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Parachute Rigger Handbook

FAA-H-8083-17A Version 2015 (Change 1)
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Chapter 6

Hand Tools, Sewing Machines, and the Parachute Loft

Figure 6-60. Bernina Model 217.
Figure 6-60. Bernina Model 217.

An excellent machine for canopy patch work is an old Singer model 201-2 made in the 1950s. Because this machine was made for home use, they can be often be found in good working condition. The Singer model 201-2 is unique in that it takes up to a size 21 needle and is all gear driven with no belts. Another portable machine, which is very handy, is the Consew CP-146R Mini Walking Foot. [Figure 6-61] It sews a 301 straight or 304 zigzag stitch and sews through thicker material. Both sewing machines are good choices for traveling to the DZ.

Any machine used in parachute rigging must be capable of using at least a size 18 needle to handle size E (69) thread. E thread is used in most sewing done by a senior rigger.

Figure 6-61. Consew model CP-146R Mini Walking Foot.
Figure 6-61. Consew model CP-146R Mini Walking Foot.
Figure 6-62. Juki LU-563.
Figure 6-62. Juki LU-563.
Figure 6-63. Consew model 206RB.
Figure 6-63. Consew model 206RB.

The double needle machine is preferable for binding tape repair, although with experience a rigger can install TY-3 tape with a single needle machine making two passes. When using this method, a tape folder must be used, and the inner stitch must be done first.

Advancing to master rigger requires additional specialized machines, such as a medium-duty, single needle, and compound feed machine, like a Consew 226R or a Juki LU-563. [Figure 6-62] The Consew 206RB is also a good choice for those on a budget. This type of machine is used for doing container repairs and light harness work. [Figure 6-63] The next machine should be a heavy-duty harness machine, such as a Singer 7-33, 7-34, or Consew 733R. [Figure 6-64] These machines specialize in sewing 5-cord nylon or heavier thread used in the manufacture and repair of parachute harnesses.

Lastly, a bar tack machine, such as a Pfaff 3334 or Singer 69 class, allows fast, strong, professional repairs and is invaluable in line replacement and manufacturing.

[Figure 6-65] This selection of machines provides the rigger with the ability to undertake virtually any repair or modification needed on today’s parachutes. Remember, all sewing machine manufacturers build models that fit within the various duty types. Those models mentioned are only representative for that category. [Figure 6-66]

Figure 6-64. On the left is a Singer 7-34 heavy duty harness sewing machine and on the right is a Consew 733R.
Figure 6-64. On the left is a Singer 7-34 heavy duty harness sewing machine and on the right is a Consew 733R.

Identification and Nomenclature

The purpose of the following information is not to make you an accomplished sewing machine expert and repairman. You should learn the basics about what makes your sewing machines work and how to perform routine maintenance and service. By doing so, simple problems can be fixed with little to no downtime or repair bills. The information on troubleshooting provides you with the basic knowledge needed to keep your machines running. [Figure 6-67]

Figure 6-65. Pfaff 3334.
Figure 6-65. Pfaff 3334.

Figure 6-68 shows a close-up of the head only. Only those parts, which the rigger must deal with on a regular basis in order to operate and maintain the machine, are shown. For those individuals who wish to become more involved in the machine, a thorough study of the operator’s manual and parts manual is encouraged. The following numbers correspond with the part descriptions in Figure 6-68.

  1. Bed—base of the machine.
  2. Arm—upper casing of the machine.
  3. Uprise—upright part of the machine that joins the base and the arm.
  4. Faceplate—cover that protects the needle bar and presser bar mechanisms.
  5. Balance wheel—pulley assembly that drives the machine via the motor and belt.
  6. Reverse lever—mechanism that, when depressed, reverses the sewing operation of the machine.
Figure 6-66. Sewing machine model comparison.
Figure 6-66. Sewing machine model comparison.
  1. Stitch regulator—adjustor that controls the length of the stitch. The larger the number, the longer the stitch; the smaller the number, the shorter the stitch.
  2. Pre-tension thread guide—assembly that provides initial thread tension and thread straightening before the thread reaches the main upper thread tension assembly.
  3. Thread retainer—provides direct guidance for the thread to the upper tension assembly.
  4. Thread take-up cover—covers the thread take-up lever and protects the operator.
  5. Right arm thread guide—provides thread guidance from the upper tension assembly to the thread take-up lever.
  6. Upper tension regulating thumbscrew—regulates pressure of the tension discs on the thread.
  7. Thread controller spring—provides for the correct amount of slack in the needle thread when the needle is descending so that the needle does not cut the thread.
  8. Tension discs—provide tension on the upper thread.
  9. Presser bar tension nut—regulates the pressure of the presser foot on the material.
  10. Thread take-up lever—provides for slack in the needle thread after the stitch is formed and pulls the correct amount of thread from the spool for the next stitch.
  11. Needle bar—holds the needle and carries the upper thread downward through the material to where the stitch is formed.
  12. Presser foot bar—holds the presser foot in place to hold pressure on the material.
  13. Presser foot—holds the material in place while the feed dog moves the material forward for the next stitch.
  14. Needle plate—surrounds the feed dog and protects the material during the movement process.
  15. Slide plate—covers the area of the bed to the left of the feed dog and provides access to the bobbin assembly.
  16. Feed dog—feeds the material through the machine from the underside.
Figure 6-67. Front view of a modern, light-duty, single-needle machine.
Figure 6-67. Front view of a modern, light-duty, single-needle machine.

Sewing Theory