UnionSpecial 61400 Series Instruction sheet

FINEST QUALITY
STYLES
6l400A
614008
61400E
61400F
61400G
61400H
61400J
61400N
61400P
61400R
61400S
61400AA
61400BA
CATALOG
No.
83R
Third Edition
®
INDUSTRIAL
SEWING
LEWI S • COLUMBIA
MACHINES
UNITY SEWING SUPPLY CO.
. 824 E. 8th St.
Loa Angeles, CA 90021'
CLASS 61400
STREAMLINED
HIGH SPEED LOCKSTITCH MACHINES
CORPORATION
CHICAGO
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

•
Here are
Oil Specifications
for Union Special
Sewing Machines
Specification 174 specifies a high quality pet-
roleum oi l, viscosity 100 seconds at 100°F. Recom-
mended for all oiling applications on high speed
machines.
Specification 175 specifies a high quality pet-
roleum oil, viscosity 100 seconds at 100°F., water
white or with a maximum A.S.T.M. color number of
1. For use where freedom from oil staining is para-
mount.
Specification 87 specifies a high quality pet-
roleum oil, viscosity 300 seconds at 100°F.
Spec ifi cation 100 specifies a general purpose
high qua li ty grease for use in ball bearings and trans-
mi tters . It is s im ilar to commerc ial N.L.G.I., grease No.
3. Where No. 3 grease is not obtainable, No. 2 may be
used.
UNION SPECIAL
SPECIFICATION NO. 174 175 87
Viscosity S.S.U. at lOOoF 90-125 90-125
300-350
Flash (Min.) 350 350 350
Pour (Max.)
20 20 20
Color A.S.T.M . (M ax.) 3 3
Neutralization No. (Max.) 0.10 0.10 0.10
Viscosi ty In dex
(D & D Min.) 85 85 85
Compounding
None None None
Copper Corrosion (Max.)
1A 1A
1A
*A nline No.
1 75-225 175-225 175-225
*Used with Buna N Rubber "0" Retainers
'
'
NOTE 1: The use of non-corrosive additi v es in oils
meeting above classification is desirable but not
essential. These may include:
1. Ox idation inhibitors
2. Rust inhibitors
3. Lub ricity additives
4. Anti-oxidants
5. Film strength additives
These addi tives must be completely soluble in the oi l
and not removable by wick feeding nor shall th ey
separate.
NOTE 2: Oils con t aining the following type additives
sha ll not be used at any time:
1. E xtreme pressure add it ives-corrosive
2. Tackiness or adhesive additives
3. Lead soap additives
4. Detergents
®
fiNUl 0UA;lll1'
CORPORATION
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

November, 197 4
Catalog No. 83 R
LIST OF PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
ADJUSTING AND· OPERATING
Class 61400
Streamlined Lockstitch
Styles
61400 A
61400 B
61400 E
61400 F
61400 G
61400 H
61400
61400 J
61400 N
61400 p
61400 R
61400 s
·61400AA
BA
Third Edition
Copyright 19 55
By
Union Special Corporation
Rights Reserved in All Countries
CORPORATION
INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES
CHICAGO
Printed in U.S.A.
3
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

FOREWORD
The dominating idea back of "Union Special" is to build the best
industrial sewing machines in the world. The new high speed Stream-
lined Lockstitch machines are a pronounced achievement along these
lines. All parts are made to precision gauges insuring complete
interchangeability. A few of the outstanding new features are:
1. Streamlined design. Pleasing in appearance, this natural func-
tional design provides greater stability and ruggedness, free from
difficult-to-clean recesses.
2. Simplified oiling. Automatically supplies oil to lower main
shaft bearings, feed rocker and feed lift bearings and not only
eliminates all oil holes in cloth plate but also does away with hand
lubrication commonly required below bed plate.
3. Acceleration. The new Streamlined Lockstitch is brought to top
speed in an instant - for higher productive rates and lower costs.
4. Push button control, for quick, easy adjustment of stitch length.
With a stitch length indicator of the comparison type, using letters
as a means of reference to predetermine stitch lengths.
It is our constant aim to furnish carefully prepared information
that will enable the customer to secure all possible economies and
advantages from the use of Union Specials. The following pages con-
tain valuable operating and adjusting data and illustrate and describe
the parts for Styles in Class 61400 Streamlined Lockstitch machines.
An additional catalog, containing information relative to these
machines, and which will be furnished on request, is listed below:
Catalog No. 45 N Needle Manual
Union Special representatives will be found in all manufacturing
centers, ready to cooperate with you to plan and estimate requirements.
CORPORATION
Engineering Department
5
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

APPLICATION OF CATALOG
Thi s cata l og applies only to the standard sty l es of machines as listed herein. It can also be
applied with discretion to the special machines in Class 61400. All references to directions, such
as right and left, front and back, etc., are taken from the operator ' s position while seated at the
machine.
