Sailrite Apprentice

19 Pages·2004·0.43 MB·English

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
ATTENTION

To Easily and Properly Remove
the Apprentice from its Packaging
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Please Read & Follow
the Instructions found in the 1st
The column on page 4.

Sailrite Apprentice
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Guidebook

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© Sailrite Enterprisestt, Inc.
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Self-Reliance Under Sail
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

Sailrite
800-348-2769
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.sailrite.com

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
20
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

Preface
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
The Sailrite Apprentice is an excellent sewing machine. It is a single needle, lock stitch
machine with a high lift presser foot and aggressive lower feed mechanism. This machine is
well suited for straight stitching light, medium, and heavy materials including canvas, uphol-
stery materials and light weight leather.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
2 Year Limited Warranty

All parts (excluding bobbins, belts, needles,
needle plates and feed dogs) are fully guaranteed
© Sailritfoer tw oE yeanrs frtome thre dpate orf piusrcheases. U,po nInc.
return they will be replaced at no charge except
for return delivery.

Labor for repairs is provided at no charge for
two years but delivery both ways is your respon-
sibility. It is our goal to enable you to maintain and
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
repair your own machine. We believe that with
the aid of this Guidebook and, perhaps a little
phone support, that is a realistic goal.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

Copyright Jan 16, 2004
by Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
© Sailrite Ent45e06r S.p Starte iRds 9-e57s, Inc.
Churubusco, IN 46723
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
1
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Before using your Sailrite Apprentice read pages 4-12

Table of Contents
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Preface & Warranty ...................................................................................1
Cautions ...................................................................................4
Preparing the Apprentice for Use
Unpackaging the Machine and Case ...................................................................................5
Plugging in the Foot Control ...................................................................................5
Inserting the Needle ...................................................................................5
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The Needles ...................................................................................5
Machine Lubrication ...................................................................................6
Preparing to Sew
The Balance Wheel ...................................................................................7
Winding Bobbins ...................................................................................7
The Thread ...................................................................................8
Installing Bobbin in Bobbin Case ...................................................................................8
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Removing and Installing the Bobbin Case ...................................................................................8
Threading the Machine ...................................................................................9
Picking Up the Bobbin Thread ...................................................................................9
Starting to Sew .................................................................................10
Regulating the Stitch Length ................................................................................. 10
Sewing in Reverse .................................................................................10
Tension Adjustment .................................................................................10
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Removing Material from Under the Presser Foot ............................................................................11
Using the Sailrite Apprentice for General Sewing............................................................................ 11
Adjusting Thread Tension .................................................................................12

Fine Tuning the Apprentice
The Class 15 Machine .................................................................................13
Removing the Hook to Clean the Race and Free Jams.................................................................13-14
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
If the Clutch does not Disengage ................................................................................. 14
Common Sewing Machine Problems
Skipped Stitches .............................................................................15-16
Five Ways to Eliminate Skipped Stitches
1) Change the Needle .................................................................................15
© Sailrite2) AdEjust tnhe Ftooet Prerssupre..r.....i....s.....e.......s.....,.... ....I....n........c........... ......................15
3) Reset the Needle Bar ............................................................................15, 16
TROUBLE SHOOTING .............................................................................17-18

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .................................................................................19
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

CAUTIONS
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Plea se read and observe the following cautions when using your Sailrite sewing machine:
1. Do not operate in conditions where you or the machine are or may become wet.
2. Operate the machine on a firm, level surface where there is adequate room for safe operation.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
3. Do not allow machine to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this machine is used by or near
children.
4. Use this machine only for its intended purpose as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended

by the manufacturer.
5. Do not run the machine without its covers.
6. Do not stop the movement of the balance wheel with your hands.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
7. Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
8. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
9. Use caution in tilting the machine backwards in its case and in lowering it back into the case.
10. Always latch the case securely before lifting.
11. Use proper lifting techniques when moving the machine.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
12. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug grasp the plug, not the cord.
13. Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or
damaged, or dropped into water.

