
and how to insert the needle in the machine?
2. Does the customer know how to thread the machine correctly?
3. Does the customer know how to clean the shuttle race?
4. Does the customer know how to judge the tensions of upper
and lower thread and how to adjust these tensions, if necessary?

Instructions to be given to the customer

I. Using the correct needle.

The needle must be selected in accordance with the type of material

to be sewn, the kind of work to be performed and the thickness of
the thread to be used (see« Needle and Thread Chart» in Instruction
Booklet).
To inse,rt the needle, proceed as follows :
Turn the balance wheel by hand toward you until the needle bar
reaches its highest position, then insert the needle so that the flat
portion of its sh~nk faces the groove in the needle bar. Push the
needle up into the needle bar as far as it will go, then tighten
firmly the screw in the needle clamp so that the needle is held
securely in the needle bar (see Figs. 5 and 6).

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 .ei - . Ir·'1
~~
--· --
· ·-~ ----c
~

,-- ~
Ci)_ _

Fig. 6
Fig. 5

2. Correct Threading of the BF and BU Mira Machines.

Proceed as follows :
a. Bring the needle to its highest position by turning the balance
wheel slowly towards you.
b. Place the spool of the thread on the spool pin « H » and run the
thread through the thread guide « S » (see Fig. 7).
c. Draw the thread down, then insert it from right to left in the
slot of the tension disc housing « U ». Next, bring the thread up
and then down over the thread take - up spring (Check Spring) « D »
(see Figs. 7 and 7 a).
d. Draw the thread down, under the thread guide tension arm « A »;
guide it, across the notch « F », through thread guide « G ».
e. Guide the thread upward, and from right to left, through the eye
of the thread take-up lever « L ».
f. Draw the thread down, guiding it again through the thread
guide « G ».

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 g.Run the thread in the notch « K » between the arm of the
machine and the face plate « R », then pull it towards the left
until it slides behind the pin « M » ( which can be seen through the
notch « K ») and comes out under the face plate « R ».
h. Guide the thread from back to front through the needle clamp
thread guide « N » (and for the BU MIRA, guiding it back again
from front to back).
i. Insert the thread, from left to right, through the eye of the
needle « T », leaving about four inches of free thread hanging from
the needle.

Fig. 7a

Fig. 7

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 3. Correct Thread ing of the BF and BU NOV A Machines.
a. Bring the needle to its highest position by turning the balance
wheel slowly towards you.
b. Place the spool of the thread on the spool pin « H » and run
the thread over the thread guide « S » (see Fig. 8).
c. Draw the thread down, then insert it from right to left in the
slot of the tension disc housing « U ». Next, bring the thread, up
and then down over the thread take-up spring (Check Spring) « D »
(see Figs. 8 and 8 b).
d. Draw the thread down, under the thread guide tension arm « A »;
guide it, across notch « F », through thread guide « G ».
e. Guide the thread upward , and from right to left, through the eye
of the thread take-up lever « L ~-
f. Draw the thread down and guide it through the thread guide « C »
of the face plate « R » by pulling it from back to front.
g. Guide the thread through the needle clamp thread guide « N »
by drawing it from back to front (for the BU NOVA, draw it again
from front to back).
h. Insert the thread, from left to right, through the eye of the
needle, leaving about four inches of free thread hanging from
the needle.

4. Cleanin g the Shuttle Race.

a. Bring the needle to its highest position by turning the balance
wheel slowly toward you.
b. Tilt the machin e back on its hinges so that the undersi de is in
full view.
c. Remove the bobbin case by lifting the latch lever with thumb
and forefinger of the left hand and pulling the bobbin case out of
the machin e (see Fig. 9).

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 R--

Fig. 8 b

~-
~
-------
• " C'
~
:;::>
Fig. 8

~ : ---::::- I \ ______T ..
Fig. 9

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 d. Push the two race snap pins « Z » (see Fig. 10) outward, then
remove the race cover plate « T » by pulling it away from the shuttle
race.
e. Remove the shuttle « R » by pulling it out of the shuttle race.
This leaves the raceway free for cleaning.
f. Remove lint and pieces of thread with a soft rag then clean the
shuttle rice with the small brush (see Fig. 11), dipped in kerosene,
and wipe the shuttle race dry. Next, put a drop of oil into the
raceway and on the rim of the shuttle.
g. To replace the shuttle, insert it into the shuttle race with 'the
thumb and forefinger of the left hand (see Fig. 12), fitting it without
force into the place opposite the shuttle carrier.
h. Place the race cover plate « T » into the two small studs « G >
and push the race snap-pins « Z » back into their former position.
(see Fig. 10).
i. Reinsert the bobbin case, then bring the machine back into its
working position.

, -
/
'./

z---- -----... 2
G/ ~~ ~ G
'~ -~
R
T'
Fig. 10

10

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 -
---.~,;:-.;:::;;::-..::- ____
---
- ----------

Fig. 11

0 ~"'- ,
/,¾ ' ·".,._
\ ~~~ - -

.// 0

11

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 5. Adjusting the Thread Ten,ions.
The tensions of upper and lower thread are correctly balanced if
both threads interlock in the center of the fabric, as shown in
Figure 13.

~
Fig. 13

If the tension of the upper thread is too strong in relation to that

of the lower thread, the lower thread will be pulled up to the top
surface of the fabric and appear there in the form of small knots
(see Fig. 14).

Fig. 14

If the tension of the lower thread is too strong in relation to that

of the upper thread, the upper thread will be pulled down to the
bottom surface of the fabric and appear there in the form of small
knots or loops (see Fig. 15).

Fig. 15

12

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 ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS ON MACHINE MAINTENANCE

To keep the machine in good working condition, it is essential to

clean it frequently and to lubricate it regularly.

1. Cleaning.
To clean the machine, prepare a mixture of 90 % kerosene and
10 % lubrication oil. Fill an oil can with the cleaning fluid, and
also pour a sufficient quantity of this liquid into a pan.
If the machine, due to dirt and· gummed oil, runs heavily, force
with the oil can plenty of the cleaning fluid into all oil holes and
on all movable parts. Then run the machine at high speed until
all dirt and hardened oil are washed out.
Should some parts of the various mechanisms of the machine have
become badly clogged with dirt and gummed oil, remove these parts
from the machine and place them for a while into the pan filled with
cleaning fluid. After the dirt and gummed oil have become loose,
clean the parts with a small brush dipped in the cleaning fluid. Then
wipe them dry with a soft clean rag.
The electric motor must always be kept dry. Only the motor shaft
requires a few drops of oil from time to time.

2. Lubrication,
After the machine has been wiped clean with a rag, apply a drop of
good oil to every movable part; to the bearings of the lower shaft
(to which the shuttle carrier is attached) and to all other shaft
bearings of the machine. The various oil holes in the machine in-
dicate where the oil must be applied. Make certain to use only
NECCHI lubricating oil.

13

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 3. Gene ral Rema rks.
Altho ugh the appro ximat ely 430 parts, which comprise
a NECCHI
BU mach ine, vary in size and shape , the maint enanc
e and repai r
of each part is quite simple. The flawless opera tion of the
mach ine
requi res adjus tmen ts which are limite d to only 12 basic
subje cts:
1. Timin g (coord inatin g) the move ments of the vario
us groups
of mova ble parts in relati on to each other .
2. Assem bly and adjus tmen t of the arm shaft.
3. Assem bly of the needl e bar with the needl e clamp.
4. Positi oning of the needl e bar.
5. Adju stmen t of the press er bar.
6. Adju stmen t of the threa d tensions.
7. Assem bly of shutt le carrie r with shutt le carrie r shaft
and adjus t-
ment of the oscillating shuttl ~ in relati on to the needle bar.
l
8. Assem bly and adjus tmen t of the stitch contr ol mech
anism.
9. Adju stmen t and opera tion of the bobbi n wind er mech
anism.
10. Adju stmen t of the zig-zag mechanism.
11. Prope r care of the motor .
12. Settin g up the mach ine head in the appro priate cabin
et.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NECCHI

SEWING MACHINES

The BF mach ine, desig ned for house hold use, is equip ped
with an
oscillating shuttl e, a centr al bobbi n case and a calibr ated
threa d
tension. It make s a straig ht seam, perfo rms a lockstitch,
and can
be adjus ted for forwa rd and backw ard sewing.
The BU mach ine, also inten ded for house hold use, is equip
ped with
an oscillating shuttl e, a centr al bobbi n case, and a calibr ated
threa d
tension. It make s a locks titch and can be adjus ted for straig
ht and
zig-zag sewing.
Note : Each mach ine head is identified by a serial numb
er which
can be found at the lower front portio n of the bed plate.
In the BU Nova mach ines, the letter « U » precedes
the
serial numb er; in the BF and BU Mira machines, the
let-
ter « M ».

14

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 ADJUSTING THE MOVEMENTS OF THE VARIOUS GROUPS
OF PARTS IN RELATION TO EACH OTHER
(TIMING THE MACHINE)

To obtain a continuous and satisfactory performance from the

machine, the movements of the various groups of parts in relation
to each oiher must be adjusted (timed) in such a manner that the
actions of these parts repeat themselves regularly at certain fixed
time intervals.
In the following are explained the most important timing procedures,
omitting operations which are solely performed on the assembly line
in the factory where the machines are made.
For each timing procedure is also mentioned the corresponding
timing gauge which should be part of the mechanic's equipment.
Furthermore, whenever possible, a general rule for the timing
procedure in question is given, in case the corresponding timing
gauge should not be available to the mechanic.
Timing performed in accordance with the rules set down in the fol-
lowing chapters is indispensable when:
1. One or several elements of a group of parts have been replaced
whose actions depend on those of another group of parts, or when
entire groups of parts, depending on each other, must be removed
and replaced.
2. It is necessary to check the proper £unction of a group of parts
in relation to another group of parts, the movements of these groups
depending on each other.
3. Certain disturbances must be eliminated which interfere with
the proper progress of sewing.

15

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 The following three interdependent adjustments are essential:
1. The timing of the movements of shuttle and needle bar.
2. The timing of the movements of feed dog and needle bar.
3. The timing of the movements of the zig-zag mechanism and the
needle bar.

Note : Our machines have subassemblies which are installed and

held in the machines by permanent fixing means (e. g. tapered
pins, etc.) and cannot be adjusted once they are assembled
within the machine. We, therefore, guarantee perfect timing
of such assemblies.

l__ 0.
a. = 11801/T 1 -16
D200J7
20036
f-- / 24
,J;,
I
0J0010PA

Fig. 16 Fig. 17

16

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 TIMING OF SHUTTLE AND NEEDLE BAR IN
THE BF NOVA AND BF MIRA MACHINES

I Adjustment - Height of the Needle Bar.

