dikman

Very impressive bit of engineering.(Does it make coffee too? ).

Looks a bit like a meat grinder!

Mike, if you ever have the time (!) such a how-to would be most interesting.

Actually, mate, any colour would be an improvement over how it looks at the moment!

Next you'll be airbrushing flames and skulls on them.

That is awesome. Tapokita tapokita indeed.

Except for SV's .

Just as well you're not addicted. Keep away from industrial machines, though, or you WILL become addicted!

Thanks Alex, yes, it is interesting.

Sure does look pretty, Brown Chicken, seems almost a shame to use it . I had to fit one of those tension release guides to my 111W117, as that model doesn't normally have one. It was obviously a generic piece and required a bit of judicious bending to get it to work. The hole that slides over the shaft didn't quite line up and when I got that working I had to tweak a couple of other bits to get it to push the pin. Just make sure there's nothing binding, it should move freely. I got there in the end, but it wasn't a simple "drop it in and it works" thing.

A long time ago I bought a small ratchet handle that takes 1/4" bits and found it very useful on sewing machines.

When I made a motorized bobbin winder I needed a thread guide for it but wanted it adjustable. Looking in one of my junk boxes I found the legs off a cheap camera tripod, fitted a wooden block with a couple of eyebolts on the top and attached it to the base of the winder. It worked so well that I made a free-standing one so that I could use the large spools with a portable machine. Extends high enough to let the thread unwind easily.

Thanks guys. At this stage I think I'll give it a miss as it's way out on the northern side of town. I'll keep an eye on the ad, if it doesn't sell I might offer half price but it still seems like a bit of a risk sight unseen.

Saw this advertised for $300. Photos lack some detail, but it looks like the shuttle/bobbin is missing and there is some damage to the top of the head? Anyone with more knowledge care to give me their thoughts re-getting it working (maybe)?

Actually, I think you're right, although I haven't seen them there for a while. The one I was trying to think of - the cable crews used something similar on the cables when hauling communications cables through underground ducts. I remember it looked interesting, but back then couldn't think of any other use for it!

If you're in the US the simplest solution would be to contact one of the advertisers on here. A 3/4 hp (550W) would be more than adequate. It doesn't have to be a Consew motor, most any brand servo would work.

Nice job, Constabulary (as are the others). A stand-alone winder is great as you can wind anytime, anywhere without needing a machine. I use a belt drive like lee as it gives that bit more speed reduction. I like those socks. I've seen them somewhere else but can't remember where.

Too clean and tidy! How can you find anything? That table of Darren's doesn't look that difficult to make (maybe one day...). As for the motor, mounted underneath the tabletop as per normal I guess.

Regarding the belt, I would just cut through between the holes to make a slot, then you can use standard belts. It will be much easier in the long run.

That's very nice, Darren, and the sort of thing I had in mind.

Now THAT is what I call Customer Service (something that appears to be slowly disappearing in this day and age). I am currently embroiled in a dispute with a very large internet service provider here (4 weeks so far), and their customer service is non-existent, exactly the opposite of your experience - the (non)help desk is manned by Indians (NOT US-indians) if that means anything! It is very refreshing to hear of such excellent service. Kudos to Cobra Steve.

Guess you definitely need a discount coupon with that one.........

That's a standard clutch-type motor you have there. If you have to do long stitch runs then that will make it fly - once you learn to control it!

You Americans are so used to "promo" codes that you think it applies everywhere. There are some things where they don't need to provide them, this is one. You'll still enjoy the machine.

$75 ?!! Bargain! 1/4 HP motor? Sounds a bit small.