14. Before connecting the power, make sure the voltage and cycles shown on electrical date plate of machine (or
motor) conform to your electrical power.
15. Wear protective eyewear when sewing.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
16. Wear shoes when operating the foot pedal.
17. Always unplug sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any
other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

18. Do not use the machine around flammable materials.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Preparing the Sailrite Apprentice for Use
Unpackaging the Machine and Case Inserting the Needle
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
The Sailrite Apprentice is shipped in one box.
This makes setting the machine up easy. Pull the
System
machine and case out of the shipping box. To do so,
130
carefully turn the box over on the floor with the box
Needle
flaps open and then pull the box off. Since there is no
Flatsideofneedle
©handle oSn thea topi olf rthei catsee thi s Eis then eastieset wrayprises, shaInknshoculd.be inserted
to remove the machine. The machine will be upside totherightortowardsthe
down (as apparent by the rubber feet on the case balancewheel.
bottom). Turn the machine upright. Unlatch the case

hinges and lift the top of the case off. Remove the
foam insert inside the case top. Also remove the
thread stand and cone of thread packaged between
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
the foam and case top. At the right forward corner
of the machine there is a plastic latch which pivots to
hold the machine base down in the case cutout. Pivot

this latch out of the way. Cut the plastic band holding
the machine to the case and remove the protective
paper pads. Next lift the machine and it will pivot
©back o n Sthe caasei hlingresi. Itn tehe boEttomn of tthee casre ips rises, Inc.
another foam cushion. Carefully pull this cushion out.
Slowly lower the machine back down and you are
ready to follow “Plugging in the Foot Control".
We recommend that you save all packaging
materials. These items were designed to protect the The Needles
©machi neS anda casie flrorm idatmeage anEd munst bte eusedr ifprises, Inc.
System 130 (15x1) needles sizes 12 to 20 are
the machine is sent in for service. Carriers will not
recommended for this machine. A size 18 to 20
pay insurance claims on improperly packaged ma-
needle is used for most medium to heavy sewing.
chines even if they are insured. These needles are available in Sailrite's catalog. (See
"Inserting the Needle" this page.)
Plugging in the Foot Control
Note that these needles have one distinct flat
© Sailrite Enterprsidie.s Wehens the, n eeIdlen is icnsta.lle d, this flat side should
be facing to the right or towards the balance wheel as
you face the machine. If the needle is inserted the
wrong way the Sailrite Apprentice will skip stitches
and break thread.
1. Select the proper needle size for the fabric to be sewn.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
2. Turn balance wheel toward you until the needle is at
its highest position.
3. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it counter
clockwise. Remove old needle from the clamp.
4. Insert new needle into the clamp with its flat side
facing toward the right (towards the balance wheel).
© Sailrite EnterpriPsuseh thes ne,ed leI upn intoc the .ne edle clamp as far as it
will go.
5. Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Machine Lubrication

The machine was thoroughly oiled prior to
shipment. It should be oiled frequently (at least prior
to ea©ch ma joSr praojecit)l. Oril iallt meeta l tEo mental wtoerk-rprises, Inc.
Open cover behind the machine
ing parts as shown in the photographs which follow.
and oil all moving parts.
Apply one or two drops of sewing machine oil in
each area. After oiling, sew briefly with some scrap
material to prevent the possibility of staining on your
fabric.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Arrows indicate lubrication points.
Use only high quality sewing machine oil!

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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Remove face plate
Left side view of machine
Top view of machine

Underside view of machine
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

Preparing to Sew
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The Balance Wheel Winding the Bobbin
When sewing, winding bobbins, or changing Loosen the balance wheel as explained
needles it is important to always turn the balance above. Place an empty bobbin on the bobbin-

wheel towards you from the top (counter clockwise). winder spindle and push it to the end of the spindle.
Loosening the balance wheel allows for the Make sure that the spring on the spindle engages the
©windin gS of boabbiinsl writhioutt neeed leE movnemtenet. rprnoitcsh oen thse b,ob bIin.n Nowc p.re ss the flat chrome
To loosen the wheel, hold it tight with your right hand lever toward the machine until the bobbin is held in
and with your left hand turn the clutch knob counter place by the metal finger that fits between both
clockwise until it stops. (Fig. 1) To tighten and flanges of the bobbin (Fig. 2)
reengage the needle drive, reverse the procedure. Thread the bobbin as shown and hold the
short thread tail that is led through one of the holes in
© Sailrite Enterprthie ssidee of tshe, bo bIbinn. Toc fil.l t he bobbin press the
machine's foot pedal down gently operating the
machine. Continue holding the short tail until the
bobbin is about 10% full. Stop and cut the thread
flush with the side of the bobbin and once again
apply power to finish filling the bobbin. The bobbin
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
will automatically stop and release when full. Cut
the thread and remove the bobbin from the spindle.
Tighten the balance wheel's clutch knob in prepara-

tion for sewing.
Note: If the thread is wound unevenly on the
bobbin, adjust the bobbin winder thread guide on
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
the bed of the machine. Loosen the screw and
slide the tension thread guide left or right as
needed.
Fig 1 — Loosening the balance wheel

If the bobbin does not fill full enough or overfills
an adjustment is necessary. At the top of the
chrome lever which engages the bobbin there is a
© Sailrite Enterprisethusmb ,ad juIstmnent sccrew.. Turning the screw
counter clockwise will increase the amount of
thread on the bobbin and turning it clockwise will
decrease the amount.

