The shuttle is an important part of any sewing machine, responsible for the formation of the stitch stitches. It got its name precisely from the original swinging type, by analogy with the boat swinging on waves.
What is a swing shuttle in a sewing machine, its characteristics
The swinging shuttle of the sewing machine performs reciprocating movements during operation according to the principle of the pendulum. Each of these pairs of movements is the creation of another stitch. A bobbin case with a bobbin of bobbin thread is inserted into the shuttle mechanism. During operation, the shuttle captures the upper thread that has fallen along with the needle with a special tongue, expands the loop and traces it around the bobbin with the lower thread. The loop formed is reset and displayed in the next stitch.
ATTENTION!With excessive tension of the thread or fabric, loop formation can be lost, which leads to the winding of the thread around the shuttle mechanism. In no case can such a breakdown be eliminated by brute force. To solve the problem, you need to invite a repair specialist.
This is an old, familiar sewing method that has been used since the very first sewing machines. It has many advantages, but many disadvantages, especially when compared with modern modifications of shuttles and sewing machines.
The benefits include:
- reliability of parts and the entire structure as a whole: all structural parts are made of steel, including the shuttle mechanism;
- the ability to carry out repairs without replacing parts;
- ease of maintenance, availability of cleaning and lubrication;
- long term of operation.
This is true for both mechanical sewing machines and electric machines.For home use, when the sewing process is intended solely to meet family needs, swinging machines are the most suitable option.
The disadvantages include the following:
- limited stitch length, respectively, the ability to work only with light fabrics and fabrics of medium thickness;
- low speed;
- high noise level;
- excessive vibration.
The latest types of shuttle mechanisms eliminate these problems, but it should be borne in mind that this affects the price of the sewing machine. Swing type machines are the most budget option.
What other types of shuttles are
Modern types of shuttle mechanisms are divided into horizontal and vertical.
What does horizontal shuttle mean? A similar part is located under a transparent cover in the center of the working field of the machine. In this case, the shuttle mechanism lies horizontally, the bobbin case is completely absent, and the bobbin is put directly into the shuttle. Through the transparent cover, the whole process of weaving the threads into stitches is clearly visible. A good fixation and adjustment of the shuttle mechanism allows you to work without failures, eliminating the possibility of tangling threads. Machines with a horizontal shuttle mechanism scribble quickly and without vibration. Low noise level is another important advantage of such units. But their main advantage is the ability to use any type of fabric and thread.
There is one significant drawback of horizontal shuttle type machines. Most of their parts, including the shuttle itself, are made of plastic. Plastic is less resistant to heavy loads than metal. If cracks occur in the plastic, the part cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced.
ATTENTION!It must be remembered that most parts of machines with a horizontal shuttle are made of plastic and not allow for heavy loads. It is better to take care in advance of the availability of a set of spare parts, and above all an additional shuttle in case of failure of the working one.
Machines with a vertical type of shuttle are mainly used in industrial production. The shuttle mechanism in them is powerful, made of metal. His work is continuous full rotation, allowing you to make significant stitches on fabrics of any density at high speeds.
In this case, units with a vertical type are divided into several subtypes, determined depending on the method of movement of the mechanism.
Subtypes of vertical machines:
- with double-fitting - the shuttle makes the stitch in two turns: the first thread is removed from the needle, the second loop is created;
- rotational - rotate in the same plane as the working shaft of the sewing machine;
- rotating - make circular movements counterclockwise.
In such powerful machines, the connection with the main mechanism is made using special belt drives, which gives additional acceleration to the sewing process.
ATTENTION!The belt mechanism may slip off the abutment tooth and even break if the machine is not operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. You must not allow continuous operation of the machine at high speeds - you certainly need to make small pauses in work.
How to choose the right shuttle
Those who have seriously decided to do sewing do not choose the type of shuttle, but the type of sewing machine as a whole. However, it is best to choose a device if you understand its capabilities, but for this it’s still worthwhile to focus on the type of shuttle mechanism.
If the machine will be used rarely and only for domestic needs, the option of a swinging shuttle device in it is quite acceptable. Moreover, such an aggregate is the best budget option.
If the seamstress plans to engage in continuous sewing at home or open her own atelier, to fulfill complex orders from different types of fabrics, then it is better to focus on units with a horizontal shuttle mechanism. This option is more expensive, but speed and variety of features are important factors in favor of its choice.
With an industrial way of operating a sewing machine, the most correct is the choice of a vertical shuttle device.
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