IDENTIFICATION OF MACHINE
Each Union' Specia l machine carries a sty le number which is stamped in the name plate on the
machine . Style numbers are classified as standard and Sfecial. Those which are standard have one
or more l etters suffixed, but never contain t he l etter
11
Z1• Exam pl e:
11
61400 A
11
• Style numbers con -
taining the l etter ''Z
11
are special.
Styles of machines similar in construction are gro uped under a class number which differs from
the sty le number in that it contains no l etters . Examp le:
11
61400
11
•
STYLES OF MACHINES IN CLASS 61400 STREAMLINED LOCKSTITCH
*6 1400 A For plain seaming, 1 9164 inch needle bar travel. Accessories No . 29480 AJ included .
Plain edge guide No. 61203 or 61203 A and attaching screw No. 22551 A or three-way
edge guide No . 61303 E with attaching screw No . G26 will be furnished gratis when
specified. All ot h er guides and attachments are extra. (Specify feed dog, presser foot,
throat plat e, attachments, guides, stitches per inch, thread number, needle type and
size).
~~ 61400 B Same as Sty le 61400 A, except it has 1 13164 inch needle bar travel .
*6140 0 E Non - adjusted machine prepared to receive Columbia pinking attachment, 1 9I64 inch
needle bar travel, no sewing parts included. Accessories No . 29480 AJ included .
(Specify needl e type and size) .
*614 00 F Same as Style 61400 E, except it includes sewing part s and Co lumbiapinking attachment
for plain seaming and simultaneous pinkin g operations on light to medium work, such
as house dr e ss es, slips, etc . (Specify needle type and size).
'~ 61400 G Non - adj usted machine prepared to receive L ewis pin ki ng attachment, 1 9 I64 inch needle
bar trave l, plain feed, no sewing parts included. Accessories No. 29480 AJ included .
(Specify needle type and size).
*6 1400 H Same as Style 61400 G, except it includes sewing parts and Lewis pinking attachment,
for plain seaming and simultaneous pinking operation on light to medium work such as
house dresses, slips, etc. (Specify needle type and size).
* 61400 J Same as Sty le 61400 A, except equipped with a quick stitch change mechanism that will
pr oduce two pred etermined stitch l engt hs by instant adjustment.
*614 00 N Equipped with power driven top roller feed to right of needle, 1 9I64 inch needle b ar
travel, for attaching collar bands to dress shirts and hemming tails of sport or dress
shirts , etc. Accessories No. 29480 AJ inc luded. (Specify feed dog, presser foot, throat
plate, feed roll er, guides, stitches per inch, thread number, needle type and size).
~ ~ 61400 P Equipped with power driven to p roller feed to rear of needle, 1 9I 64 inch needle bar
trave l, for attaching sleeve facings to work and dress shirts . Accessories No . 29480 AJ
included . (Specify feed dog, pr esser foot, throat plate, feed roller, guides, stitches
per inch, thread number, need le type and size).
* 61400 R Same as Style 61400 N, except it has 1 13164 inch needle bar travel. (Specify feed dog,
presser foot, throat plate, feed roller, guides, stitches per inch , thread number,
needle type and size).
*6 1400 S Same as Style 61400 P, except it has 1 13164 inch needle bar travel. (Specify feed dog,
pr esser foot, throat plate, feed roller, guides, stitches per inch, thread number,
needle type and s iz e).
'~6 1400 AA Same as Style 61400 A, except without accessor ie s. We do furnish one extra bobbin,
spool pin, two hinge studs and two No . 22585 A screws for attachment.
* 61400 BA Same as Style 61400 B, except without accessories. We do furn ish one extra bobbin,
spool pin, two hinge studs and two No . 22585 A screws for attachment.
* No lon ger available.
-6-
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

ILLUSTRATIONS OF STANDARD LOCKSTI TCH MACIDNES
61400 A
61400 B
61400 N
61400 R
-7-
tH400 G
N ot e: See page 81 for pi nker
r epa ir parts.
61400 p
61400 s
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Other equipment which may be applied to Union Special Lockstitch machines is
the Fowler Trimmer. This attachment is furnished by the Fowler Mach ine and
Attachment Company , 112 8 Broadway, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Your inquiries regarding this equipment wi ll be promptly attended to. The
illustration below shows the Fowler Trimmer installed on a Style 61 100 C skirt
taping machine.
