What is the best type of shuttle in a sewing machine? This question arises in the process of choosing a suitable model of this technical device, which greatly facilitates the work of a person in the sewing process. The continuity of work and the quality of the products obtained is affected by such a seemingly insignificant detail as the shuttle.
What functions is given to this element? What types are there? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What is the best type of shuttle in a sewing machine? We will look for answers to these questions in this article.
General characteristics of the shuttle
Shuttle is one of the most important elements of sewing equipment. Let us consider in more detail what functions this part performs.
When the sewing machine operates above the needle’s eye, a loop is formed that captures the hook nose and expands with the help of the walls. A thread goes around it and goes down the walls. So the stitch is formed.
The operation characteristics of the machine depend on the correct setting of the shuttle. If this part is executed poorly, then in the process of sewing the master will experience a lot of inconvenience, expressed in skipped stitches, breakage of threads and other negative phenomena. The surface of the part should be smooth, without defects. Notches, rust, dirt inhibit the loop sliding, which negatively affects the quality of the stitch.
What type of shuttle to prefer in a sewing machine? Which one handles the functions entrusted to him better? You can answer this question by studying the characteristics of such an important and indispensable part in the operation of the machine, as well as the reviews of the masters.
Varieties
There are three types of shuttles: swing, vertical and horizontal. In varieties of industrial equipment, a vertical shuttle is installed.
Modern sewing machines are mostly equipped with a horizontal shuttle. The item has a special design. The spool in such a machine is mounted on top and placed in the shuttle under the cover.
It is believed that the most common is the swinging type of shuttle. It is installed in such well-known equipment models as The Seagull, Veritas, Bernina. Having become acquainted with the characteristics of each type of detail in more detail, you can determine for yourself which preferred type of shuttle in a sewing machine is. Which is better from the suggested ones, expert advice will also help.
Swinging shuttle
There are three types of sewing shuttle. Which is better and better manifests its characteristics - should be determined by the master working with sewing equipment.
The most common today is the swinging type, which has proven its effectiveness over decades of work in domestic sewing machines. The swing shuttle is installed in sewing machines "The Seagull", "Podolsk".
A feature of such a device is its movement during the operation of the mechanism. The shuttle sways like a pendulum; removes the thread from the needle, leads it to the reset position, and after that it returns to its previous position.
To configure the operation of such a machine is quite difficult. For accuracy and correctness of the line, it is necessary to take into account several parameters at the same time. This is especially true for typewriter brand "The Seagull." If set incorrectly, looping, gaps, etc. appear.
Old and new type of swing shuttle
Considering how the sewing shuttle of the swinging type is arranged, a few words should be said about the varieties of this item of equipment that differ in operational characteristics. There are shuttles of the old and new type. The second option is preferable (for example, in the Bernina typewriter), as it has an improved design.
Old-style shuttles are demanding that the sewing process is carried out correctly. To prevent nicks from appearing on the nose, do not pull the fabric with your hand. Otherwise, the material and the needle will move at the same time. In this case, the shuttle nose will fall into the needle and become dull.
In the new varieties of the swinging shuttle, all elements are securely fixed in one position. It will not work to reset the settings yourself. In such mechanisms, you do not need to configure the work. Unfortunately, the brand of cars "The Seagull" can not boast of such characteristics. Therefore, over time, various failures may appear in her work.
Advantages and disadvantages of the swing shuttle
We looked at swinging types of sewing shuttles. Which one is better: old or new, can be determined in the process of work, based on the given loads. In old-style shuttles, the shaft is firmly connected to the main lever of metal. With an increase in load during operation, such a machine will be able to fulfill its functions fully.
There are a number of advantages of a swing shuttle:
1. All its elements are made of metal. This makes the part durable.
2. Adjusting the thread tension is quick and easy.
3. The cost of a machine with such a mechanism is much less than equipment with other types of shuttles.
Also, the speed of sewing products is low compared to new types of equipment. The disadvantages of the work should also include noise, vibration and limited operations.
If the machine is needed for sewing clothes only for yourself and your family (not for sale), a swing shuttle is one of the best options.
