There is a sewing machine in almost every second house. In this article we will talk about "The Seagull-3", a model still Soviet-made, which still does not lose popularity.
Advantages and disadvantages
"Seagull-3" refers to mechanical class of sewing machines.
The advantages of this model include:
- design reliability;
- high quality of materials used in the production and, as a result, the durability of the device;
- ability to flash thick and rough textile materials;
- simplicity of operation;
- ease of maintenance.
Only a couple of points can be considered disadvantages:
- the model is outdated, it does not have modern "bells and whistles" and additional functions;
- the need to adjust, "tune" the machine for you and your needs.
User guide
Of course, an instruction manual is usually included with the product upon purchase. But what if the machine was inherited or as a gift from relatives? In this case, a brief summary of the principles for handling this model will help you.
So, we will figure out what can and cannot be done when working at Seagull-3.
Primarily you need to properly care for the sewing machine - regularly clean and lubricate the mechanism, avoiding excessive contamination and thickening of the lubricant. The minimum interval between maintenance procedures is 6 months.
Use only oil specifically designed for sewing equipment to lubricate the components, otherwise various malfunctions may occur - heavy running, stops and the like.
One of the important points in the lubrication procedure of the internal mechanism of the "Seagull" is that you need to fill with oil all moving nodes. It is in these places that the destructive force of friction arises, which gradually wears out the mechanism and leads to breakdowns. Therefore, do not miss secondary and minor, in your opinion, articulations of parts.
And also when lubricating, it is important to observe the measure - usually a couple drops of oil are enough for one small unit. It is especially important not to overdo it with grease in the area where the needles are attached - excess lubricant will contaminate the fabric when sewing.
In addition, it is important to choose the right needle for sewing different fabrics. For each type of textile materials, certain numbers of sewing needles are provided:
- No. 70 - thin, delicate fabrics (cambric, silk);
- No. 80 - a little denser (satin, chintz, poplin and the like);
- No. 90 - calico, flannel, cotton and woolen (thin) materials;
- No. 100 - costume and woolen fabrics of normal thickness;
- No. 110 - denim and non-woven materials, fabrics of wool of increased thickness.
Before work, be sure to adjust the thread tension. Check that the needle is fixed securely and that it matches the selected fabric and thread type. Carefully use the equipment, and believe me - it will repay you in return.
A separate item in the user manual is the threading point.
How to thread a thread?
Top threading is pretty easy. It is necessary to install the spool on the upper holder-rod and, taking the end of the thread, carefully pass it through the tensioning mechanism, consisting of a compensating spring loop and a round clamp, and then insert it into the eye of the needle.
Before threading the bobbin case, raise the needle up by turning the handwheel and lock it in that position. Slide the plate covering the shuttle of the machine. Remove the bobbin case. Install a bobbin with threads inside. Pull the end of the thread out: place it under the spring plate and pull it out through the groove. Check the course of the thread - it should stretch quite easily with a barely noticeable effort. Then the bobbin case must be installed back until it clicks. If during installation of the cap the click sound is not heard when the latch is activated, this means that the cap did not lock, and when the flywheel is turned, it will also turn and can break the upper needle.
Reviews
Despite the fact that the "Seagull" can not be attributed to modern models, users are mostly satisfied with this machine. First of all, the durability and reliability of the design, ease of operation and maintenance are noted. This sewing machine is one of those that, as they say, is “made for centuries”. After all, even those released from the factory during the Soviet Union still work pretty well and require only minor repairs and adjustments.
Sure, it does not have newfangled functions, but it is convenient, functional and reliable, it even sews thick fabrics. Among the shortcomings, some users note only a certain moodiness of the model, which, according to experts, disappears as the person and the machine are “rubbed”.
To summarize. If you were presented with “Seagull-3”, do not rush to get upset, just try it in practice and believe me, you are unlikely to be disappointed.
About how to work with the Chaika-3 machine, see further.
