CaptnCaptain

Great! Thanks!

Thanks! Looks like I'm going to try a static phase converter to start an old 3 phase motor, and then take power off of that...seems the least expensive way to go.

Ha ha! Thanks! After several years of buying stuff from McMaster, they finally deemed me worthy of a physical catalog. I don't get one every year...but the stuff doesn't change that much, and website generally works very well, even speedy at times. Many years ago I was a purchasing manager for a boat building company. Usually didn't order much from them as the prices are not the best for frequently used items. But, occasionally we would use them. Once I ordered some weird tapping bit that the shop needed, then realized a minute or so later that I'd ordered the one on the next line down (of the catalogs very small print). Called them back to change the order. They said, "good thing you called back so soon, your part was just about to leave the building". The building is massive, with a fleet of UPS trucks lining up outside. As soon as one is full, the next pulls up. Although the warehouse was about an hour's drive from our company, if I placed an order by 9AM, we would get it with our REGULAR UPS delivery at around 11AM. So we had to pay a couple extra bucks for stuff over a specialty wholesaler...but the crew in the shop could keep working, and have the tools and equipment FAST! So, if I need one or two of something, or something quick, I use them. If one needs a big quantity, then best to search around, the savings do add up. Ah the joys of fixing what Durkopp Adler's service rep referred to as "an obsolete machine". Hey, obsolete to him...

I also picked up one of these machines. As noted in another thread, having problems getting it to run on 220v single phase... But also have had issues with the pneumatic air lines....they're crumbling . I spliced some tubing onto the lines and added T pieces to bypass the Y pieces that fell off. Hope that will work! Confirmed what Radrider said, some of the machines are missing bobbin cases and labels : ( But, the manager in charge of selling them does not appear to be duplicitous in any way. He just doesn't know much about the machines. I assume that the person in charge of them has left the building.... Will post a pic of the missing labels in hopes that someone here has one that can be imaged and then copied. The manual is of no help.

So, tried running the machine at 220v single phase...motor hummed but no go....(and a mild smell of electrical magic escaping ) Looks like I'm going to try a static phase converter...(found one to hopefully pickup this weekend off craigslist). Here's a couple pics of the motor/electronic wiring connection. I'd disconnected the red wire (L3), and also disconnected the electronics for a motor test. I also took the belt off the pulley for least resistance on the motor.

Thanks Uwe! Have the manual now...whether I understand it is another matter....Will take a bit to cogitate upon it...my familiarity with the terms is limited, which is making it more difficult to decipher. Luckily had help from my brother to unload the head out of my truck and into the shop. Whew! There is a lot of metal there! I'm not planning any multiple item production sewing projects for awhile (just big boat canvas pieces), and will be VERY happy if I can just get the machine up and running. There are little pneumatic lines that run up into the machine. Will need to replace some or all of them, as the plastic seems to have reached it's age limit (one little Y broke off), and the connection to the air/oil metering unit also snapped off (that one was on a swaged connection, of an undetermined thread size fitting).

Hi everyone, Just a heads up for anyone looking for a walking foot industrial machine. I found a listing on Kijiji (Canada), and traveled there to pick up one of the 22 (twenty two) industrial machines that the company is selling. The price that they are asking is $200 cdn. Note: I have NO financial interest in these transactions. I'm posting the information as a potential connection for the members of these forums (who have given me much good and valuable information). So, here's the scoop: The machines are mostly Durkopp 291 walking foot units (there were also two Pfaff units there) They are 3 phase machines running at 220v (60 cycles). They require a pneumatic line to operate the foot lift, and some other functions. There are no manuals. The operators of these machines are no longer at the factory.... There is no plug on the end of the cord (snipped off, probably were hard wired into the plant's electrical system). According to Naresh (the manager who was my contact, these were all in running condition when removed from service). One of the machines I looked at was missing the bobbin top (and parts for these are EXPENSIVE!) Inspect carefully for any missing bits! I've gotten the one I purchased home and am cleaning it up and getting her going again. I'm currently waiting on a rotary phase converter ($300 US, with shipping). A harbor you know who cheapo compressor will provide air (I hope). Other pieces I've ordered: bobbins (they used preloaded bobbins), and a selection of needles. If you are interested in the machines, call or text Naresh : +1 (647) 459-0110, tell him that Marty gave you his contact info. The machines are located at: Dynasty Furniture Manufacturing, Ltd. 6830 Columbus Rd, Mississauga, ON L5T 2G1, Canada Other notes: If crossing from the US like I did, DON'T use the "Rainbow Bridge". The border guard was VERY grumpy about me using that crossing for a business related trip. He gave me a warning and said I could be fined. Nice welcome back to the US of A! The third pic is of the machine I bought, after some cleaning. Anyone who knows anything about the control modules, please let me know. Have not found anything online about those yet. The module I have says "Durkopp v720" on the front, and "Dz101" on the back. Will post this question in a more appropriate forum eventually.