Turn the balance wheel by hand toward you until the point of the
shuttle is just at the center of the rising rieedle. · ·
At this moment the point of the shuttle should be about 1/16"
above the upper part of the needle· eye (Fig. 16). If the distance a
is more or less than 1/16", an adjustment is necessary. Loosen
slightly the screw No. 24 (Fig. 17) in the needle bar connecting
stud No. 20036 so that the needle bar No. D 20037 is still held in
position by friction.
Now, without turning the balance wheel, push the needle bar up
or down by hand until the distance a is equal to about 1/16".
Tighten screw No. 24 firmly after this adjustment.
This adjustment can also be achieved with the aid of the TIMING
GAUGE No. AC 4/75. The gauge is composed of a body similar
to the shuttle and of a false needle (gauge pin), contained in the I
upright of the gauge so that it won't be misplaced. In the following I

a description of the use of this gauge is given: J,,

,

I. Insertion of the TIMING GAUGE No. AC 4/75.

a. Turn the balance wheel by hand and bring the needle bar to
its highest position (Fig. 18).
b. Replace the normal needle of the needle bar with the false one
of the gauge. The false needle is inserted the same way as nor-
mal one.
c. Remove the race cover plate No. 26333 and the shuttle No. 26327.
d. Insert the shuttle-shaped gauge AC 4/75 into the shuttle race
(Fig. 18).

17

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 Fig. 18
Pl
~-J
\ I
H
II
II
II
11
11
II
II

Fig. 19

18

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....
 =77777,m-;,;,;~: :;:;:;;;;====== ==;;;;;;;;;W///hk W///A·
~ L~m:r

Fig. 20

2. Timing Procedure.
a. Bring the ·needle bar to its lowest position. In this position,
the lower end of the false needle should be just in line with the
lower edge « L » of the prong of this gauge, as shown in Figs. 19
and 20. If an adjustment of the height of the needle bar is neces,-
sary, loosen slightly screw No. 24 (Fig. 17) so that the needle bar
is still held in position by friction. Then, without turning the
balance wheel, move the needle bar up or down by hand until the
condition shown in Figs. 19 and 20 is met. Tighten screw No. 24
firmly.

II Adjustment - Distance Between the Needle and the Shuttle.

Without touching the needle, the point of the shuttle should be

brought as close as possible to the needle (Fig. 21). If the point of
the shuttle is too far from the needle, looseri the screw « F »

19

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 (Fig. 22) under, the bed plate. Then move the race body No. D 26330
with the shuttle carrier in an axial direction, as required, until the
shuttle comes sufficiently close to the needle without touching it.
Before tightening the screw « F » adjustment III should be checked.

11

-~11ii
1 .00 4
I
I
I

Fig. 21

III Adjustment • Centering the Needle in Relation to the Race

Cover Plate.
The needle « A » sh~;uld pass through the center of the slot in the
race cover plate No. 21330 (Fig. 23). If the needle passes too
close to the edges BB of this slot in the race cover plate NO'. 21330,
there is the danger that it may break.
To perform this adjustment, rotate the race body No. D 26330
around its axis, without moving it in an axial direction. Now, the
screw « F » can be firmly tightened (Fig. 22). (After the III
adjustment, it is advisable to check adjustment II again).

IV Adjustment - Position of the Needle Eye in Relation to the

Shuttle.
FollO'W same procedure as for BU machines (see II Adjustment at
Page 22).

20

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 ,

D26J.JO
C26.J25 Fig. 22

8
The needle "A" Is al equal distance
from both edges "B"

D 26330
A

Fig. 23.

-
21130

B 21

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 TIMING OF SHUTTLE AND NEEDLE BAR IN
THE BU NOVA AND BU MIRA MACHINES

I. Adjustme nt - Height of Needle Bar.

(See Adjustmen t I for BF machines).
In machines with a double needle, this adjustmen t is always made
using only one needle.

II Adjustme nt - Position of the Needle Eye in Relation to the

Shuttle.
The needle bar must be lined up in such a way that the center line
of the needle eye is perpendic ular to the shuttle (Fig. 24), i.e. the
needle eye must not lie obliqually in relation to the point of the
shuttle (Fig. 24 A). This cause the loop of the thread to be arran-
ged in such a way that it can be easily caught by the point of the
shuttle. This is specially necessary when the machine sews with
two needles.
In order obtain the above mentioned condition, it is necessary that
the needle bar clamp No. D 26295 (Fig. 25) be firmly tightened and
that axis a of the needle clamp No. D 26295 be directed parallel to
axis b of the upper shaft No. C 26010 (Fig. 25) or, what amounts to
the same thing, that the axis a of the needle bar clamp No. D 26295
be in direction of the longitudin al axis of the machine.
If it is necessary to make an adjustmen t, proceed as follows:
a. Loosen slightly the screw No. 24 of the needle bar connecting
stud No. 26025 (Fig. 29).
b. Without moving it up and down, rotate the needle bar about
its own axis in the required direction until it is in the position shown
in Fig.· 25.
c. Tighten screw No. 24 firmly.

22

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 Point of shuttle

Needle eye

Fig. 24 Fig. 24A

Needle eye In correct position Needle eye In Incorrect position

C 26010
b
---- ----

---
Fig. 25

23

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 Ill Adjustment • Distance between the Needle and the Shuttle.
Without touching the needle, the point of the shuttle should be as
close as possible to the needle (see Fig. 21 for the BF). If the point
of the shuttle, is too far away from the needle, loosen the screw « F »
(Fig. 26) below the bed of the machine. Then, move the race body
No. D 26330 with the carrier shaft in axial direction until the
shuttle comes as close to the needle as possible without touching
it. Before ,_tightening ·the screw « F », adjustment IV should be
checked.

IV Adjustment • Centering the Needle in Relation to the Race

Cover Plate.
The single needle A should pass exactly through the center of the slot
(Fig. 27) in the race cover plate No. 21330. In the twin-needle
machine the correct position of the needles is that shown in Fig. 28
To perform this adjustment, rotate the race body, No. D 26330,
without moving it in an · axial direction, around the · carrier shaft
No. C 26325. Now, the screw « F » can be firmly tightened (Fig. 26).
All four adjustments mentioned can also be achieved with the aid of
the TIMING GAUGE No. AC 4/68:

Fig. 26

24

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 I'
The needle "A" is at equal distance
from both edges "B"

D 26330
A

Fig. 27

i'
-
21330

IJ

Both needles "A" are at equal distances

from the edges "B"

A D26330

A
Fig. 28

21330
B 25,

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 I • Insertion of the Timing Gange No. AC 4/68 and of the Square-
angled Bar E. (Fig. 29 ).
a. Remove the presser foot and the needle plate.
b. Remove the needle and the shuttle.
c. Insert bar« E » (Fig. 29) of the gauge into the needle bar, follow-
ing the same instructi ons as for the insertion of a needle.
d. Loosen screw No. 24 of the needle bar connecti ng stud No. 26025
so that the needle bar is still held in position by friction.
e. Hold the machine firmly and push the needle bar upwards
about 7/32".
f. By turning the balance wheel by hand, bring the needle bar « C »
to its lowest position.
From this point onward and during the timing operation, DO NOT
turn the machine.
g. Insert the gauge No. AC 4/68 into the race body and fix it by
means of two knobs « H » and the two reference pins « G ».

2 • Timing Procedu re.

If, by pushing down the needle bar by hand while the balance wheel
is held firmly, the lower end of the bar « E » enters exactly into the
rectangu lar hole in the prong of the gauge No. AC 4/68 (Fig. 29),
then the requirem ents of paragrap hs II, III, and IV have been
satisfied. In order to comply also with the requirem ents of pa-
ragraph I, push the step « I » of the bar « E » until it stops against
the outside of the gauge No. AC 4/68 (Fig. 29).
Now, tighten screw No. 24 and remove the gauge. If, by pushing
down the needle bar. by hand, the lower end of the bar « E » does
not enter the rectangu lar hole in the prong of the gauge No. AC 4/68,
then adjust as follows:
h. Loosen the screw « F » below the bed of the machine (Fig. 26)
in order to allow the race body No. D 26330 to move freely.

26

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 i. Move the race body No. D 26330 and the needle bar « C » simulta-
neously until the lower end of the bar « E » enters the rectangular
hole in the prong of the gauge.
L. Push the step « I » of the bar « E » by hand (Fig. 29) until it
stops against the outside of the gauge.
m. Firmly tighten the screw No. 24 of the needle bar connecting
stud. No. 26025.
n. Firmly tighten the screw « F » (Fig. 26) below the bed of the
machine.
o. Remove the gauge.

2602S
(----+

Fig. 29

3 - To Remove the Gauge A.C 4/68.

a. Rotate the balance wheel slightly, just enough to bring the lower
end of the bar« E » out of the hole in the gauge.
b. Remove the gauge No. AC 4/68.
c. Remove the bar « E ».
d. Reassemble the machine.
27

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 IMPORTANT - ADJUSTMENT OF THE SHUTTLE
CARRIER SHAFT IN BF AND BU MACHINES

In the BF and BU Nova and Mira NECCHI machines, the oscillating

shaft crank No. D 26306 is pinned to the carrier shaft No. 26325
(Fig. 30). In these machines, therefore , the angular position of the
shuttle carrier at one end of the carrier shaft in relation to the oscil-
lating shaft crank at the other end of this shaft remains always the
same.
If in these machine s it should be necessar y to replace the old carrier
shaft No. 26325 with a new one, the shuttle carrier No. D 26340 and
the oscillating shaft crank No. D 26306 must be placed in the proper
angular position in relation to each other. Proceed as follows:
1. Place and pin the shuttle carrier No. D 26340 (Fig. 30) to one
end (the one closest to the circumfe rential lines) of the carrier shaft
No. 26325, then assemble with machine. Place the oscillating shaft

3001605A 26325 0480S0 GEB

~
~
L
D26306

Fig. 30

A 26300

Fig. 31
28

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 crank No. D 26306 on the other end of carrier shaft in such a position
that shuttle carrier and oscillating shaft crank include an angle of ,,
about 90 degrees (as indicated in Fig. 31). This angular position is
approximatel y correct but it must be checked (see item 2). Now,
tighten firmly the set screw No. 048050 GEB in the oscillating crank
shaft (Fig. 30). Assemble the machine completely.