Fowler Trimm er
-8-
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING ACCESSORIES 29480 AJ'
OR 29480 CG ~ISOLATORS ZS480AK ONTO TABLEBOARD.S
21371NB
1
ZI.371NO (ALL LENGTHS)
ASSEMBLY
NS 61471M
666-IG6
il-lal~~===::::::::2:__ ___ 21.3 9 3 F
TABLe BOARD
21371 NB-42,-4B~-s4,-6o
21371 N0-42,-48;-54
1
60
NOTE.;
PART
END OF 150/...ATORS
MAY BE. rRIMMED
70 BRING CLOTH
PLATE FLUSH
WITH TABLE. BOARO
POSITION OIL PAN BY NA /LING
AT 1?/MPLES IN ~~D.PROPER
POSITION PROVIDESDRAINING
TO !He RIGHT FI<'OIVTCCY<NER
SC 32.9A 21662 C
THE TWONAILS SECUR/NGL.EATHER
ISOLATOR TO TABLE BOARO
MVST Be LOW ENOVGH TO
CLEAR BED
ASSEMBLY
NR21660C
PERIMETER Or
BED MUST CONTACT
rHE TWO LEATHER
ISOLATORS ONLY.
IF BED CONTACTS
BOARA VIBRA-
TION WILL BE
TRANSMITTED
:ttc 2.13S3 T INCLUDED WITH 2!1480 CG FOR 61.900 WITH PINKER
-9-
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

INSTALLING
Each machine before it leaves the factory is sewed off, inspected, and carefully packed. When
the machine
reaches the customer it is ready for service. Because o~ all the precaution taken by
those who handle the machine, the customer needs only to place it in its proper position in the table
and make only the ordinary settings to adapt the machine to the material he wishes to sew.
ASSEMBLY PARTS
A bag of assembly parts, consisting of one spool pin, one extra bobbin, two hinge studs, and two
screws for holding miscellaneous attachments to the bed plate is packed with each machine.
After unpacking the machine assemble the spool pin (K, Fig. 3).
Push the hinge studs into position in the holes provided at the rear of the machine. The studs
are slotted so that a tight fit can be easily made.
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Also included with each machine is a box of standard accessories containing one bobbin winder
assembly, one drip pan, one oil drain jar and clamp spring, one knee lifter assembly and rubber pad,
one machine
rest pin, two hinge plates and screws, four felt pads and necessary nails. These parts
are indispensable when setting up the machine.
TABLE TOPS
Lockstitch machines are installed in table tops prepared with cut out, so that the bed plate is
flush with the top of the table.
Standard
table tops are available for isolated mounting on all types of installations and drives.
Isolated mounting parts are not included with table tops and must be ordered separately. The
installation of isolated mounting parts is shown in (Fig. 1). For table tops not prepared for isolated
mounting, felt pads are furnished with the accessories for isolating. The nails for these pads
should be driven horizontally as indicated on the right end of cut-out (Fig. 1).
When assembling the hinge plates to the table tops, be sure to locate them as accurately as
possible, so that the hinge studs, attached to the machine, can swing properly in the plate.
Special care should be taken that machine does not contact the sides of the cut-out at any point.
KNEE PRESS
The knee press is attached to Union
Special table tops at the location designated
by punch marks on the underside. For other
boards locate the knee press so that the
center of the shaft is 8-1/4 inches from the
right side of the cut-off. The knee press
assembly should appear as in (Fig. 2).
DRIP PAN
The
drip pan is attached to Union
Special table tops at the indentation marks
on the inside of the cut-out, using the nails
furnished with the accessories (Fig. 1).
For other table tops, the drip pan should be
set high enough to clear the knee press and
low enough to
clear the botton of the
machine. It should be laterally located so
that it is directly under the base of the
machine.
Fig. 2
-10-
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Fig. 3
-11 ..
F'tLL MAIN
R£StRVot~ HE"R£
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

INSTALLING (Continued)
BOBBIN WINDER
The bobbin winder should be secured to the table top so that its pulley will be located directly
in front of the sewing machine belt and will bear against the belt when in operation. The base of the
winder has two elongated attaching holes, which allows the mechanism to be moved closer to or far-
ther away from belt as needed. The pulley of the winder, when in operation should exert only enough
pressure against the belt to wind the bobbin. Re~ulation and operation of the bobbin winder is de-
scribed under "Threading and Winding the Bobbin '.
BELTS
These machines are equipped to use either No. 1 "V" or round belt.
LUBRICATION
CAUTION!!
The oil has been drained from the main reservoir,
the hook shaft gear case, and the hook oil reservoir
before shipment and these reservoirs must be filled
before starting to operate. Lubricate machine thor-
oughly in accordance with instructions and run slowly
for several minutes to distribute the oil to the various
parts. Full speed operation can then be expected with-
out damage.
RECOMMENDED OILS
Use a straight mineral oil of a Saybolt viscosity of
90 to 125 seconds at 100° F. in hook oil reservoir,
main reservoir, and hook shaft gear case. This is
equivalent to Union Special oil specification No. 174.
