dikman

Download the manual and read it - lots of times! Try and clean out as much dust and dirt as possible, using a stiff brush and rags, before oiling it. If you can't get the Lily Oil then hydraulic oil (ISO 34) is pretty much the same thing. Make sure it turns over ok by hand, if it doesn't find out why (don't force it). Finally, if it's got a clutch motor be warned, they are scary things for a first-timer and hard to control for leather work. 225.pdf Manual.

I was just looking at the photos and thought "aha, the needle's in backwards" and felt pretty clever - then I found others had beaten me to the punch! Don't feel too bad, work9to5, you aren't the first to do this and you won't be the last. At least it's an easy fix.

If it worked before then the needle height should be ok. Did you insert the bobbin so that the thread is coming off in the right direction and is threaded correctly? You could try reversing it in the bobbin housing and see if it makes any difference.

That is one serious looking machine!

I've got one of these and it's a nice enough machine, for what it is. As Wiz said, the needles are what I would call an odd-ball size. I fitted a roller foot but haven't actually used the machine much (it was free, but took a bit of work to get it running). It should sew what you want, but If you're looking for your first leather machine this is probably not the right one to get (I consider it more like a second machine when someone already has a suitable leather machine). A bit of advice, if you think you'll be getting into leatherwork then seriously consider a walking foot machine. It will be much more suitable for leatherwork and as Wiz also said factor in a servo motor. You'll be struggling with anything less than this combination.

Chucky, as it's only $2000 I think you should buy it and then you can tell us exactly how it works and what it does.

The motor looks ok to me, only down side with an all-in-one unit is that to change settings you have to clamber under the table to get to the controls. Had to smile at the "600w bigger than 3/4 hp" bit. Technically, yes, it's bigger than 3/4 hp but the difference is so small you'd never notice it!

Ah, but it's got a "new, powerful motor" . Quite a write-up they gave it, easy to see how someone new to the game could get suckered in.

It's a fairly hefty poke to break a metal pulley (even if it is just cast alloy)!

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.