Fig. 32
-t
C
CD
E
...
CD
0
:E

Center
of needle
Needle

Needle Point of shuttle or hook

~ t of shuttle or hook
~-Moveme nt
{ ~---Mmmen t
L:t+-- Needle eye

Needle eye

-~--Lowest po,ition of Iha need\, . ~

2. Check the timing of the shuttle and the needle in the following
manner:
Turn the balance wheel slowly by hand until the needle is raised about
3/32" above its lowest position. At this moment, the point of the
shuttle should be exactly in the center of the rising needle (Fig. 32).
If this requirement is not met, loosen the set screw No. 048050
GEB in the oscillating crank shaft (Fig. 30) and turn the carrier shaft
No. 26325 in the required direction until the point of the shuttle has
reached the center of the needle which has remained stationary.
Tighten firmly the set screw No. 048050 GEB.
29

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 Operation No. 2 can also be performed with the aid of the TIMING
GAUGE No. AC 4/75in the following manner:
Insert the gauge No. AC 4/75 as explained in the paragraph:
« Timing .of shuttle and needle bar in the BF Nova and Mira>>.
Bring the needle bar to its lowest position. In this position, the false
needle, if correctly adjusted, will lie between the two timing lines
«A» (Fig. 33). If the needle does not lie between the two timing
lines « A », loosen the screw No. 048050 GEB (Fig. 30). Now, with-
out moving the balance wheel, turn the carrier shaft by hand in the
required direction until the false needle comes to lie between the two
lines «A». Tighten the screw No. 048050 GEB firmly and remove
the gauge.

; False needle
i

!
I
I
l
Fig. 33

3. Carry out the adjustment I, II, III on pag. 10 and 11 for the BF
machines and the adjustment I, II, III, IV on pag. 11 and 12 for the
BU machines. Now, sew with the machine.
I

: ;
i
I I
4. a. If the machine sews correctly:
Place a pointed pin into the tapered pin hole of the oscillating shaft
crank and mark on the carrier shaft the position of the hole to be
drilled and reamed in the carrier shaft. Remove the carrier shaft
assembly, then drill and ream the tapered pin hole in the carrier
shaft. Next assemble with machine, using the tapered pins No.
300160 SA. For reaming tapered holes use tapered reamer No. 3/0.
After this operation, it is advisable to perform the adjustment
II and III on page 20-21 for the BF machines and the adjustments
II, III, IV on page 22-24 for the BU machines.
b. If the machine does not sew properly repeat operation No. 2
until the machine performs perfect sewing. Then drill, ream and pin
as explained in paragraph 4 a.

30

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 TIMING OF FEED DOG AND NEEDLE BAR

GENERAL RULE

The feed dog must be adjusted in such a manner that it starts to

move away from the operator at about the time the needle begins
its downward movement from its highest position. The feed dog
must have finished its forward (feeding) motion at the time the point
of the descending needle is about to enter the fabric. The feed dog
must not move the fabric while the needle is still in the fabric.
If the feed dog is not correctly timed in relation to the needle, adjust
as follows:
l Remove the plate No. 20301 from the back of the arm. Turn the

l '
'
•

'
'
balance wheel by hand in the direction of sewing, to bring the
screws No. 048080 GEN of the feed eccentric No. 20026 (see Fig. 34)

If '

.,!.,:

,, 048080GE N--- ~----04808 0GEB

. '·

~ )))6)
~~

C26010
Fig. 34

31

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 into sight and loosen them slightly. Turn the feed eccentric on the
upper shaft No. C 26010, making certain not to move it in an axial
direction, until the feed dog moves correctly as explained above.
Tighten the aforementioned screws firmly after this adjustment. As
a guiding fact it should be mentioned that the feed dog is approxi-
mately correctly timed when in the horizontal position of the cranked
portion « P » of the upper shaft (see Fig. 35) the first one of the two
set screws No. 048080 GEN lines up with the axis of the upper shaft.

Fig. 35

The timing of feed dog and needle bar in relation to each other can
also be achieved with the aid of the timing gauge No. AC 4/2. In the
following, a description of the use of this gauge is given:
1. Introduce the pin « B » which is fastened to the upper part of this
gauge (see Fig. 36) into the corresponding timing hole of the feed
eccentric « A ».
2. Turn the balance wheel slowly in the direction indicated in Figu-
re 36 until the fibre base « D » of the timing gauge « C » rests firmly
on the bed plate of the machine, as indicated in Figure 36.

32

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 ''

Fig. 36

3. If timed correctly, the needle bar « E » must at this moment be

in its lowest position, and the needle bar connecting link « F > must
have a vertical position in the machine.
4. If the requirements outlined in the preceding paragraph are not
met, loosen the two screws « G » in the feed eccentric « A », and
while leaving the timing gauge supported by the bed plate and keep-
ing it inserted in the timing hole of the feed eccentric «A», turn the
balance wheel « C » slowly in the direction indicated in Figure 36
until the needle bar « E » reaches its lowest position. Firmly tighten
the two screws « G » after this adjustment. The timing procedure
outlined in the preceding paragraphs will induce the feed dog move
in correct relation to the needle bar.

33

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 TIMING THE ZIG-ZAG MECHANISM AND THE NEEDLE BAR
(FOR BU MACHINES ONLY)

GENERAL RULE

Adjust the machine for straight and central stitching (zig-zag control
lever is at« 0 » and needle displacement lever at the center).
Remove the plate No. 26186 at the front of the machine arm, making
certain not to move the zig-zag control lever. Turn the balance wheel
by hand until the needle bar is in its highest position. At this position
of the needle bar, the eccentric « E » of the assembly No. C 26201
(see Fig. 37) should occupy either Position I, or Position II in the
component upper channel of the oscillating lever No. 26131, as indi-
cated in Figures 38 and 39.
Should, at the highest position of the needle bar, the eccentric « E »
possess a different position than those shown in Figures 38 and 39,
I: loosen both screws No. 048040 GEB in the upper shaft gear No.
26240 (see Fig. 40), then turn this gear around the upper shaft No.
C 26010 until the eccentric « E » gets into one of the positions I or II,
referred to above. Tighten both screws No. 048040 GEB firmly
after this adjustment.
The timing of zig-zag mechanism and needle bar in relation to each
other can also be achieved with the aid of the timing gauge No. AC
4/36. In the following is given a description of this gauge and its
use for timing the above parts.
The timing gauge No. AC 4/36 is a small steel plate « B » (see
Fig. 38 with a handle-shaped portion at one end and a V-shaped
cut-out at the other end.

34

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 Fig. 37
E

Position I
B

Poalhon II

Fig. 38 Fig. 39

26240

· Fig. 40

35

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 Fig. 41

Timing procedure.
1. Turn the balance wheel slowly toward you and bring the eccen-
tric «A» (see Fig. 41) toward the inside of the machine.
2. Insert the timing gauge « B » into the oscillating lever « C » (see
Fig. 41) and, while slightly turning the balance wheel back and forth
bring the eccentric « A » in a position so that the V-shaped cut-out
of the timing gauge « B » fits properly against the back portion of
this eccentric.
3. In the position described in the preceding paragraph, the needle
bar must be in its highest position. If this requirement is not met,
adjust as follows :
Loosen the screws « E » of the worm « F » on the arm shaft (see
Fig. 41), then, while pressing the timing gauge « B » against the
eccentric« A» (to block this eccentric), tum the balance wheel slowly
until the needle bar is in its highest position. Finally again, firmly
tighten the screws « E »·of the worm « F ».

36

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 The Feed Dog.
The purpose of this part is to feed the fabric regulary for a certain
distance at every stitch so that the space between one perforation
of the fabric by the needle, and the next one, equals the desired
length of stitch.
A perfect feeding operation is of great importance for the final result
of sewing. An incorrectly operating feed dog will cause irregular
feeding of the fabric, unequal length of the stitches, and a seam which
is not straight. There are many circumstances which may cause the
defects just mentioned.
Before investigating further the . causes of incorrect feeding, it is
necessary to make certain that the various parts of the feeding me-
chanism are properly assembled and adjusted and that this mecha-
nism is correctly timed in relation to those groups of parts whose
movements are correlated to those of the feeding mechanism. As far
as the timing of these movements is concerned, we refer to the chap-
ters of this booklet concerning the corresponding timing procedures.
In the following are given instructions pertaining to the correct as-
sembly of the various parts of the feeding mechanism.
The assembly of the parts of the feeding mechanism comprises:
1. The centering of the teeth of the feed dog in the slots provided
for them in the needle plate.
2. The adjustment of the maximum protrusion of the feed dog teeth
above the top surface of the needle plate.
To make this adjustment, proceed as follows:
a. Bring the stitch regulating lever No. C 20138 to the « AV » po-
sition which gives the maximum forward movement of the feed dog
(lever is then in its lowest position).
b. While turning the balance wheel by hand toward you, check whe-
ther the movement of the feed dog in the direction of sewing is
correctly centered in relation to the slots of the needle plate: namely,
whether the feed dog, in its extreme positions, is equally distanced
from the adjacent ends of the feed dog slots in the needle plate.
Check also whether the feed dog is correctly centered in the direction

37

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 perpendicular to the top surface of the needle plate: namely, whether
the tips of the feed dog teeth are alternately at equal distances above
and below the top surface of the needle plate during sewing.
c. In case the feed dog is not correctly centered in the direction of
sewing, adjust it at the point of connection of the feed dog shaft
No. 20100 with the feed dog shaft crank No. 48 (see Figures 42 and
43) in the following manner: ,
- Loosen the screw No. 048140 FAB which clamps the feed shaft
crank No. 48 to the feed dog shaft No. 20100.
- Correct the position of the feed dog by turning the feed dog
shaft No. 20100 between its pointed studs No. 20105 and No. 20115
(see Fig. 43) in one direction or the other (as required).
- Firmly tighten the screw which clamps the feed dog shaft crank
No. 48 to the feed dog shaft No. 20100.
- Again check whether the feed dog is now correctly centered in
the direction of sewing. If necessary, repeat the aforementioned
procedure until the feed dog is centered correctly.

A 20110 048H0FA8
~8 Fig. 42

48
20100

38

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r

ADJUSTING THE MAXIMUM RISE OF THE FEED DOG TEETH

ABOVE THE NEEDLE PLATE

GENERAL RULE

Turn the balance wheel toward you and observe how high the teeth
of the feed dog rise above the needle plate.
Adjust the feed dog in such a manner that the full depth of its teeth
can be seen above the top surface of the needle plate when the feed
dog is at its highest position.
If necessary, adjust the feed dog as follows :
- Loosen the screw No. 048140 FA which clamps the feed dog
shaft crank No. 48 to the feed lifting shaft No. D 20110 (see Figures
42 and 44), then turn the feed lifting shaft in the proper direction
until the above ·requirement is met. Tighten the clamping screw in
the feed dog shaft crank No. 48 firmly after this adjustment.