Stainless water white straight mineral oil of the
same viscosity as that described in the preceding para-
graph can be used in the hook oil reservoir, the stain-
less oil is Union Special specification No. 17&.
Oils conforming to spec~fication No. 174 or 175 may also be used in the manually oiled places.
For trouble free operation, oil the machine as indicated in the diagram (Fig. 3).
With needle bar at the top of its stroke, oil the holes (A) twice daily. In oiling hole (B), very
little oil sllould be used and only around the outer edges of the needle bar. Do not put oil into the
hole in the needle bar as it will flow out when machine is operated at high speed. A can of oil, No.
28604 J, is included with the accessories packed with the machine. It contains a sufficient quantity
to fill all the reservoirs. The main reservoir is filled through oil cup (C) and the supply is usually
replenished about twice a month. However, the oil level should be checked from time to time'and
kept between the lines on the gauge (D).
Th"e hook oil reservoir is filled at plug screw (E) and its level should be checked twice daily
and kept between the lines on the gauge (F).
The hook shaft gear case is filled at the plug screw hole (L). A quantity of oil sufficient to
bring the level up to the plug screw hole, when the machine is tilted back against the rest pin, should
be used. Remove plug screw and check the level of oil about every six months.
On Styles 61400 N, 61400 P, 61400 R, 61400 S, holes (M) should be oiled sparingly each day.
CAUTION! I
Do not use a compounded oil in the hook oil reservoir, feeding drive shaft gear case, or hook
shaft gear case, as these oils separate and froth.
-12-
·t
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

CAUTION!!
A
Fig. 5
LUBRICATION (Continued)
0
Lubrication of the mechanism below the
bed plate is automatically accomplished
through the feed driving shaft which is tubu-
lar. Oil is introduced into the shaft at the
gear end by means of an oil distributing plate
(A, Fig. 5) which is secured to the large gear
case cover (B) by means of two screws (C)
and retaining block (D).
Should it ever become necessary to re-
move any of the parts from the gear case, it
is imperative that the adjustment of the oil
distributing plate be checked very carefully.
This can be done by removing the large plug
screw at the right end of the gear housing and
looking through the hole. The low point of the
oil distributing plate must be even with or
slightly below the center of shaft (E) and just
touching it. This is a very important adjust-
ment as the functioning of the automatic lu-.
brication of the lower part of the machine de-
pends upon it.
NEEDLES
TYPE NUMBERS AND SIZES
Each needle has a type number and size number. The former denotes the kind of shank, point,
length of groove, finish and other details. The latter denotes the largest diameter of the blade,
measured in thousandths of an inch across the eye, and is stamped in the needle shank. Collectively,
the type number and the size number is the complete symbol.
To h?-ve orders promptly and accurately filled, the empty package, a sample needle, or the
type and S1ze number should be given. See marks on packages. A complete order would read as
follows: "1000 Needles Type 183 GXS, Size 040".
Needle Types 180 GXS or 180 GYS are recommended for Styles 61400 B, 61400 R, 61400 S.
Needle Types 183 GXS, 183 GYS are recommended for Styles 61400 A, 61400 E, 61400 F 61400 G
61400 H, 61400 N. 61400 P. I I
TYPE NO.
180 GXS
180 GYS
183 GXS
183 GYS
DESCRIPTION AND SIZES
Lockstitch, short length, ball eye, single groove, wide angle groove, struck
groove, deep spot, ball point, chromium plated - sizes • 028, • 032, . 036, • 040,
•
044, • 048, • 054, • 060.
Lockstitch, short length, ball eye, single groove, wide angle groove, struck
groove, deep spot, chromium plated - sizes • 028, . 032, • 036, • 040, • 044,
• 048, • 054, • 060.
Lockstitch, extra short length, ball eye, single groove, wide angle groove,
struck groove, deep spot, ball point, chromium plated - sizes • 028, • 032, • 036,
• 040, • 044.
Lockstitch, extra short length, ball eye, single groove, wide angle groove,
struck groove, deep spot, chromium plated - sizes • 028, • 032, • 036, • 040,
• 044.
SELECTING THE SIZE OF THE NEEDLE
The strength requirement of the seam produced is largely dependent on the size of the thread
employed. The quality of the work desired is largely dependent on the size of the needle employed.
On heavy work, the penetration of which requires a sturdy needle, it is advisable to use a compara-
tively large size needle for a given size .thread.
The following table shows the preferred size of needle for a given size and kind of thread. The
choice, however, should give consideration to the factors referred to above, which may dictate the
selection of a needle size slightly larger or smaller than the size specified.
