I think the pulley change is great if it works for you. In my case (Consew) I could not find machine shaft size without pulling off. I figure metric on a Japanese machine. Lots of SAE pulleys here, metric not so much. I could not figure how to release handwheel. I guess they have setscrews I could not find. I figured I needed to use a pulley puller which might damage handwheel. I have no idea where I would get handwheel replacement if damaged. I made my own reducer and someone here said I should have bought a factory one. Everyone here has a different situation. Shop skills and tool availability, access to commercial sewing machine dealers, hobby or sewing commercially, international access to parts and supplies, broke or not. I applaud your resourcefulness just maybe not for everyone.