46 20115
I I
_.#
O'll<OFAB-9
A
►'
•-0~5010PA
.--063110FO

Fig. 43

D20116

"'G3I
8ISO
I /
J20070BZ

·r 'T
~1-045010PA
-06Jl10FD
0481"0FAB-,

Fig. 44

39

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 If the timing gauge No. AC 4/26 (see Fig. 45) is available, use it in
the following manner:
a. Remove presser foot and needle from the machine, then place
the timing gauge No. AC 4/26 upon the needle plate, as shown in
Figure 45. Turn the balance wheel slowly and check whether the
teeth of the feed. dog, when in their highest position, are between the
two reference faces of this timing gauge (Maximum and Minimum).
b. If the .tips of the feed dog teeth are below the minimum or above
the maximum, indicated by the gauge, proceed to adjust the feed
dog as follows :
- Loosen the screw which clamps the feed dog shaft crank No. 48
to the feed lifting shaft No. D 20110, then turn the feed lifting shaft

Fig. 45

40

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 in the direction required until the feed bar (feed dog bearer) No.
20121 is positioned correctly. Tighten the clamping screw in the feed
dog shaft crank No. 48 firmly. Then, while turning the balance wheel
slowly toward you and using the timing gauge No. AC 4/26, make
certain that the teeth of the feed dog, when in their highest position,
are now between the two reference faces of the timing gauge. If nec-
essary, repeat this procedure until the feed dog is adjusted correctly.
After the aforementioned adjustment has been taken care of, also
check whether the screws No. 20127 which fasten the feed dog to the
feed bar No. 20121 (Fig. 43) are firmly tightened.
In case the machine does not yet feed the fabric properly, it will be
necessary to check whether the following defects exist :
1. The pressure upon the presser foot is not correctly adjusted.
2. The bottom face of the presser foot does not rest correctly on the
teeth of the feed dog.
3. The teeth of the feed dog are worn off to a considerable extent.
To remedy these defects, proceed as follows:

RE. 1. Incorrect pressure of the presser foot.

- Incorrect pressure of the presser foot upon the fabric will have
a bad effect on the appearance of the seam. To adjust for the correct
pressure, keep the following facts in mind:
- A heavier fabric requires more pressure than a thin fabric.
- Light pressure is required for fine and sheer fabrics so as to
prevent damage to the fabric.

RE. 2. Bottom face of presser foot rests incorrectly (not flush)

on the teeth of the feed dog.

To make the machine feed correctly and thus obtain a perfect

seam, it is necessary that the entire bottom face of the presser foot
rests fully (flush) on all teeth of the feed dog. To check whether
this requirement is met, use a thin piece of paper (about .003" thick)
in the following manner :

41

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 a. Turn the balance wheel by hand until the feed dog rises to its
highest position above the top surface of the needle plate.
b. Lower the presser foot until it rests on the feed dog.
c. Lift the presser foot somewhat, then insert the piece of thin paper
successively between presser foot and feet dog at each of the four
corners of the presser foot, always lowering the presser foot fully
after the paper has been inserted.
d. The presser foot rest properly on the feed dog when the piece
of paper is retained firmly between presser foot and feed dog at each
of the four corners of the presser foot. .
If this requirement is not met, it may be due to three different causes.
Namely:
- The presser foot, either due to excessive wear or to improper
fastening to the presser bar, does not rest correctly on the feed dog.
- The feed dog is either excessively worn or it is not fastened
properly in the machine.
- There exists a combination of both aforementioned defects.
To find out whether the presser foot is in perfectly good order, and
whether its bottom face is flush and correctly aligned, proceed as
follows:
- Firmly tighten the screw which holds the presser foot to the
presser bar. Turn the balance wheel by hand until the feed dog is
below the needle plate. Then lower the presser foot until it rests on
the needle plate. Place a piece of thin paper, successively, under each
of the four corners of the presser foot. If the piece of paper is held
firmly by each corner of the presser foot, the presser foot is in good
condition and does not require any correction. In this case, it then
becomes necessary to examine the feed dog.

42

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 TESTING THE FEED DOG

After the presser foot has thus been tested and found to be satisfac-
tory, remove the needle plate and check whether the screws
No. 20127 which hold the feed dog to the feed dog bar No. 20121
(see Fig. 43), are properly tightened. If necessary, tighten these
screws firmly.
Then lower the presser foot until it rests on the feed dog, and check
whether a thin piece of paper is held firmly between presser foot and
feed dog at all four corners of the presser foot. If this is not the case,
check whether the teeth of the feed dog are worn. A visual inspec-
tion of the feed dog, and feeling the sharpness of its teth by touching
them gently, usually is sufficient to determine whether the feed dog
is worn to such a degree as to necessitate its replacement with a new
feed dog.
If a worn feed dog must be replaced, proceed as follows:
a. Remove the needle plate.
b. Remove the worn feed dog.
c. Attach the new feed dog to the feed bar No. 20121, but do :not
tighten the feed dog screws completely.
d. Adjust the feed dog on the feed bar so that its teeth are located
centrally within the corresponding slots in the needle plate. If neces-
sary, also adjust the position of the feed bar No. 20121 by means of
the pointed bearing screws No. 44 and the lock muts No. 063035 DA.
e. Firmly tighten the feed dog screws No. 20127.
f. Replace the needle plate.
ATTENTION: When working on fine and delicate materials such as
silk, etc., the teeth of the feed dog must not rise as high above the
needle plate as when working on heavier fabrics.

43

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 THE NEEDLE BAR

The adjustment of the needle bar has been explained in the chapter
« Timing of Shuttle and Needle Bar ».
The reference lines on the needle bar serves a double purpose :
1. In our factory they help to determine in the yet incompletely
assembled machine, the height in the vertical position of the needle
bar required for the timing procedure, before the timing gauge No.
AC 4/75 has been used.
2. They facilitate the fastening of the needle bar connecting sleeve
(No. 20036 in BF or No. 26025 in BU) with the needle bar by means
of the needle bar connecting screw No. 24 and the interposed alu-
minum washer No. 030010 PA (see Fig. 17).
The above method of fastening gives the best guarantee against slip-
ping of the smoothly finished needle bar, since part of the soft washer
presses itself into the hollow of the timing mark and thus retains the
needle bar in the correct position. For this same reason it is advisable
to replace the washer with a new one, or at least turn the old washer
to the other side, should it ever become necessary to loosen the con-
nection between the needle bar and the needle bar connecting sleeve.
It is then also imperative to reset the needle bar to the correct height.

THE NEEDLE OF THE MACHINE

To properly select the needle in accordance with the material to be

sewn and the thread to be used, and to insert the needle correctly,
consult the corresponding pages of the instruction book furnished
with the machine.

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 The following requirements must be met:
a. The needle must have a sharp point to prevent tearing of the
material during sewing. Sewing with a needle which has a blunt
point is usually accompanied by a knocking noise of the blunt needle,
penetrating and tearing the material.
b. The needle must be straight. A bent needle will cause a lot of
trouble, depending upon the degree to which it is bent.
A straight needle will pass exactly through the center of the stitch
hole in the needle plate.
A bent needle may strike the edge of the stitch hole in the needle
plate and break, or it may damage the edge of the stitch hole. A
needle bent toward the right, may interfere with the oscillating shuttle
and break, or it may damage the shuttle. A needle, bent toward the
left, may cause skip stitches since the distance between the needle
and the oscillating shuttle has become too large, and the point of the
shuttle, therefore, cannot catch the loop of needle thread.
The aforementioned troubles will become more evident while sewing
heavy materials, with the possibility of frequently breaking the needle
or skip stitching (the latter due to the fact that the shuttle cannot
catch the loop of the needle thread). Therefore, when a bent needle
is the cause of these troubles, it is best to replace the old needle with
a new one.
There are still two possibilities of trouble in connection with the
needle. Namely:
1. The needle is straight, but when inserted in the machine, shows
an inclined position and does not stitch perpendicularly through the
fabric. This is due to the fact that the lower end of the needle bar
is bent. In this case it is necessary to straighten lower end of the
needle bar, or else to· replace the bent bar with a new one.
2. The eye of the needle is sharp and breaks the thread. Such a
defective needle must be replaced with a new one. To give the needle
a firm grip in the needle bar, tighten the screw in the needle clamp
with a screw driver rather than by hand.

45

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
 PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT OF THE PRESSER FOOT

C ZOOS 1
C10051

"'"' ~ -
1
160,,

16050

1605!

J:,G _l!!!L_..:::.....iJllllJJllll"'-"i1-......7

1009S JS

016210
Fig. 46

The pressure is controlled with the aid of the pressure regulating

thumb screw No. C 20057 (see Fig. 46).
By loosening the pressure regulating thumb screw, the pressure of
the presser foot can be released. Make certain that the presser foot
always exerts a certain pressure upon the fabric.
The pressure upon the fabric increases gradually as the pressure regu~
lating thumb screw is turned down.
The numbered scale in front of the face plate (No. D 20276 on BF
Nova; No. C 21776 on BF Mira; No. D 26404 on BU Nova; and No.
D 26604 on BU Mira), in connection with the presser bar index pin
No. 26048, on Nova series and No. D 26648 on Mira series, indicates

46

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
the pressure exerted at the moment, by the presser bar spring No.
26050 upon the presser foot. In this connection it should be men-
tioned that there is a well defined though loose interdependence bet-
ween the pressure imposed by the presser bar spring and the tensions
of the upper and lower thread. Namely:
- While for the type of fabric in work, the tension of the lower
thread must be kept constant, the pressure of the presser bar spring
and the tension of the upper thread must be changed in accordance
with the thickness of the type of fabric.

POSITIONING OF PRESSER BAR AND PRESSER FOOT

The opening in the presser foot (hole or slot), which permits the
passage of the needle, must be adjusted so that it is exactly above the
corresponding opening in the needle plate.
Should the presser foot not be positioned correctly, proceed as fol-
lows:
a. Loosen the presser bar screw No. 048050 GEB slightly in the
presser bar guide No. 26058 (see Fig. 46).
b. Turn the presser foot until it has the correct position on the
needle plate.
c. Tighten the aforementioned screw firmly, first making sure that
the presser bar guide No. 26058 has not shifted upward or downward
from its original position, since this would bring with it a change
of the pressure and the vertical position of the presser foot.

47
Height of Presser Foot.
(Position in vertical direction)

The presser bar lever No. 20095 (see Fig. 46) permits three different
positions of the presser foot:

I. The presser bar lever is entirely down.

In this instance, the presser foot rests firmly upon the needle plate
(or, upon the feed dog) and there is some space between the presser
bar lever and the presser bar guide above.

2. The presser bar lever is partially raised (see Fig. 46).

This is the intermediate (or embroidery) position. In this position,
a white triangle in the presser bar lever lines up with a horizontal
timing mark on the face plate (No. D 20276 on BF Nova; No.
C 21776 on BF Mira; No. D 26604 on BU Mira; and No. D 26404 on
BU Nova). With the lever in this position, the presser foot is kept
raised just sufficiently high to permit the passage of the embroidery
hoop below it, while the tension of the upper thread remains un-
changed.