-13-
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NEEDLES (Continued)
SELECTING THE SIZE
OF THE NEEDLE (Continued)
COTTON MERCERIZED NEEDLE f
THREAD SIZE THREAD SIZE SIZE
20____________________________ 060
30 B
-------------------054 to 060
36 A 048 to 054
40 A 044 to 048
50 0 044 to 048
60
00 040 to 044
70
000 036 to 040
80 0000 032 to 036
90
0000 032 to 036
100 028 to 032
OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS
THREAD
While the
direction of the twist in the bobbin thread is immaterial, the direction the hook rotates
favors the use of a left twist thread in the needleo To determine the direction of twist grasp a short
length of thread between the thumb and forefinger of both handso Turn the thread away from you with
the
right hando H the strands unwind it is a left twist; if the strands wind tighter it is a right twisto
SELECTING THE HOOK ASSEMBLY
Due to variations in the sizes of needle thread used, two hook assemblies have been provided.
For sizes 30-4 to 16-4 thread, the use of Noo L628 hook assembly is recommended and for sizes
smaller than 30-4 No. 29474 F should be usedo
REMOVING THE BOBBIN
CASE
To remove the bobbin case, turn handwheel in operating direction
until the needle reaches its highest position. Using the left hand reach
under the table, open the bobbin case latch (A, Fig. 6) and pull the
bobbin
case out of the sewing hook.
Opening the latch retains the bobbin in the caseo When the latch
is closed the bobbin is released and can readily be removedo
WINDING THE BOBBIN
Thread the bobbin winder by leading the thread from the supply Figo 6
down through the
eyelet (A, Fig. 7), down between the tension discs,
and under the tension post. Press an empty bobbin on the winder
shaft (B) up to the stop, wind the end of thread around the bobbin a few turns in a clockwise direction,
and press downwardly on hand lever (C) until pulley is moved into contact with machine belt, and is
locked in that position. When the machine is operated, the bobbin will be rotated and filled until the
thread engages the automatic throw-out member, which disengages the pulley. The extent to which
the bobbin
is filled can be varied by regulating the screw (D).
The tension
post bracket is mounted on the winder base, and can be shifted from left to right by
loosening
screw (E) so that any tendency of the bobbin to wind unevenly may be readily corrected.
-14-
(
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OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
WINDING THE BOBBIN (Continued)
The
purpose of the bobbin winder is to assure the operator of a full bobbin at all times. When
the bobbin
in the machine is used up, replace it with a full one and begin to wind the empty bobbin im-
mediately. Bobbins can be rewound while the machine is sewingo
Fig. 7
THREADING THE BOBBIN CASE
The bobbin case should be held between the thumb, second and third fingers of the left hand
(A, Fig. 8).
The bobbin should be held between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand (B) with the thread
coming off the bottom of the bobbin.
Fig. 8
Place the bobbin in the bobbin
case. In one continuous motion with
the thumb and forefinger of the right
hand draw the bobbin thread through
the diagonal
slot in bobbin case (A,
Fig. 9) under the tension spring and
into
corner of spring (B). Note the
direction of the rotation of the bobbin
as the end of the thread is pulled when
looking
at the bobbin case from the
back. The bobbin should
rotate coun-
terclockwise.
REPLACING THE BOBBIN CASE
Fig. 9
Have the needle bar at its highest position, allow about two and one half inches of thread to hang
free. The bobbin case latch should be opened with the left hand and by reaching under the table and
through the opening
in the table it should be placed part way into the sewing hook. The latch should
then be
released and bobbin case snapped into position.
INSERTING THE NEEDLE
Insert the needle in the needle bar as far as it will go, with the spot or scarf
toward the right facing the handwheel. Tighten the set screw securely.
The cross hole in needle bar, about 1/4 inch from end (A, Fig. 10) is to show
the
operator when the needle has been inserted as far up as it will go, and to pro-
vide a means for cleaning accumulated lint from needle hole so needle will seat
properly.
-15-
Fig. 10
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
THREADING THE NEEDLE
Threading
diagram (Figo 3) shows the places where the needle thread passes. Please note that
the needle
thread passes through the needle eye from left to right.
PREPARATION FOR
SEWING
With the left hand hold the end of the needle thread, leaving it slack, and turn the handwheel in
operating direction until the needle moves down and up again to its highest position. Pull up the
needle
thread and the bobbin thread will come up with it through the needle hole in throat plateo Draw
both
threads under the presser footo
TENSIONS
A perfect stitch is one in which the needle thread and bobbin thread are locked together in the
center of the material being sewed. A stitch of this kind is secured by regulating the tensions on both
threads.
BOBBIN THREAD TENSION
The tension on the bobbin case is applied by means of a set screw
(A, Fig. 11) which regulates tension spring (B). The tension on the
spring is correct when it is just sufficient to hold the case and bobbin,
suspended
by the bobbin thread.