Push here to engage
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Fig 2 — Bobbin on spool pin with thread started
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
The Thread

For sail and canvas work we recommend using
V-30, V-46, V-69, V-92 and V-138 Dacron®
sailm©aker 's Sthreaad oir Tlernaria tMe100 0 Ethreand. Ttheeserprises, Inc.
threads are available in the Sailrite Catalog.
Choose from 5 Dacron thread weights:
V-30 with a No. 12 needle and fabric less than
1 1/2 ounces.
V-46 with No. 14 or 16 needle and fabric less than
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
five ounces.
V-69 with No. 18 needle. Best for fabrics up to
eight ounces and with 9.5 acrylic cover fabrics.
V-92 with 20 needle, fabric up to ten ounces. Continuous filament, spun and monofilament
threads can be used in the Apprentice. Nylon and polyes-
Also used for 9.5 acrylic cover fabric.
ter continuous filament threads have a wide variety of uses
V-138 with No. a 20 or 22 needle and fabric over
from the sheerest lingerie to the heaviest canvas, leather
10 ounces. Note: this heavy thread requires
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
and automotive applications. They feature superior
frequent bobbin changes.
strength, stretch and recovery properties and excellent
resistance to chemicals, bacteria, mildew, wear and
Sizes Tensile Strength Lbs abrasion. Polyester continuous filament thread stands up
to the weather better than nylon and is many times better
Std Gov't Polyester Nylon
than natural fibers for outdoor applications. It is highly
30 AA 4.0 4.5
recommended for marine use.
©46 SB ailri7t.0e E7.n0 terprises, Inc.
Spun thread which is sold in home sewing centers
69 E 10.0 10.5
is not as durable as continuous filament thread. It is best
92 F 13.8 14.0
used for sewing clothing. Spun thread sewability is very
good because the soft surface tends to make tension
With GORE-TEX® \ Tenara™ M1000 Thread
adjustment easy and consistent.
use a #12 or #14 needle. Use for sewing canvas—
Monofilament thread is often used in upholstery
Sunbrella, Stamoid, Boat Top, etc.
because of its clear color.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
See page 11 for thread and needle recom-
mendations for sewing home fabrics.

Installing Bobbin in Bobbin Case Removing and Installing
© Sailrite Enterp thre iBsobebins C,a seInc.
5.Pulloutabout
asixinchtailofthread 1. To remove the bobbin case grasp and lift the spring
Finger
loaded lever and pull the bobbin case out. With the
Springloadedlever lever held open the bobbin is captive in the bobbin
4.Snapthread
case. Release the lever and the bobbin will fall out.
undertensionplate
tothisposition 2. To install the bobbin case pull and hold outward its
© Sailrite Enterprspirinsg loeadesd le,ve r (Ithisn keecps th.e bobbin from falling
3.Continue
out) and push the case onto the axle of the gib hook.
pullingthread
2.Pullthreadthroughslit The finger of the bobbin case should be pointing
undertension
inedgeofbobbincase
plate upward. NOTE: if you hold onto the spring loaded

lever until the bobbin case is completely installed,
Threadedbobbingoesin upon releasing the lever there will be no clicking noise.
withthreadcomingoff
1.Insertbobbin leftside(clockwiserotation) It will simply lock onto the axle. If you release the
© Sailrite Enterprspirinsg loeadesd le,ve r bIefnore tche b.ob bin case is pushed
completely in place, you will hear a click as you push it
all the way on.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
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© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
screw to adjust foot pressure
spool pin

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.

© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Figure 2

Figure 1
©Thre aSdinga tihel Mriactheine EnterpPriciksineg Usp ,th eI Bnobcbin. Thread
1. Turn the balance wheel toward you until the take up
After the machine is threaded and the bobbin/
lever (E) is raised to its highest position.
bobbin case is installed, it is time to pick up the
2. Place a spool of thread on the thread stand and pull
bobbin thread:
the thread up off the top of the cone to the arm loop
of the thread stand. 1. Hold the needle thread loosely in your hand and rotate
the balance wheel toward you until the needle moves
©3. Pa ss Sthe thareaid tlhrorugih tthreead guEide (An) att thee torp prises, Inc.
down and then up to its highest point.
back corner of the face plate.
2. Now pull the needle thread gently. The bobbin thread
4. Continue down to the thread tension regulator and
should come up with it in the form of a loop through the
place the thread between the two tension discs (B),