3. The presser bar lever is raised completely.

In this instance, the presser foot does not rest upon the needle plate
(or the feed dog) and both tension discs No. 20681 are separated
from each other (the upper thread is under no tension). In this
position of the presser bar lever, the bottom face of the presser foot
should be about 1/4" above the needle plate in the BF machine, and
about 9/32" in the BU machine.

48
 TENSION OF THE UPPER THREAD

Fig. 47

Correct adjustment of the upper thread tension is imperative for

good sewing.
To function properly, the tension discs No. 20681 (see Fig. 47) must
be kept very clean. It is not advisable to clean dirty tension discs
quickly by simply inserting a rag between them. Such a procedure
may shift the dirt to some hidden spot in the tension mechanism and
·cause the tension discs to get out of contact with each other. This
occurrence, of course, will disturb the tension of the upper thread
and make sewing impossible.
To clean the upper thread tension thoroughly, the knotted nylon
thread furnished with the machine can be used; the instructions given
m the Instruction Booklet should be followed.
Nevertheless in order to examine the upper thread tension thorough-
ly, we suggest that you remove the entire thread tension mechanism
from the machine by unscrewing the thread tension knob No. D 20612
first, and then removing successively all other parts of this mech-

49
anism. All these parts shall be cleaned thoroughly in a pan filled
with cleaning fluid, and then be wiped dry. Every part must be
examined thoroughly with regard to possible defects. The tension
discs must not have rust spots on thei rcontact faces, or deep grooves
worn into them by the thread.
Defective tension discs must be corrected, if possible. Place the
contact faces of such repaired discs together, and check whether they
touch each other fully. If the tension discs, or any other part of the
tension mechanism, are defective beyond repair, replace them with
new parts. After having cleaned and examined all parts of the
tension mechanism, replace them in their original positions. Then
adjust the pressure upon the tension discs until the correct tension
has been obtained.
If, during sewing, the tension of the upper thread gradually becomes
weaker, it can be assumed that, due to vibrations of the machine, the
thread tension knob No. D 20612 has become loose. To remedy,
place the blade of ·a screwdriver into the slot of the tension stud
No. 20600 and spread both halves of the tension stud slightly.

The Thread Take-Up Spring (Check Spring) of the Upper Tenaion.

This check spring No. 20651 (Fig. 47) serves two purposes. Namely:
1. To take up and hold the slack of the upper thread, given free by
the descending thread take-up lever (No. D 20033), until the eye of
the descending needle has entered the fabric.
2. To release gently the thread which, during the finishing phase
of the stitch, was required for the stitch formation, and to permit the
thread take-up lever to close the stitch without tearing the fabric.
When released, the check spring must occupy the position as shown
in Figure 48; and the loop of this spring must include an angle with
the vertical center line of the tension adjusting knob, as indicated in
this illustration.

50
If the check spring fails to ·function, fhe 'Slack· of the upper thread
will not be taken up. .The excessive length of threi;id may then clog
the stitch hole in the needle plate, wrap itself around the needle, or
cause irregular stitches. The thread may also place itself in the way
of the descending needle and thus be damaged by the point of the
needle.
If the check spring, when released, occupies a different position than
the one indicated above, adjust the spring as follows:
1. Remove the face plate (No. D 20276 on BF Nova; No. C 21776
on BF Mira; No. D 26404 on BU Nova: and No. D 26604 on BU Mira)
of the machine.

2. Loosen ~he _screw No. 048050 GEN which holds the tension
mechanism in the arm of the machine.
3. Turn the tensi~n pin holder No. 20665 and ·with it the tension
mechanism, until the check spri?g occupies its correct p6sitio~. ·
4; · Fix the tension mechanis:rn in its new position by tightening the
screw firmly which holds the tension mechanism to the arm of .the
machine.

51
 TENSION OF THE LOWER THREAD
(TENSION OF THE BOBBIN CASE)

The tension spring No. 20178 on the bobbin case No. D 20176 (see
Fig. 49) must place the lower thread under maximum tension when
the bobbin case tension spring screw No. 20179 is completely tigh-
tened. This tension will gradually decrease when the tension spring
screw is loosened. The lower thread must always be under some
tension until the screw No. 20179 is completely loosened. The tension
of the lower thread must remain uniform for any particular position
of the adjusting screw No. 20179 and must not change while the screw
remains in this position. Figure 49 shows the bobbin case in a disas-
sembled condition.

THE OSCILLATING SHUTTLE

The shuttle No·. 26237 (see Fig. 50) is set in motion by the shuttle
carrier No. D 26340) with the intermediate aid of the shuttle carrier
adjusting spring No. 20194, and it retains its position in the race body
No. D 26330 by means of the race cover No. 26333. The race cover
is connected at its lower portion with the race body by means of a
ring-shaped hook No. 26339, and is held against No. D 26330, the race
body, with the aid of two knobs No. 26337. These knobs are under
spring pressure, and thus press the race cover against the race body.
By pulling both knobs away from the race cover and swinging them
sideways, the race cover can be swung away from the race body,
whereby the race cover will turn around the aforementioned ring-
shaped hook. The shuttle then can be removed easily from the race

52
 20178
§i

20179 --QD ' D 20176

20181 GIii&

20174-

Fig. 49

Fig. 50

Fig. 51

53
body. When assembled with the race body, the race cover must
yieldingly press against the race body. This will prevent the shuttle
from jamming should pieces of thread, dirt, etc. get between shuttle
and race body while the machine is in motion.
To keep the machine in good order 1 -it is essential to clean the shuttle
(as well as all other vital parts of the stitch mechanism) frequently
and thoroughly, and to remove all dirt, lint, and pieces of thread
which may have accumulated in· the machine. Remove also any
residues (gummed oil) caused by the use of improper lubricant.
The same care must be applied to the raceway in the race body, and
to the race cover. They must be cleaned frequently and thoroughly.
It is also essential to keep the vertical groove (channel) in the lower
portion of the race body, which serves to let any dirt, etc. escape from
the race body, free and clean.
A space of about .012" between the shuttle and shuttle carrier spring
No. 20194 is required for the· passage of the thread.
Too much play between shuttle and shuttle carrier regulating spring
will cause excessive noise and wil.l influence the timing of the oscil-
lating shuttle. .
To overcome the aforementioned defects, it will be necessary to tigh-
ten the fastening screws No. 20195 securely. If the shuttle carrier
spring is damaged, replace it with a new spring.
It is also advisable to check from time to time, whether the shuttle
is still timed correctly. ·
Furthermore, also check whether the point of the shuttle has been
blunted, or whether those portions of the shuttle over which the
thread passes, have become rough due to rust or corrosion.
Moreover, it is also essential to check whether the inclined portion
« P » of the shuttle («needle guard » - see Fig. 51) has been dama-
ged (nicked) by a bent .needle. -Should this have happened, it will
be necessary to rJpair this damaged portion by smoothing it with
fine emery cloth, and poiishing it with crocus cloth or on a buffing
wheel afterwards.
The shuttle will w~rk 'properly after this corr~ction.

54
 THE BOBBIN CASE

The bobbin case (see Fig. 49) serves a dual purpose. Namely:
a. It contains the bobbin with the lower thread.
b. It is assembled with the spring for adjusting the tension of the
lower thread.
The bobbin case is kept in its correct angular position in the machine
by means of the finger-shaped prong which extends into a corre-
sponding notch of the shuttle race cover. The prong has just suffi-
cient play in the notch to let the heaviest thread pass freely when
the upper thread is pulled up by the thread take-up lever.
In axial direction, the bobbin case is retained securely on the post of
the oscillating shuttle by means of the bobbin case latch lever No.
D 20172. Bobbin case latch and bobbin case latch lever are hinged
together at one end. The bobbin case latch is always under pressure
of a small spring No. 20181, inside of the bobbin case, which forces
part of the bobbin case latch into the annular groove at the free end
of the post of the shuttle and thus retains the bobbin case securely
on this post. The free end of the bobbin case latch is shaped in the
form of a hook. By lifting the bobbin case latch lever, the bobbin
case latch is withdrawn, and the bobbin case can then be removed
from the post of the oscillating shuttle. Simultaneously, the hook-
shaped end of the bobbin case latch will grip underneath the adjacent
flange of the bobbin, thus taking the bobbin with it and holding it
as long as the latch lever is lifted.

THE BOBBIN

Disregarding the material it is made of, it is always imperative that

the bobbin No. D 140 (see Fig. 52) fits properly in the bobbin case
and revolves in it freely. There must be no friction between the
flanges of the bobbin and the inside of bobbin case and shuttle.

Fig. 52

55
 THE STITCH REGULATOR

\
This comprises the entire mechanism which controls the length of
stitch of the machine.
I The length of stitch is adjusted by means of hand lever No. C 20138
i (see Fig. 53) which protrudes from a slot in the upright portion of
the machine arm.
On the stitch regulating plate No. D 21075 (see Fig. 54) which sur-
rounds the above hand lever, are numbers which indicate the various
lengths of stitches in inches and millimeters. This plate also bears
the markings « FO » and «AV>> (for Forward Sewing) and « RE »
and «IN» (for Reverse Sewing). The feeding of the fabric in the
desired direction is obtained by moving the hand lever No. C 20138
downward from « 0 >> for forward sewing, or upward from « 0 »
for reverse sewing, whereby the movable indicators No. 21081 and
No. 21086 point out the length of stitch at the respective position
of the hand lever No. C 20138.
The machine will not feed the fabric when the upper indicator
No. 21081 points at the number « 0 » (zero) of the aforementioned
stitch regulating plate.
By pushing the stitch regulating lever No. C 20138 downward or
upward, the stitch regulating indicators will move in directions oppo-
site to each other in the slot of the stitch regulating plate.
If it is desired to sew forward and backward with the same length of
stitch, push the stitch regulating lever downward until the upper
stitch regulating indicator points at the stitch length required. Then
firmly tighten the stitch regulating stop screw No. 21095 (Fig. 54)
below the slot in the stitch regulating plate.
By moving the stitch regulating lever evenly downward and upward
in the free space between the now fixed stitch regulating indicators,

56
it is possible to sew forward and backward with the same length of
stitch.
The causes of any defects in the stitch regulating mechanism can be
easily discovered and eliminated, as pointed out below.
These defects are :
I. The stitch regulating indicators do not move.
To remedy, proceed as follows (see Fig. 54):
a. Push the stitch regulating lever No·. C 20138 downward until the
stitch regulating indicators move to the positions of the greatest stitch
length.
b. Fix these extreme positions of the stitch regulating indicators by
tightening the stitch regulating stop screw No. 21095. Then move
the stitch regulating lever to « 0 ».
c. Loosen and remove the set screws No. 26413 (Fig. 53), which
hold the stitch regulating plate No. D 21075 to the machine arm.
Then turn this plate 90 degrees, and remove it by slipping it over
the stitch regulating lever.