Remove the bobbin case from the bobbin case holder and turn
set screw in spring in a clockwise direction to apply more tensions
or counterclockwise to release tension.
When the bobbin
thread tension is correct it rarely becomes
necessary to make any changes as varying the needle thread tension
will usually
attain a good stitch.
NEEDLE THREAD TENSION
The needle thread tension is varied by turning the tension reg-
ulating nut (G, Fig. 3). Turning the nut in a clockwise direction in-
creases the tension and counterclockwise decreases the tension.
This should not be done when the presser foot is in its raised position,
and
is generally done while the machine is sewing on a piece of scrap
material.
TO CHANGE THE STITCH LENGTH
Press plunger (H, Fig. 3) in firmly. While holding plunger in, turn handwheel in op~ra~ng
direction until stitch regulating finger is felt to drop into the slot of feed eccentric. Continuing to
hold the plunger in, turn handwheel in operating direction to in-
Fig. 12
crease the stitch length and in opposite direction to decrease
the stitch length.
Comparative
stitch lengths are indicated by the graduations
on the
dial (1) in bed plate, ranging from S (Short) to L (Long).
Release the plunger.
PRESSURE ON MATERIAL
The
presser spring should exert only enough pressure to
make the work feed uniformly. To
increase the pressure on the
presser foot turn the presser spring regulator (A, Fig. 12) in
clockwise direction. Turning the regulator counterclockwise
decreases the pressure.
-16-
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MECHANIC'S INSTRUCTIONS
SETTING THE NEEDLE
BAR TO HEIGHT
The lower needle
bar bushing, the one to which the needle bar is timed, is set at the factory, the
distance
from the bottom of bushing (B, Fig. 13) to the throat plate seat is 2-9/32 inches.
The four
lines engraved on the needle bar are used in
setting the
bar to height and are referred to as timing lines.
The upper two
lines are used with the extra short length Type
183 GC or 183 GL needles which are recommended for Styles
61400 A, 61400 E, 61400 F, 61400 G, 61400 H, 61400 N,
61400 P.
The lower two lines are used with the short length Type
180 GL needles which are recommended for Styles 61400 B,
61400 R, 61400 S.
When the needle bar is at its lowest position the upper
timing line (A) of the
pair selected, dependent on the needle
being used, should be even with the lower edge of the lower
needle
bar bushing (B). To change the position of the needle
bar turn the handwheel until the needle bar is at its lowest
position, then loosen clamp screw (D) and move the
bar to the
proper timing line. Keeping the needle bar link at its lowest
position, retighten
screw securely.
D
Fig. 13
The illustration (Fig. 13) shows the proper setting of the needle bar on Style 61400A using extra
short needles Types 183GNS or 183GPS. The setting of the needle bar on Style 61400 B using short
needles Types 180GNS or 180GPS is accomplished in the same manner except that the lower pair of
timing marks on the needle bar is used.
TIMING THE HOOK
Tip the machine back so that it rests on the rest pin
in the table top. Insert a new needle. Loosen the two
screws and swing out the bobbin case positioning finger
(B, Fig. 14). Loosen the three set screws (A) in the hook
and hold the hook and bobbin
case holder in such a position
as to prevent interference with the needle. Tum the hand-
wheel
in operating direction until the needle bar is at its
lowest position, continue to turn the handwheel until the
needle
is ascending and the lowest timing mark of the pair
used {C, Fig. 13) in setting the needle bar is even with the
lower edge of the needle
bar bushing (B).
Turn the hook on the shaft until the point of the hook
is even with the center of the needle and as close to the
needle
as possible without deflecting it. A spacing of .003
to .005 inch between
the needle and the
point of the hook
Fig.
14 is satisfactory.
With the hook in
this position,
tighten the
set screw opposite the hook point securely.
Then tighten two remaining screws securely and recheck
the timing of hook with the needle at which time the top
of the eye of the needle should be about
1/64 inch below
the bottom of the hook point.
If this condition does not
exist, recheck the setting of the needle bar bushing in re-
lation to the throat plate seat.
Adjust the bobbin
case holder positioning finger by
turning the bobbin
case holder until the finger recess is
at the top.. Place the projection on the finger into the
bobbin
case holder recess and tighten the finger attach-
ing screws securely, allowing 1/32 inch clearance between
the outside edge of projection and inside edge of bobbin
case recess (Fig. 15).
