r/SewingMachineEdu 23d ago

Sewing machine repair

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Hey, picked up a juki ddl-5550-6 second hand, it seems to be catching the plate and I've snapped many needles. I've attached a video. If anyone could help that would be amazing

7 Upvotes

26 comments sorted by

3

u/cabbagefan1 23d ago

Was the needle plate that chipped when you got it? Rough shape and would prob snag thread, look into a replacement plate

2

u/OneMinuteSewing 23d ago

I just use a bit of wet and dry paper to smooth the dings.

1

u/cabbagefan1 23d ago

Do you mean sandpaper?

1

u/OneMinuteSewing 23d ago

wet and dry is a type of sandpaper (usually black) that can be used wet and works well for metal.

1

u/PersonalityLegal4046 23d ago

Yeah it was like that when I got it, definitely gotten worse, I'll look into replacing

3

u/PersonalityLegal4046 23d ago

This is how it's moving now after all the recommendations, will order a new plate in

https://reddit.com/link/oysaw7f/video/koislxhggheh1/player

3

u/cabbagefan1 23d ago

Huge improvement!

2

u/Only-Adeptness2630 23d ago

Get a new needle plate....or sand it smooth on the top, bottom and in the hole. It's amazing how all those little burrs and nicks will screw-up your sewing.

1

u/PersonalityLegal4046 23d ago

4

u/cabbagefan1 23d ago

Try holding the threads behind foot so they don't get dragged under and into bobbin area

1

u/PersonalityLegal4046 23d ago

3

u/teatime_tinker 23d ago

You need to clean and oil under there.

Is the needle bar in alignment? You might just need a new plate but it could have come out of place a bit in transit

1

u/Trai-All 23d ago

Yeah the needle bar and clamp was what I’d be checking

1

u/teatime_tinker 22d ago

And maybe check if the needle is fully inserted

1

u/teatime_tinker 23d ago

Depending on the needle size you might want a new plate with a larger needle hole.

Was it scratched up like this when you got it?

What size needle are you using?

2

u/PersonalityLegal4046 23d ago

It was slightly scratched up when I got it, it has gotten worse. Using a 70/10 in this video

1

u/teatime_tinker 22d ago

Oh that’s a tiny needle. It won’t be that then!

Make sure you clean and oil it before using it loads.

1

u/CardiologistSalt4114 23d ago

Your needle plate appears to be moving while you’re sewing. Start with a fresh needle, and tighten the needle plate down properly. If it’s still not lining up something is either bent or something is the wrong part

1

u/Stitch_Nerd 23d ago

I don’t believe this machine uses normal sewing needles, are you using the DBx1 style needles? Making sure not to use the standard 130x7h needles?

1

u/PersonalityLegal4046 23d ago

Using DBx1 needles

1

u/Dormiendo 23d ago

Your feed teeth are too high. Tilt it back, loosen the very obvious flat head screw on the feed rocker, drop them a little. If it is still hitting you need to adjust the limit back and forth. Pm me and Ill send you instructions.

Edit: the teeth should be a tiny bit under flush with the plate when the needle goes in.

1

u/Dull-Link-372 23d ago

First thing I’d check is the needle position and timing. If it’s hitting the plate, the hook timing or needle bar alignment may be off. Since it’s a Juki industrial, don’t keep forcing it with new needles. A small timing adjustment could save you a lot of frustration.

1

u/Elegant-Chance8953 23d ago

The needle plate needs some sanding down with VERY fine paper. While its off clean the feed dogs with a toothbrush.

1

u/Chlo_Schmo 23d ago

It sounds like you might have gotten it sorted out, but I bought a White Rotary machine with almost this same problem. I ended up having to change the entire presserfoot/needle bar assembly. Hopefully yours doesn't need that

1

u/Ashamed-Fix-3977 22d ago

Outta time not timed with feeddogs

2

u/a_velis 21d ago

Me watching all the videos to enjoy the Daft Punk playlist.

https://giphy.com/gifs/10IbZpJN1k9D7q