_J
26413

_,

C 2013e

Fig. 53

57
 d. Examine the gear drive and the rack portions of the stitch regul-
ating indicators which are located at the back of the stitch regulating
plate.
e. Check whether the screw No. 025030 FDCP, when tightened,
holds the entire assembly firmly, and whether the locating pin, at
the back of the stitch regulating plate, is inside the slot of the stitch
regulating mechanism support No. 21090.
f. Carefully clean all parts of the stitch regulating indicator mech-
anism, making sure that no substances like dirt, lint, etc., remain
which would interfere with the proper function of these parts.
\ g. Replace all parts. as they were mounted on the machine pre-
viously.
After a Jong time of use the teeth of the small gear, as well as those
of the two racks, may wear out. As a result these parts become loose
and will not work anymore with the desired accuracy. To remedy
this defect, bend the free ends of both racks somewhat towards each
other (by means of a tweezers or small pliers) until the looseness
between gear and racks has disappeared.

20165

2016]

20166 ~
2.1010 .

02S0J0FD p

210,S

- r - - - D 21015

Fig. 54

58
2. The length of stitch during forward sewing is not the same
as that during reverse sewing.
In this case, which occurs rarely, remedy can be obtained as follows
(see Fig. 54).
Remove the stitch regulating plate No. D 21075. Then adjust the
position of the rack portions of both stitch regulating indicators
No. 21081 and No. 21086 in relation to each other, so that both
indicators arrive at the extreme ends of the slot in the stitch regu-
lating plate at the same moment.

THE BOBBIN WINDER MECHANISM

(FOR BF AND BU MACHINES)

This mechanism serves the purpose of refilling the empty bobbin

with the necessary thread. The machine must not sew while the
bobbin is being filled. The mechanism functions rather simply and
is easy to operate. To make certain that the Bobbin Winder is in
good condition, check whethel.' the following requirements are met:
1. The rubber ring No. 20420 of the bobbin winder (see Fig. 55)
must, in its working position, touch the rim of the balance wheel
with just sufficient pressure so as to be taken along by the revolving
balance wheel. The rubber ring will thus also cause rotation of the
bobbin winder pulley and the bobbin winder spindle No. D 21138
which are firmly assembled with each other.
2. The curved end of the bobbin. winder latch No. 21166 which
presses upon and guides the layers of thread while the bobbin is being
filled, must automatically release the bobbin winder before the
bobbin is filled completely.

59
 "'" """ ""' i),''""'
211'2

21129

0'8080 GUI 21'66

211,6

21171
OHOJOFDB
~2'155

20'10

0630S06E8

Fig. 55

3. The small spring, inserted in the bobbin winder spindle No.

D 21138, must fully enter the slot at the hole of the bobbin in order
to carry the bobbin with it while revolving.
4. The thread must fill the bobbin uniformly in even layers which
form a cylindrical shape around the bobbin.
To repair any part of the bobbin winder mechanism, first remove the
balance wheel No. 20399 in the following manner (see Fig. 56):
a. Loosen the stop screw No. 20683.
b. Unscrew and remove the stop motion clamp screw No. 21210.
c. Remove the stop motion clamp washer No. 26012 and the balance
wheel.
If, after the balance wheel has been taken off, the removal of the
complete bobbin winder is required, turn the balance disc bushing
No. D 20395 and bring the hole in the balance disc portion succes-
sively in line with the screws No. 048100 FAB (see Fig. 55) by
means of which the bobbin winder frame No. C 21132 (see Fig. 55)
is attached to the arm of the machine. By inserting a screw
driver through the aforementioned hole in the balance disc bushing,
these screws can be removed and the bobbin winder mechanism
be taken off the machine. In the rare case when it becomes

60
necessary to remove the balance disc bushing No. D 20395, care
must taken to replace this bishing in exactly the same position
in which it was mounted on the upper shaft No. C 26010 pre-
viously. Otherwise the machine would get out of balance and
vibrate excessively. In this respect, it should be kept in mind
that the pointed fastening screw No. 063130 GOB in the balance
disc bushing must always enter the corresponding groove in the
upper shaft No. C 26010. To prevent errors, it is advisable always
to leave the screws Nos. 063100 GEB and 063130 GDB in their
component holes in the balance disc bushing No. D 20395.
It is important, occasionally, to check and clean all parts ot the
bobbin winder mechanism to prevent these parts from moving slug-
gishly or becoming tight. The springs, which cause the movements
of these parts, must not become clogged with lint and dirt, and
should, therefore, be cleaned from time to time.
To regulate the amount of thread to be wound on the bobbin, and
to adjust the position of the bobbin winder pulley, it is necessary
to change, as required, the angular position of the winder check
plate No. 21171 in relation to the winder thread guide plate
No. 21166 (see Fig. 55).
If the thread is not wound uniformly on the bobbin, adjust the po-
sition of the small thread tension device No. A 20430 (see Fig. 57)
on the bed plate of the machine in such a manner that the thread,
leaving the small tension device, runs up perpendicularly to the
center of the winder thread guide plate (respectively, to the center
of the bobbin to ·filled with this thread).
20 96

Cl 10 1541J 21210

7
300200SAB
06JIO~r 0/lJI
~
0S00I0PA 20J'iJ'iJ 20683

Fig. 56

61
 A 21132

Fig. 57

THE ZIG-ZAG STITCH MECHANISM

This mechanism serves the purpose of setting in motion the needle

bar support No. D 26030 (see Fig. 60) in unison with the race body
No. D 26330, and thus to make possible those coordinated move-
ments of the needle and the shuttle No. 26327 which are required
to perform the zig-zag seam. The zig-zag seam can be performed
in several varieties in accordance with the positions of the various
parts which are used for adjusting the zig-zag stitch as is indicated
in Fig. 58.

62
 POSITION OF NEEDLE DISPLACEMENT LEVER
LEFT CENTER RIGHT

Position of
zig-zag stitch
I I
I
I
from o to 5
I !
0 I I
I .
. I
~•··,:~.
.,..·,~/
2

4
I .,
I
I,
Stitch length
regulating
lever

t-AI
1
I~
I

I I

Above diagram shows the location and the variations of

the zig-zag stitch at the various positions of the nee-
dle displacement lever and the zig-zag stitch lever,
"A" indicates the maximum width of the zig-zag stitch.
0
Fig. 58

63
Upper group of the zig-zag Mechanism.
To disassemble the group of parts which induce the swinging move-
ment of the needle bar support No. D 26030, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the face plate (No. D 26404 on BU Nova and No. D 26604
on BU Mira) and the zig-zag stitch regulating plate No. A 26186
(Fig. 59) by loosening the screws No. 26413.
2. Remove the back plate No. 26188 of arm.

Fig. 59

3. Disassemble the needle bar drive in the following manner (Fi-

gure 60):
a. Loosen the screw No. 035050 GAB which holds the pin No. 26075
in the needle bar support No. D 26030.
b. Remove the snap ring No. 230060 BZ which holds the piri
No. 26075.
c. Remove the pin No. 26075 by pushing it upwards.
d. Loosen the screw No. 048080 F AB by means of which the actu-
ating rod No. D 26070 is held in the connection No. 26081.
e. Remove the actuating rod No. D 26070 by pulling it out of the
machine from the face plate side.
4. Remove the snap ring No. 500110 BZ on the connecting rod
pin No. 26085 and lift the connection No. 26081 out of the machine.
5. Loosen the screw No. 26111 in the zig-zag regulating lever
No. 26110 and remove the zig-zag stitch control lever No. 26121.

64
6. Turn the zig-zag regulating lever No. 26110 towards the right un-
til the movement sector No. 26106 comes out of the channel (groove)
at the underside of the oscillating lever No. D 26131 (Fig. 61).
7. Now the entire group, which is composed of the vertical shaft
No. D 26255, the zig-zag movement connecting rods No. C 26095
and No. D 26250, and the zig-zag movement connecting rod pin
No. 26085 may be disassembled (see Fig. 60). Proceed as follows:
a. Remove the screw No. 035050 GAB at the lowest end of the
vertical shaft and pull out the shuttle bearer removal rod pin No.
20149 which connects the race body carrier connecting rod No.
D 26275 with the vertical shaft No. D 26255.
260Jt

D21SOJO

0<80<0 GEB

ek~ l6286
D262SS

Fig. 60

b. Pull out the pointed pin No. 26261 at the lower end of the vertical
shaft No. D 26255.
c. Remove the connecting rod No. A 26345 of the feed dog from
the machine.
d. From underneath the bed plate, remove the entire group
No. D 26255 of the vertical shaft. To perform this operation,
swing out the connecting rods No. C 26095 and No. D 26250, arran-

65
 ~-":---~~-----.:=-=-.!~
;_ :_1c....'

~ 26112

I==>• D11120RIJ

26110
048100GEB
C26201 '

A26165

f-.;)
\:::>. 26112
iBZ
26106

~ 600t20BZ
Fig. 61

ged upon each other, and move the rock shaft No. 21230 by turning
the balance wheel in order to facilitate the removal of the entire
group of the vertical shaft.
8. To dissemble the zig-zag regulating lever No. 26110 (Fig. 60),
it is necessary to push the complete oiler No. D 21260 (Fig. 66),
which is just above the pin No. 26116, out of the arm of the
machine. This is done by means of a curved punch (Fig. 65). Now,
introduce the special screw driver (Fig. 63) into the empty hole
and loosen the retaining ring No. 26114; then, using the perforated
ring (Fig. 64), loosen also the washer No. 26107 (see also Fig. 67).
Lift the lever No. 26110 out of the pin No. 26116 which is forced
into the arm of the machine; at the same time, remove the three
washers No. 071120 RU.
When reassembling this group, make sure to arrange the three elastic
washers No. 071120 RU as shown in Figure 68; furthermore in order
to avoid an extra adjusting operation, adjust, as explained in para-
graph 6 on page 38, the ring No. 26114 and the friction washer No.
26107 in such a way that the zig-zag regulating lever No. 26110 is
not too hard (nor too loose) to turn by hand.
9. To disassemble the group A 26165 of the needle displacement
lever proceed as follows (Fig. 61):

