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To thread the Kingmax GC-8700 follow these steps to ensure the upper thread moves smoothly from the spool to the needle and the bobbin is correctly seated. This machine is a single-needle industrial lockstitch, so its path is nearly identical to the Juki DDL-8700.
Upper Threading Instructions
Before you begin, ensure the machine is turned off and the presser foot is raised to open the tension discs.
- Thread Stand: Place your thread spool on the stand and pull the thread upward through the eyelet directly above it.
- Top Thread Guide: Lead the thread down to the machine head and pass it through the top thread guide.
- Pre-Tensioner: Pass the thread through the two-hole “pre-tensioner” post. Weave it through the top hole from right to left, then the bottom hole from right to left in a “candy cane” or S-motion.
- Main Tension Discs: Bring the thread down and slide it between the two main tension discs. Pull it firmly so it is seated deep between the plates.
- Check Spring: Pull the thread around the bottom of the discs and hook it over the check spring (the small wire that bounces). You should feel the spring’s resistance when you pull.
- Take-Up Lever: Guide the thread up and through the hole in the moving take-up lever from right to left.
- Final Guides: Lead the thread down through the remaining guides on the face of the machine and the small guide located just above the needle.
- The Needle: Thread the needle from left to right. Ensure the long groove of the needle is on the left and the scarf (the small notch) is on the right.
Bobbin Threading and Insertion
- Bobbin Case: Hold the bobbin so the thread unspools clockwise (or like the letter “P”). Drop it into the bobbin case.
- Tension Slot: Pull the thread into the slit on the side of the bobbin case and under the flat tension spring until it clicks into the small delivery eyelet.
- Insertion: Open the slide plate, hold the bobbin case by its latch, and slide it onto the central spindle under the machine until it clicks firmly in place.
- Pick Up: Hold the upper thread tail and rotate the handwheel toward you for one full rotation to catch and bring up the bobbin thread loop.
Safety and Troubleshooting
- Needle Orientation: If the needle is backward (groove on the right), the machine will skip stitches or break thread immediately.
- Oil Level: Always ensure the oil pan is filled to the “HIGH” mark before operating at high speeds to prevent mechanical failure.
- Thread Clearance: Pull both threads under and behind the presser foot before you start sewing