@LeilaMay yep all threaded properly.
@StitchinTime it's all the time. I've tried to see if there's any difference after pulling the threads up like you would on most machines but it has the same result. The manual states that the machine can sew without pulling up the bobbin thread and indeed prior to the brush replacement, it was doing that quite well.
@Ohsewsimple the first 3-4 stitches are ridiculously loose but after that they're fine.
The cutter is also now playing up again.
The brushes delivered had a wider sticky base than the originals but even cutting them to size hasn't improved things. The actual bristle lengths are the same.
Been onto 3 different mechanics.
No answer so far from the first (assuming they'll contact me on Monday or Tuesday)
Second mechanics number was given to me by the owner of a fabric shop. He said he wouldn't touch anything from Bolton but to call him again in a week.
Well he can bloody well & *+# off with that attitude.
Third I phoned today. He's not in till Tuesday but Pam's away till Wednesday. So he's asked me to call Wednesday to make sure he's in the shop as he usually works away from the shop on industrial machines.
Meanwhile my depression kicked in last night and was close to tears over this and other stuff. Sigh.