have you used this kind of bobbin winder?

[icxcnika]

Has anyone here used a bobbin winder like this: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...ODID=xprd72849 ? It's manual, but I can't figure out from the photo exactly how it works. The bobbin winder part of my machine is broken, and until I can get it fixed a manual winder sure would make things easier. Anyone?

[cristeen]

According to the description, that's for use with a punch needle.

I would probably go for something like this instead, which is intended for the purpose you're looking for.

[icxcnika]

Thanks Cristeen! I didn't realize that wasn't for sewing machine thread. Yup, I would love a Sidewinder and was trying to get out of paying $30 for one by getting a manual winder! (Though it is on sale at the site you linked to....)

[lightheart]

What kind of machine do you have that the winder is broken?

[icxcnika]

It's a Kenmore, I believe from the early eighties. It's a really nice machine, but one day it just wouldn't wind anymore, and it hasn't wound since. It hasn't been serviced in a long time though. Is this one of those things where all it needs is a new belt somewhere?

[lightheart]

that's what I was thinking, maybe a belt broken which you could replace yourself.

How brave are you? assuming the winder is on top of the machine. are there any screws to hold a top cover plate on the machine? do you think if you removed those that you would get to the underside/working parts of the bobbin winder.

It's a newer machine... in my terms (I have a couple that are 1890's, I have no fear to open them up, but technology was pretty simple back then....) but I'm thinking no electronic motherboards or anything fancy like that on yours so not new new new...

pictures? do you have a camera? take some of the bobbin winder and the area near it... picture of the whole machine to if you want me to try and talk you through it... just in case I have fear...

Usually the winders will have some sort of rubber O ring that when you engage it- slide it over, it will turn against another moving part... could be that the moving part is broken but I doubt that's the case, the O ringd, belts, are not designed to last forever. Could be some sort of cog type gear that is making the bobbin winder work, if it's crumbled you would need to get a replacement at a sewing machine shop, maybe online. If it's the O ring/belt then place to get one is maybe a fabric store, a sewing machine shop, auto parts, either for cars or for small engines- think lawn mowers, online.