-17-
Fig. 15
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

MECHANIC'S INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
HOOK LUBRICATION
Insert the bobbin case in the hook and run the machine. CAUTION! Do not run the machine
without the bobbin
case in the hook, as hook damage may result. After a minute of running, place a
piece of white
paper directly below the hook, continue running the machine, check the delivery of oil
from the hooko The hook is properly lubricated when a definite pattern of oil appears on the test
paper after a five second runo
Running through the middle of the hook shaft is an oil metering insert pin which controls the
flow of
oil to the hooko An occasional cleaning of this insert pin will insure its proper operationo
To withdraw the pin from the hook shaft, the hook must first be removedo The end of the insert
pin has an internal thread into which Union Special metering_pin extractor No. 21227 AZ may be
screwed and the pin withdrawno
The
metering insert pin should fit snugly in the hook shaft. Hit is loose it should be withdrawn
and kinked slightlyo
When
re-assembling the hook it must be re-timed as previously instructedo
HOOK SHAFT
Should it become necessary to replace the
hook shaft,
drain the oil from the gear case and
remove
gear case cover and hooko Loosen gear
set screws (A, Fig. 16) and carefully withdraw
hook shafto Remove
thrust collar from left end
of hook
shaft by loosening screws (B). Tore-
assemble, slide collar onto the hook shaft with
f~ced end adjacent to bushing (C) and insert hook
shaft as far as it will goo Tighten set screws
(A) making sure that one of the set screws bears
against the flat on the shafto Check for bindo
Then set the thrust collar against bushing (C),
tighten
screws (B) and check for bind.
H, when the hook shaft is removed, the gear
(D), the thrust washers (E) and the oil seal wash-
er (F) should drop into the gear case they will have
to be
re-assembled as shown in the sketch. Clean,
dry
1
and re-seal gasket and housing cover using
gasKet cement.
Fill gear case with proper oil.
Re-time the hook as previously described.
FEED DOG HEIGHT
Fig. 16
In regulating the height of the feed dog,
it should
be
at its highest position and the presser foot resting
directly against it.
Figo 17
The feed dog holder attaching screw (A, Fig. 17)
should be loosened slightly, and
regulating screw (B)
should be turned either clockwise to raise the feed dog
or counterclockwise to lower ito Make sure that the
bottom of the shank of the feed dog
holder rests against
the head of regulating screwo
A suggested
initial setting is as follows: Feed
do_gs having 22 or more teeth per inch should show about
3/64 inch above the throat plate at highest point of
travel, those having 16 or less teeth per inch should
show the depth of a full tooth above the
throat plateo The
feed dog can be tilted up
or down as required by loosen-
ing screws (A and C)o
Loosen feed dog holding screws (D) to space the
feed dog,
front to back or sideways in throat plate.
-18-
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MECHANIC'S INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
PRESSER BAR CONNECTION
Fig.
18
PRESSER BAR GUIDE
The presser bar connection (A, Fig. 19) should be
set so that it bears against the hand lifter (B) at all
times.
This is accomplished by turning the machine over
on its side, loosening lock nut (G, Fig. 18) and relocat-
ing the stop screw (E) on the lifter lever bell crank (F).
By turning the
stop screw counterclockwise, the presser
bar connection is brought closer to the hand lifter.
While turning the screw, move the hand lifter up and
down continuously until no
free motion can be felt.
Tighten lock nut (G) to lock
screw in position.
When locating the
presser bar guide (C) Fig. 19) the
presser foot must rest directly against the throat plate with
the feed dog in
its lowest position.
The guide is properly set when there is a 1/16 inch
space between presser bar guide and the connection.
To obtain
this setting, loosen set screw (D) in the
guide and
insert screw driver between the connection and
the guide.
Tap on presser foot to insure its being down
on the
throat plate, center the foot by turning it so that
needle enters the middle of its slot and re-tighten screw
(D) in guide.
THREAD CONTROL
Test check spring
tension (A, Fig. 20).
There should be enough
tension to
insure a good Figo 19
returning snap when
spring is depressed and released. Should it require adjusting,
loosen
set screw in the head on right side of tension post
(G, Fig. 21) and remove tension post assembly. Partially
loosen tension post set screw (B, Fig. 20) in tension post
socket (C)o Holding the socket in the left hand turn the tension
Fig. 20
post (D) counterclockwise with the right hand until the check
spring moves away from the upper stop (E) and has no tension
on
it. Turn the tension post (D) in a clockwise direction until the spring again touches the upper stop
(E). Then
proceed further in the same direction until the desired tension is obtained. When correct-
ly set, the tension post set screw (B) should
be drawn up snugly but not forcefully.
Further
adjustment of the check spring tension can be
made by
inserting a screw driver into the
slotted end of the tension post (D) and turning
in the required direction.
Replace tension assembly with the check
spring about 1/2 inch above the thread take-up
wire. While the tension post assembly is being
replaced, the presser foot should be resting on
the
throat plateo
The
frame take-up eyelet (A, Fig. 22)
should be
set at its lowest position.