Features of Vertical Shuttle
Before buying sewing equipment you need to decide which sewing shuttle is better. Vertical shuttle is recommended as one of the preferred options. It is installed in expensive cars, such as Brother PR 655, VR, Bernina 880, as well as Bernina 5th and 7th series.
The vertical shuttle moves in a circle and is the most durable variety, which is able to work almost without a glitch.
In addition to a long service life, machines equipped with a vertical shuttle are characterized by high speed. They exclude the appearance of looping or breakage of the thread, provided that initially the equipment was correctly put into operation. If there are deviations in the operation of the shuttle of this type, it is easy to configure.
Vertical Shuttle Service
Considering which shuttle in the sewing machine is better, you should pay attention to the rules for servicing the vertical variety. It is never taken apart. However, periodically, the vertical hook requires lubrication, which covers all moving, rubbing elements of the tool. Do not apply too much grease, otherwise it will get on the fabric and ruin it.
The sewing machine, in which the vertical shuttle is installed, allows you to increase the stitch length to 6 mm, as well as expand the stitch width to 9 mm. Therefore, a similar variety of parts is used in manufacturing workshops for sewing clothes. For home use, a vertical shuttle machine is also sometimes purchased.
Presented equipment is characterized by high cost. It is suitable for those who sew a lot. For a professional seamstress, such a machine with a vertical shuttle will allow you to process various types of fabrics.
Horizontal shuttle
Horizontal or vertical shuttle in a typewriter? Which is better to choose, so as not to lose money with the quality and speed of work?
In the first embodiment, the part will not have a bobbin case, which is considered one of the most convenient types of design. In this case, the bobbin will be inserted immediately into the shuttle.
The design allows you to visually determine how much thread is left in the spool and how it is removed from the shuttle. The benefits of a horizontal shuttle include:
- quick refueling of the spool;
- silent work;
- high speed;
- lack of need for regular greasing;
- simplicity of design to avoid tangling the thread.
This is a convenient type of equipment that will create stitches softly and very high quality.
A feature of the horizontal type part is a complex procedure for regulating the tension of the lower thread. This setting is done using a small screw located in the side of the shuttle plate. However, such a procedure is rarely required.
Features of horizontal shuttle
Determining which type of shuttle is best in a sewing machine, one should consider in more detail the features of horizontal shuttles. Such parts are almost always made of durable plastic. This feature defines the rules of operation of the machine.
The manufacturer's instructions clearly indicate which varieties of thread can be used in the equipment. In case of violation of the manufacturer's recommendations, the shuttle will quickly become unusable, and it will already be possible to configure its work in this case. A worn shuttle becomes the cause of gaps, loops and a number of other problems. In this case, the part requires replacement.
The cost of this type of mechanism is small. Therefore, buying a sewing machine with a horizontal shuttle, it is better to buy another (or a couple) in reserve.
Expert Advice
When determining which type of shuttle is best in a sewing machine, you should read the reviews of professionals. This will make the right decision in the process of choosing sewing equipment.
Experts claim that the swing shuttle is made of durable, reliable materials. It is an order of magnitude more durable than modern horizontal varieties of parts. However, it has a number of disadvantages. To remove the spool, it will take more time than in modern varieties of technology. Also, the part will make noise during operation.
The swing shuttle limits the sewing speed. But the cost of such machines is much less compared to modern counterparts. For sewing clothes in small volumes, it is better to prefer this option. For experts, experts recommend using a vertical or horizontal type of shuttle.
User reviews
User reviews will also help determine which type of shuttle is best in a sewing machine. When choosing the best type of equipment should take into account the personal preferences of the master, who will work on it. If the seamstress worked for many years on a typewriter with a swinging type of shuttle, it would most likely be inconvenient to apply horizontal varieties to her. In this case, it is recommended to buy the usual equipment that corresponds to the skills of the needlewoman.
If the machine is purchased for a beginning seamstress, users are advised to give preference to a horizontal shuttle. When used correctly, this part will last a long time and provide a high speed of operation. Professionals should give preference to a vertical shuttle.
Having considered which shuttles are used in sewing machines, as well as their characteristic features, everyone will be able to choose the best option for themselves.