66
a. Remove the vertical shaft enclosure cap. No. 26481 from the
arm of the machine with the curver punch (Figs. 65 and 69).
b. Into this opening, place the special screwdriver (Fig. 63) on the
head of the stop washer No. 26114. Loosen the stop washer No.
26114. Then, with the above mentioned perforated ring (for the
machines up to serial No. 449394) or with a common wrench
(for the other machines) loosen the friction regulating washer
No. 26108.
c. Loosen the screw No. 048040 GEB (Fig. 61) which holds the
needle displacement lever pin No. 26170 in the arm of the machine.
d. Remove the snap ring No. 600120 BZ on pin No. 26170.
e. Remove the needle displacement lever pin No. 26170 by pushing
it downwards and out of the machine.
f. Remove the entire needle displacement lever No. A 26165.
In reassembling this group make sure to replace the three elastic
washers No. 071120 RU and the washer 26172 (Fig. 61) on the pin
No. 26170 in the order shown in Figure 61.
10. After removal of lever No. A 26165, remove gear and eccentric
assembly No. C 26201 as follows (Fig. 61):
a. Remove the screw No. 048100 GEN (Fig. 61) wich is located
in the front face of the machine arm.
b. With a soft punch (wood or brass) gently push down the as-
sembly No. C 26201 and remove it through the front opening in
the arm.
The above explanations constitute , the entire disassembly of the
upper group of the zig-zag mechanism. In the following paragraphs
are discussed the disturbances which may occur in this upper group
of the zig-zag mechanism.
1. The needle bar is not centered in the stitch hole of needle plate
when the needle displacement lever No. C 26165 (Fig. 62) is in its
center position and the zig-zag control lever No. 26121 (Fig. 60) is
at zero (completely towards the left).
In this instance, it is necessary to make an adjustment with the
aid of the actuating rod No. D 26070 (Fig. 60). Remove the zig-zag

67
 ,® 2615'5

26160
00
® 26163

C> 1SB7SF

0S2120RU

Fig. 62

68
stitch regulating plate No. A 26186 (Fig. 59) by loosening the four
screws No. 26413 making certain not to move the needle displa-
cement lever No. C 26165. Then loosen the screw No. 048080 FAB
in the connection No. 26081 (see Fig. 60), adjust the actuating rod
No. D 26070, as required, and tighten the screw No. 048080 FAB
again. After this has been done, check whether needle and oscil-
lating shuttle are correctly timed in relation to each other. If neces-
sary, correct the position of the shuttle in relation to the needle
(see adjustment III on page 13).
2. The machine runs noisily while sewing zig-zag.
If the cause of the noise is located somewhere in the upper group
of the zig-zag mechanism, it is advisable to check all connections
between the various parts of this group with regard to looseness
due to wear or improper assembly. Disassemble this group of the

■ a-
Fig. 63

Fig. 64

Fig. 65

Fig. 66

69
zig-zag _mechanism, as explained previously, and check whether
and where excessive looseness occurs; check expecially the fit of the
movement sector No. 26106, and of the movement roller No. 26105
(see Fig. 60) in their component parts. If necessary, replace old
parts with new ones.
3. Noisy zig-zag sewing due to looseness somewhere in the oscil.
lating lever No. A 26165 (see Fig. 61).
Disassemble all parts, as explained previously. Then check and
find whether the looseness is due to:
a. imperfect assembly or fit of the ball bearing which supports
the oscillating lever No. D 26131 (see Fig. 62). This disturbances
should never happen since the use of the spring washers does not
allow any play;
b. excessive wear in the lower channels of this lever No. D 26131.
Check instance ( a) as follows:
With a screw driver open the bent-up wing of the washer No. 26160
(Fig. 62). Check the looseness of the ball bearing and take up any
excessive looseness by tightening the nut No. 26155, making cer•
tain, however, that the needle displacement lever No. C 26165
(Fig. 62) does not operate too hard.
Bend up again the stop wing of the washer No. 26160 which pre-
vents the nut No. 26155 from getting loose.
If, after this adjustment of the ball bearing, the machine tends to ·
turn heavily or to bind, do not proceed to sew. Disassemble the
ball bearing again and check all parts of this bearing with regard
to excessive wear, cracks or other possible defects.
If defective beyond repair, replace old parts with new ones.
In the case of instance (b), replace the excessively worn oscillating
lever No. D 26131 with a new one.
4. Noisy zig.zag sewing due to loose (worn) gears. In this case
proceed as follows:
Loosen the screw No. 048100 GEB (see Fig. 61) which holds the
gear and eccentric assembly No. C 26201 in the arm. Using a
screw driver set into the slot of the head of No. C 26201,
turn the eccentric gear bearing No. C 26201 counter-clockwise to
bring the gears closer together and thus to reduce the looseness
between the gears. If, by turning the aforementioned gear bearing

70
to its full eccentricity, there is still too much looseness between the
gears, replace the worn gears with new ones.
5. The needle displacement lever No. C 26165 (Fig. 62) operates
too hard (or too loose) when moved by hand during the perfor-
mance of zig-zag ambroidery sewing.
In this case proceed as follows :
a. Remove the back plate No. 26188 of the arm.
b. Place the curved punch as shown in Figure 69 and, striking it
with a hammer, remove the vertical shaft enclosure cap. No. 26481
from the inside towards the outside.
c. Now, place the special screw driver (Fig. 63) into this opening
in such a way that the teeth, which are part of the screw driver,
fit into the grooves on the head of ring No. 26114 (Fig. 61).
Now, turn the screw driver and loosen the ring No. 26114.
d. With a common wrench, tighten (or loosen) the nut No. 26108
until the needle displacement lever can be operated neither too hard
nor too loose.
e. By holding the wrench steady and turning the special screw
driver, tighten firmly the ring No. 26114 against the nut No. 26108
(Fig. 61).
6. The zig-zag control lever No. 26121 (Fig. 60) is too hard (or
too loose) when operated by hand during zig-zag embroidery sewing
In this case proceed as follows :
a. Remove the zig-zag stitch regulating plate No. A 26186 (Fig. 59)
and the face plate No. D 26604.
b. Disassemble the actuating rod. No D 26070 (Fig. 60) as explained
on paragraph 3 pag. 64.
c. Remove shuttle bearer removal rod pin No. 20149 at the lower
end of the vertical shaft No. D 26255 by loosening the screw
No. 035050 GAB (Fig. 60).
d. Loosen the screw No. 26111 on the lever No. 26110 and remove
the zig-zag control lever No. 26121.
e. Slide the zig-zag lever movement sector No. 26106 out of the

71
 ~....,.=..,~--""j _.. .,_':'.:'
J.,; -/11
1 ··1'-·'·1 -•~
: 1~:i--t-tr•,'-H' ' . .. ,

. - .
-
--=-=:::: ~
----~~~:
- --.:::_-

Fig. 67

72
oscillating lever No. D 26131 (Fig. 61) by turning the lever No. 26110
counter-clockwise. Then, slide the zig-zag lever movement runner
No. 26105 (Fig. 60) out of the zig-zag regulating lever No. 26110.
f. Arranging the two connecting rods No. 26095 and No. 26250
above one another, will clear the area where the ring No. 26114
and the friction nut No. 26107 are found (Fig. 60).
g. Remove the complete oiler No. D 21260 (Fig. 66) by pushing
it outwards with the curved punch of Fig. 65 from the inside of
the machine.
h. Through this opening, place the special screw driver of fig. 63
on the head of the ring No. 26114, making certain, however, to have
first placed the special wrench of Fig. 64 on the friction nut
No. 26107 (Fig. 67}.
i. Slightly loosen the ring No. 26114 with the special screw driver.
l. Loosen (or tighten), with the special perforated wrench, the
friction nut No. 26107 to a degree just necessary to regulate for
the proper fit of the control lever No. 26121.
m. Tighten the ring No. 26114 firmly against the nut No. 26107.
Reassemble the entire group and check whether the needle bar is
centered in the stitch hole of the needle plate, as explained in
paragraph 1 pag. 67.
7. The machine does not sew a straight seam when the stitch
control lever No. 26121 (fig. 60) is at « zero » ( completely towards
the left).
This can be due to two causes:
a. The stitch control lever No. 26121 is bent.
b. The chromium finished plate No. 26191 has been moved from
the position it had when assembled at the factory.
In instance (a) it is necessary to replace the stitch control lever
No. 26121 with a new one, after removing the zig-zag stitch regulating
plate No. A 26186 (fig. 59) and after having loosened the screw
No. 26111 which holds the lever No. 26121 to the lever No. 26110.
(Fig. 60).
In case of instance (b) proceed as follows :
- Loosen but do not remove the two screws No. 26174 which

73
 Fig. 68

Fig. 69

Fig. 7(j

hold the chromium finished plate No. 26191 (Fig. 70) to the plate
No. 26186.
- Move the stitch control lever No. 26121 (fig. 60) to the left as
far as it will go.
- Plate the chromium finished plate No. 26191 on the plate
No. 26186 in such a way that the left edge of the right opening
(with the numbers) in the plate No. 26191 be close to the zig-zag
stitch control lever No. 26121 which is now in the «zero» position.
Tighten the two screws No. 2617 4 (Fig. 70) firmly.

74
 Adjusting the upper group of the zig-zag Mechanism.
The japaned zig-zag stitch regulating plate No. 26186 (Fig. 70) is
assembled with several chromium finished plates No. 26187, 26193 and
26191 which are fastened to the zig-zag stitch regulating plate at the
factory and should not be removed subsequently. The adjustiment
of all parts in the upper group of the zig-zag mechanism is done
in our factory during the production. of the machines. There should,
therefore, be no need for adjusting these parts in the course of
regular maintenance service. However, should it be necessary (as
in the case of repairs) to reassemble and time the aforementioned
· parts, proceed as follows:
a. Remove the zig-zag stitch regulating plate No. A 26186 (fig. 59)
by loosening the four screws No. 26413 (Fig. 59).
b. Adjust the position of the eccentric No. C 26201 (Fig. 37) as
explained previously (Figgs. 38 and 39).
c. After this timing of the eccentric No. C 26201, while making
certain not to move the needle displacement lever No. C.26165, turn
the balance wheel and check whether. the needle 1s at the center
of the stitch hole in the needle plate.
If the needle is not at the center of the stitch hole in the needle
plate, adjust the needle bar support rod No. D 26070 as explained in
paragraph 1 page 67.
d. Replace the zig-zag stitch regulating plate No. 26186, fixing it
to the arm with four screws No. 26413.

The lower group of the Zig-Zag Mechanism.

The back and forth movement is transmitted to the lower part of
the machine (see Fig. 71) by means of the vertical shaft No. D 26255
(with the crank at its lower end), the race body carrier connecting
rod No. D 26275, and the race body carrier connecting block No.
26281, which finally transmits this back and forth movement to
the complete shuttle race assembly, the shuttle carrier and the shuttle
with the bobbin case. ·

75
 20195_ _ ---y
2tJJO · ,_n-oAJa D16255

26J25 26JJJ I -as;_":

I

2'JJS

26JJ9
--r
02SfJOFOlt

Fig. 71

With the exception of the race body carrier connecting block No.
26281, and the guide pin No. 26286 which aligns and guides the
block No. 26281, all of the aforementioned parts do not require
any special care. The parts No. 26286 and No. 26281 must be cor-
rectly adjusted and fastened to prevent noisy running of the machine.
Moreover, it is important to adjust correctly the position of the race
body No. D 26330 which is connected with the block No. 26281
and determines the distance between the needle and the oscillating
shuttle.