throat plate needle hole.
bring the thread under and then up the right side (to
your right when looking at the needle end of the 3. Grasp this loop and pull until the end of the bobbin
machine) of the regulator. Next pass the thread over thread appears. If the bobbin thread does not appear
©the mSetal athreiad lguridei (Ct),e and doEwn innto thte eloopr ofpriwshene thes nee,dl e Iis lnowerced a.nd raised, check to be sure
fine wire called the "take-up" or "check" spring (D). that at least 5 or 6 inches of bobbin thread is hanging
loosely from the bobbin case and go through the
5. Continue up to the take-up lever (E) and thread it
procedure again.
through the hole from left to right.
4. When the bobbin thread is exposed, run the needle
6. Pull the thread into the guide in the face plate (F)
thread through the opening in the center of the presser
(Figure 1), through the thread guide at the lower end
foot and lay it back on the throat plate.
of the needle bar (G) and then from left to right,
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
through the eye of the needle. (Figure 2) As you sit in
front of the machine ready to sew, left to right is the
correct threading.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
9
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Starting to Sew set the lever at 12 and then loosen the thumb screw

1. Place the material to be sewn under the presser foot and move the screw up until the restricting cam hits
and use the hand lever to lower the presser foot onto the lever. Tighten the screw and the lever cannot be
the material (see "Hand Lever" previous page).
© Sailrite Enterpmorveid dsowen asny ,fu rthIern thacn 12.. B y the same
2. The thread from the needle and the bobbin should be
token the lever can only be moved up enough to
behind the foot as you start to sew. Hold them down
produce a stitch roughly the same size in reverse.
with your finger.
The numbers on the plate indicates the number of
3. Press the foot control pedal to begin sewing and
stitches per inch: ex.: 12 = 12 stitches in 1 inch. See
release the trapped threads after the first couple of
stitches are made. photo this page.
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
Always turn the balance wheel of the Sewing in Reverse
machine toward you to reduce the possibil- To sew in reverse:
ity of a thread jam in the lower mechanism.
1. Raise the stitch length lever above the center line. The
And never operate the machine (when
higher you place the lever above the center line, the
threaded) without material under the presser
longer the reverse stitch. Note: When switching to
foot. If you do, the machine will most likely
© Sailrite Enterprreviersse bee susre t,he nIeednle isc eith.er all the way down or
"lock up" and be inoperable until the thread jam
all the way up before pushing the lever up.
is cleared (see "Removing the Hook to Clean
2. To return the lever to the forward position follow the
the Race and Free Jams" pp. 13-14).
above notation.
Regulating the Stitch Length
Tension Adjustment
Stitch length is adjusted by moving the stitch
© Sailrite EnterpriUnsdeerstasnd,in g tIhen tenscion. ad justment on a
length lever up and down. All the way down is full
sewing machine is very important. Tension adjust-
stitch length in forward and up is full length in
ment refers to the combination of tension on both
reverse. For outdoor canvas work it is normal to

the upper thread and the bobbin thread. The correct
work with the longest stitch possible. Additional
combination of thread tension (upper and bobbin)
needle penetrations can cause material puckering
results in a stitch that looks identical on both sides of
(called needle pucker). To the left of the lever is a
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
the material. That is, the knots of the stitches are
thumb screw. For the lever to move the full range of
pulled into the fabric and are no more visible on the
stitch length the thumb screw should be tightened at
top than on the bottom.
the b ottom of its travel. The thumb screw moves a
The primary problem when using a heavy
restricting cam which allows for holding a limited
thread is incorrect upper thread tension. When stitch
range of stitch length. In other words, if you don't
tension is a problem, it is usually a consequence of
wan©t to se wS morae thianl 1r2 sitittchees p erE inchn yout ceanrprises, Inc.
too much or too little tension on the upper thread.
Tension changes to the bobbin thread should
only be made if adjustment to upper tension still

leaves room for improvement (see p. 12). Note: in
general bobbin tension requires just a two ounce or
© Sailrite Enterpso drraig osn tehe tshre,ad (Ia dnragc sim.il ar to the one you
feel when you pull dental floss off a spool).
The Apprentice has a thread regulator through
which the upper thread runs (see "Adjusting
Thread Tension" p. 12 and photo below). The
tension knob of the regulator can be turned through
© Sailrite Enterpa rarngie osf aeboust si,x reIvonlutiocns .to compress a
spring that squeezes two disks together. Note that
when the presser foot is lifted the upper tension
© Sailrite Enterprises, Inc.
disks are pushed apart. This is to release the top
10