For the final setting of check spring, sew slowly
on a piece of
material and observe the action of the check spring. The thread from the check spring
to the take-up thread wire should be taut when the take-up is at the bottom of its strokeo
-19-
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

MECHANIC'S INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
LOCATING TENSION RELEASE MECHANISM
The
tension assembly should be located in· bed from front to
back, so that when the presser foot is raised to its highest posi-
tion, the tension discs (F, Fig. 21) are opened just enough to allow
the
thread to pass through the discs freely.
To position the tension assembly, see that set screw in bed
(G, Fig. 21) is loose and tension assembly adjusting screw (B,
Figo 22)
is screwed down to the bedo
B
Lift the presser foot hand lifter to its highest position; wtth
the
left hand grasp the thread and pull it through the tensions,
with the right hand push tension post deeper into the machine un-
til release pin (H, Fig. 21) pressing against the presser bar con-
nection (J) has opened the tension discs just enough to allow the
thread to pull through freely. Re-tighten set screw (G), turn
tension assembly adjusting screw (B, Figo 22) counterclockwise
until it contacts the flange of the tension post socket.
NOTE: When tacking is required, the tension assembly
should be adjusted so that the pressure foot may be raised to
Fig. 22 cle~ the heaviest seam without releasing the needle thread
tens1on.
STITCH REGULATING PLUNGER LOCK
To lock the stitch regulating plunger at any desired stitch length tilt the machine back against
rest pin and tighten screw (F, Fig. 24) securely. ·
FEED TIMING
The definite relationship which exists between the feed dog and the needle bar motions is re-
ferred to as timing.
To check for the proper setting of the feed timing, pro-
ceed as follows:
1. Set the stitch length midway between long and short as
described in "To Change The Stitch Length."
2. Check
to see that the feed dog is set at its proper height
as described in "Feed Dog Height" (Fig. 17).
3.
Turn the handwheel in the operating direction until the
top
of the needle eye is even with the top surface of the
throat plate.
4. For Styles 61400 A, 61400 E, 61400 F, 61400 G,
61400 H, 61400 N, 61400 P, top of the feed dog teeth
should be level With the upper surface of throat plateo
4A.
For Styles 61400 B, 61400 R, 61400 S, top of the feed
dog
teeth should be about .010 inch above the upper
surface of the throat plate. An advanced or fast timing
is one in which the top of the feed dog teeth have sunk
below the
surface of the throat plate, before the top of
the
descending needle eye has reached the surface of
the
throat plate. Conversely, a retarded or slow feed
timing is one in which the top of the feed dog teeth are
still above the surface of the throat plate when the top
of the
descending needle eye has reached the surface of
the·
throat plate. A simple method of advancing or re-
tarding the feed timing slightly to meet the varying
conditions in material and operations is provided in the
head of the machine.
CAUTIONI A change in the feed timing always requires
an additional change in the setting of the sewing hook.
-20-
Fig. 23
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MECHANIC'S INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
FEED TIMING (Continued)
To change the setting of the feed timing proceed as follows:
1. Remove needle as a safety precaution.
2. Loosen the two
screws (A, Fig. 23) holding the counterweight to the segment plate, and the two
screws (B) holding the counterweight to main shaft.
3. Hold handwheel and turn the counterweight in a clockwise direction to retard the feed and a
counterclockwise
direction to advance the feed. The two screws (A) holding· the counterweight
to the segment plate will be moved toward either end of segment plate slot, depending on whether
the feed timing was advanced or retarded.
4. Re-tighten all screws securely. It is very important that the counterweight should not be allowed
to slip.
MACHINE TIMING
If at any time the feed driving gears should have to be removed, the machine will have to be re-
timed by the following procedure:
Fig. 24
1. Lay machine on
its side on the bench.
2. Remove the
large gear housing cover. Note caution should be observed that machine is tilted
far enough back so oil will not leak ·out. Also be careful in removing the housing cover that the
gasket is not mutilated.
3. Loosen
screws (B, Fig. 24) and slide gear (A) to the extreme right so it is out of mesh with the
idler gear {D).
4. Looking through the stitch length indicator window on the top of the bed plate, rotate the lower
main shaft (C) in the operating direction until the timing mark "-0-" appears between the point-
ers of the indicator window. Then rotate upper main shaft in the operating direction until the
needle
bar reaches its highest position. Carefully turn gear (A), without disturbing the lower
main shaft setting, until the set screw lies directly above the flat in the lower main shaft. The
gears should then be engaged as closely as possible in this position. While holding the gear and
thrust collar (E) tightly between thumb and forefinger tighten set screw against flat in shaft
securely, then tighten the second set screw and check to see that there is no end play in the
shaft and that the machine revolves freely.
5. Clean, dry and re-seal gasket and housing cover using gasket cement.
6. Replace housing
cover. Check position of oil distributing plate as previously described under
"Lubrication."
7.
Re-set sewing hook.
-21-
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC