QDaddy

I bought one from Bob Kovar and couldn't be happier. Sorry you got hosed, but this is the best advice I can give to anyone wanting to tame a machine. Q

Do yourself a favor and forget the speed reducer. Call Bob Kovar at Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines and get a SewPro servo motor. I recently upgraded my Tacsew and I couldn't be happier... just make sure to get a shorter belt at the same time. Q

I can't believe the difference this SewPro makes. Thanks again, Bob. Wiz, you weren't kidding about the belt. I found a shorter one locally, so no biggie.

I already had a 2" pulley on my clutch motor, so Bob said I wouldn't need another one. Thanks for the heads up, tho.

Today I ordered a SewPro servo motor for my Tacsew T111-155 from Cowboy Bob (Bob Kovar, Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines) and I can't wait. I have heard so many good things about this upgrade, but I know there are gonna be some tricks or other expertise you folks can share. Any help, advice, or comments would be appreciated. Q

I second that request.

Great... I can't even afford to ship it anywhere, much less pay for repair. Any thoughts on what the problem is?

My initial observation of the "reverse foot movement" was incorrect. When I adjusted the stitch length from 3 (executed 3 cycles) then to 8 (executed 3 cycles) then back to 4, I bottomed out the needle completely and hit the reverse. Wow... that needle moved the entire length of the basket opening. In fact, the reverse wouldn't fully execute because the needle pushed against the end of the opening. Is that an indication of a timing issue, or have I knocked something out of whack? Thanks again Bob and Wizcraft.

Well, well... I think you are on to something. They move less than a 1/16" even at 8 stitch setting. I distinctly remember that they moved more than that in the past.

Bob and Wiz, I've had a chance to break away from the kids to take some pretty good shots. I hope these are hires enough... if you need anything more detailed let me know. The last pic shows what happens after I try to sew. I couldn't get a decent shot with the feed dog attached, so I let it screw up and showed the results. I've also posted 3 videos on YouTube that will show operation from different angles. The forum will not allow me to post three medias, so just click on my other videos and you will see parts 2 and 3. If either of you guys are in East Tennessee, I'd love to treat you to a quart of Smokey Mountain white lightning.

Threaded perfectly (needle threaded right to left as always) with good tension. The thread is passing between both tensioner and pre-tensioner disks and is not hanging anywhere. I held the needle thread and it broke the thread. When I removed the throat plate and feed dog, the thread was wrapped around the the flange of the bobbin case holder. I've tried the bobbin case holder at various positions, but have not had any positive results. I've adjusted the position of the bobbin case and hook/needle relationship as per the book. I'm at a loss.

I just knew Cowboy Bob would come to the rescue. I'll give it a try tonight.

My 111 was working great until I tried to adjust the presser foot height. I screwed up by changing the needle foot position in relation to the feed dog (stupid me was looking at the wrong illustration from the manual), but I seemed to get that taken care of rather quickly. When I attempted to run my first test I started getting 1 stitch and the thread was pulled from the needle. When I opened up the throat plate and removed the feed dog I see that the thread (top feed and bobbin thread) are wrapped around the projecting flange of the bobbin case holder (see attached). Everything looks great... feed timing, hook timing and the fact that it is running very smooth without any binding. It's just that the stitch gets wrapped around the flange and stops the whole process. I really can't afford to have a guy go over this thing, so any help would be greatly appreciated. So much thanks in advance. Q

I wasn't able to get started on the project since it was a holiday weekend, but when I do I will document the whole thing. I hope I'll be able to make a contribution to the community so others will be able to benefit from your great idea. Updates soon. Q

I think I'll be making a visit to Tractor Supply today. How did you go about bolting it on? Washers? Spacers? Any tech info would be appreciated. How did you compensate for the belt offset? Needs more pics!

I would suggest you talk to sewmun (Bob Kovar) for any of the parts you might need. He really came through for me trying to figure out why my stupid bobbin case wouldn't fit and was more than helpful in getting me the stuff I needed. When I can swing it, I'll be getting a used leather machine from him too.

HUGE props to Buddy NY for coming through with a manual scan! He is a man of his word and everyone can bank on anything he says. Buddy NY, I owe ya a beer (or a little Tennessee peach moonshine if you're so inclined <grins>). Q

Where's the best place (on the East Coast) to get Tacsew T111-155 parts? I'm gonna need some stuff and don't want to wait for California shipping. Also suggestions on a servo motor/pulley reduction would be appreciated. Q

I tried, but they were FAR from helpful. I got referred to a distributor and they blew me off.

I think I am gonna like it here. <grins>

Oh, wow. That would be great. I've got the Singer manual, but the scan is quite lacking. Tell ya what, maybe I can help you out in some way. I am quite the pdf collector and I have some real obscure stuff... I'm sure there's something you'd be interested in. PM me when you're ready and we'll work something out. Q

I recently purchased a Tacsew T111-155 walking foot second-hand. It was originally purchased by a local upholstery shop in 2004 and only saw occasional use and then stuck in storage for almost 3 years after their business collapsed. Not a bad deal for $100. The machine seems to work flawlessly, but being the geek I am... I need a user's and/or service manual. I have scoured the internets and I've had no luck. If anyone could give me a bit of direction (or even pm me for a pdf), I would be in your debt. I've tried to contact Tacony, but those people are useless. I tried to email- it was ignored... I tried to call and the phone monkey only wanted to direct me to the local distributor who in turn told me to get lost. Some folks just don't get customer service... what's to say in the future I don't need a good zig-zag or double needle machine? I am hoping some kind soul will take pity on my ignorance and fill this empty vessel. Alan Horvath... you rock! Q