76
 TAKING CARE OF THE SEWING MACHINE MOTOR

Only little care is required to keep the sewing machine motor in

order for many years of good use. The following are the most
frequent causes for inferior service from the sewing machine motor,
and suggestions on how to prevent and remedy them:

A. Motor does not run at all or runs only sluggishly.

The above deficiency may be caused by the following circumstances:

1. a. The electric cords are defective, loosely connected, or not

connected at all.
b. The electric plugs, the fuse, or the wall outlet are defective.
c. The motor brushes are worn, or the brush springs are exces-
sively compressed or broken.
d.The rheostat (motor control) is out of order.
Check all of the above items; remedy any defects, if possible; or
replace defective parts with new ones.

2. The belt between motor pulley and balance wheel of machine

is too tight. Raise motor bracket until belt has just enough tension
to pull the machine; tighten bracket screws.

3. Commutator of motor is dirty. Clean· connector with cleaning

fluid; then wipe it thoroughly dry.

B. Motor turns tightly.

1. Motor shaft is bent due to:

a. Motor having been dropped.

77
b. V-belt having been forced over the motor pulley after motor
was mounted in place on the machine ..
Handle motor carefully to prevent above defect. Have defective
motor repaired.

2. Motor bearings are gummed due to use of improper oil. Have

bearings cleaned with cleaning fluid. Motor must be thoroughly
dry before running it again.
Oiling of motor: Use only high grade sewing machine oil. Apply
one or two drops of this oil into each bearing oil hole every two
or three months. Do not use vegetable oils. Before oiling, clean
lint from oil holes with a pin.

C. Motor runs, but does not pull machine.

1. Belt slips. This will occur if:

a. Belt between motor pulley and balance wheel is excessively
stretched;
b. motor pulley is too close to balance wheel;
c. motor b1acket screws, or motor fastening screws, are loose;
d. there is oil between belt and motor pulley or between belt and
balance wheel.
Replace worn belt; adjust motor bracket; tighten all motor mounting
screws; wipe oil thoroughly from belt, balance wheel and motor
pulley.

2. Motor pulley too loose on motor shaft. Tighten screw in motor

pulley.

D. Motor is weak.

Some armature wires are broken. Tampering by inexperienced

persons may cause this defect. Do not use motor mounting screws
longer than one quarter of an inch. Longer screws may damage
the wiring in the motor.

78
E. Motor gets too hot.
1. Belt between motor pulley and balance wheel is too tight
and overloads the motor. Raise motor bracket until belt has just
enough tension to pull the machine; tighten bracket screws.
2. Lack of lubrication. Lubricate both motor bearings as advised
above.

F. Motor smokes or emits a burning smell.

1. Motor is overloaded due to excessive belt tension. Adjust belt
tension as advised above.
2. Motor is not oiled at all; wrong lubricant has been used; motor
is overoiled; oil on commutator. Have motor thoroughly cleaned
and oiled as suggest above.
3. Motor runs tightly due to bent shaft. Have motor repaired.

G. Motor runs noisily or growls. Rattling noise during sewing.

1. Motor pulley is not in perfect alignment with balance wheel of
machine. Adjust motor pulley on motor shaft until belt runs
straight up to balance wheel.
2. Motor hums while machine is not sewing. Rheostat control
lever gets stuck in a depressed position. Check rheostat and free
the motion of the control lever.
3. Motor pulley is loose on motor shaft. Tighten screw in motor
pulley.
4. Motor bracket too loose on machine, or motor too loose on motor
bracket. Tighten firmly all fastening screws which hold the above
parts in place.
It must be emphasized that all motors on our machines are carefully
made, inspected and tested. Therefore, handle each motor with
care; do not disassemble or tamper with it, unless you are thoroughly
acquainted with its construction. Do not damage or scratch the
motor housing; do not drop the motor.
Do not make a motor entirely useless by unnecessarily damaging it
beyond repair.

79
How to remove the Machine Head.
1. Grip the arm of the machine head, lift it, and turn head away
from you until it comes to a stop in an inclined position on the
base of the portable, or on the cabinet.
2. Using a screw driver, loosen the two cabinet hinge screws No.
5032 A4B (underneath the bed of the machine) by means of which
the two cabinet hinges are held in the corresponding holes of the
machine bed.
3. Lift the machine head and remove it from the hinges. The
mounting and fastening of the machine head on the portable, or
on the cabinet, has to be done in a reversed sequence.
It is imperative to make sure that the round ends of the head
hinges are fully inserted into the corresponding holes in the bed
plate before the two screws No. 5032 A4B in the machine bed are
tightened firmly ..
The mounting or the removal of the machine head remains the
same no matter what type of machine support (portable case or
cabinet) or what kind of cabinet hinge comes into consideration.

80
 ALPHABETICAL INDEX

A Accessories and tools page 4

Adjusting the maximum rise of the feed dog teeth » 39
Adjusting the movements of the various groups of parts » 15
Adjusting the thread tensions » 12
Adjusting the upper group of the zig-zag mechanism » 75
Adjustment (BF machines) - centering the needle . » 20
Adjustment (BF machines) - distance between the needle
and the shuttle . » 19
Adjustment (BF machines) - height of the needle bar . » 17
Adjustment (BF machines) - position of the needle eye » 20
Adjustment (BU machines) - centering the needle . » 24
Adjustment (BU machines) - distance between the needle
and the shuttle . » 24
Adjustment (BU machines) - height of the needle bar . » 22
Adjustment (BU machines) - position of the needle eye » 22
Adjustment (pressure) of the presser foot » 46
Adjustment of the shuttle carrier shaft . » 28

B Bobbin » 55
Bobbin case » 55
Bobbin case (tension) » 52
Bobbin winder mechanism » 59

C Centering the needle in BF machines » 20

Centering the needle in BU machines » 24
Characteristics of Necchi sewing machines » 14
Cleaning (general) » 13
Cleaning the shuttle race » 8
Customer (instructions to be given to) » 5
D Distance between the needle and the shuttle in BF ma-
chines page 19
Distance between the needle and the shuttle in BU ma-
chines » 24

E Elementary instructions on machine maintenance » 13

F Feed dog » 37
Feed dog and needle bar timing - general rule » 31
Feed dog teeth (adjusting the maximum rise above the
needle plate) - general rule » 39
Feed dog - testing . » 43

G Gauge No. AC 4/75 for BF machines » 17

Gauge No. AC 4/68 for BU machines » 26
Gauge No. AC 4/68 - how to remove from BU machines » 27
General remarks on machine maintenance » 14

H Head - how to remove the machine head » 80

I Insertion of the timing gauge No. AC 4/75 in BF machines » 17

Insertion of the timing gauge No. AC 4/68 in BU machines » 26
Instructions (elementary) on machine maintenance » 13
Instructions to be given to the customer . » 5

L Lower group of the zig-zag mechanism » 75

Lower thread tension » 52
Lubrication » 13

M Maintenance (elementary instructions) » 13

Motor » 77
 Motor does not run at all or runs sluggishly page 77
Motor gets too hot » 79
Motor is weak » 78
Motor runs, but does not pull the machine . » 78
Motor runs noisily and growls . » 79
Motor smokes or emits a burning smell . » 79
Motor turns tightly . » 77
Movements - adjusting the movements of the various
groups of parts in relation to each other » 15

N Needle » 44
Needle bar » 44
Needle bar - adjustment of height in BF machines » 17
Needle bar - adjustment of height in BU machines » 22
Needle bar and feed dog timing - general rule » 31
Needle bar and shuttle timing in BF machines . » 17
Needle bar and shuttle timing in BU machines . » 22
Needle bar and zig-zag mechanism timing in BU machi-
nes - general rule » 34
Needle centering in BF machines » 20
Needle centering in BU machines » 24
Needle - using the correct needle » 5

0 Oscillating shuttle » 52

p Position of the needle eye in relation to the shuttle in

BF machines » 20
Position of the needle eye in relation to the shuttle in
BU machines » 22
Presser bar lever is completely raised » 48
Presser bar lever is entirely down » 48
Presser bar lever is partially raised » 48
Presser bar positioning » 47
 Presser foot - bottom £ace rests incorrectly (not flush) on
the teeth of the feed dog page 41
Presser foot - height » 48
Presser foot - incorrect pressure » 41
Presser foot - positioning » 47
Presser foot - pressure adjustment » 46

R Rattling noise during sewing . » 79

Remarks (general) » 14

S Shuttle » 52
Shuttle and needle bar timing in BF machines » 17
Shuttle and needle bar timing in BU machines » 22
Shuttle carrier shaft adjustment » 28
Shuttle race - cleaning » 8
Spring (thread take-up) of the upper tension » 50
Square angled bar » 26
Stitch length during forward sewing is not the same as
that during reverse sewing . » 59
Stitch regulating indicators do not move » 57
Stitch regulator . » 56

T Taking care of the sewing machine motor » 77

Technical characteristics of N ecchi sewing machines . » 14
Tension adjusting » 12
Tension of the bobbin case . » 52
Tension of the lower thread » 52
Tension of the upper thread » 49
Testing the feed dog » 43
Thread take-up spring of the upper tension » 50
Thread tensions » 12
Threading of the BF and BU Mira machines » 6
Threading of the BF and BU Nova machines » 8
Timing » 15
 Timing gauge No. AC 4/75 for BF machines page 17
Timing gauge No. AC 4/68 for BU machines » 26
Timing gauge No. AC 4/68 - how to remove » 27
Timing of feed dog and needle bar . » 31
Timing of shuttle and needle bar in BF machines » 17
Timing of shuttle and needle bar in BU machines » 22
Timing the machine . » 15
Timing the zig-zag mechanism and the needle bar » 36
Tools and necessary accessories . » 4

U Upper group of the zig-zag mechanism » 64

Upper group of the zig-zag mechanism (adjustment) » 75
Upper tension - thread take-up spring » 50
Upper thread tension » 49

Z Zig-zag mechanism and needle bar timing » 34

Zig-zag mechanism - lower group » 75
Zig-zag mechanism - upper group » 64
Zig-zag mechanism - upper group ( adjusting) » 75
Zig-zag stitch mechanism » 62
VITTORIO NEC' .II _ . A.
I. G. I. LOSA · MILANO
Simb. A ~O / 114 ind. o · 9-5" • 5000

PfllNT ~ O IN n · &LY