fibersport

I've found so many web sites with claims of something being the best thing since sliced bread but then when you try it, you end up realizing it's not what was claimed. The Kinedyne motors have videos but they're not that easy to find. I've read so many articles for people looking for the "Holy Grail" of motors, just wanted to let folks know I think there finally is one - and glad you agree!

A little pricey yes but this is the 4th motor I've bought chasing what I was looking for in a servo motor. I'm thinking I've found it. Now, if I add up all the money I've spent on the previous motors, I could have bought two of the Kinedynes and been satisfied all this time. Sometimes you just have to weigh what's important to you, a few dollars for less frustration works for me - besides I had sold some other stuff from another hobby that helped fund this.

From what I was told by Ryan (if I remember correctly) the 750 SL is let's say the base model that runs as slow as 50 rpm and is rated at 1 hp. The 750SH is the same but is built to run on the slow side longer if that makes sense and is also rated at 1 hp. The slower they run the more heat is generated so I believe it has to do probably additional heat sinks in the controller. The 1000SH is the best one, it too can run all day at very slow speeds and is rated at 1.3 hp. Just last week I had tried one of the generic "750" watt motors with needle positioner from Amazon. I think it was on and off my machine in two days, it would have been sooner but I still have a day job. The Kinedyne is so much more refined, is much heavier is very well built and the positioner is super accurate. The generic one would drift all over the place, the Kinedyne is spot on every time. I really like the controller being separate so ou can easily change settings without having to crawl under the table. They are not cheap, but honestly you get what you pay for. A generic digital servo runs about $75-100, a good analog servo is now about $175. The Kinedyne starts at just under twice the analog model. I would rather not quote Neel's Saddlery's pricing and suggest you contact him yourself. And don't worry about dealing with a smaller company, he is a top notch guy. I did wrestle with the cost, however after getting it I really don't regret it. You might watch the videos from The Thoughtful Woodworker, they helped me make up my mind.

Just got my Kinedyne servo motor last night from Neel's Saddlery. Ryan is a great guy to deal with but the servo motor is unbelievable. Granted I'm new to sewing but the power and especially the slow speed of this thing is fantastic. To me, this is similar to comparing a manual transmission to an automatic. Don't get me wrong, I love manuals but not having to deal with finding the friciton point of a clutch motor or dealing with the instant ramp up of a cheaper servo motor is priceless, you get a true one stitch at a time. I built a speed reducer and it worked but not like this motor. It's smooth as silk, powerful, quiet and everything I've been trying to get out of a motor. The HM750SL, HM750SH or even the HM1000SH is what you want to look at they all have the 50 rpm lower limit. I know some have kind of written these motors off but everything they say about them is true. I highly recommend the Kinedyne motor - and I do not get anything for saying this -

One other possibility is to install a smaller pulley on the motor, 45mm is typical. One problem though is the motor shaft on that motor might have a tapered shaft. Tapered pulleys for that are difficult if not impossible to find. The next choice was already mentioned, that being a speed reducer. One other option is going to a larger pulley on the sewing machine. A friend of mine did just that and really liked the reduction in speed. He used just an off the shelf 1/2" bore, 6" pulley that you can find at a good hardware store or order on-line - as long as your machine handwheel shaft is 1/2" that is.

understood -

I'm looking for a nice used Reliable SewQuiet 6000sm or a Sailrite Workhorse, anyone have one they would like to part with for a reasonable price?

Talk about having your cake and being able to eat it! A few thoughts - keep the price comparable to the Reliable or Sailrite (before their price jumped) models so under $200-$250, 12 coil, some sort of trade in program for those that bought analog units from you, made in the USA (that might be tough). Great thoughts - hope it happens.

FredK - I see you're in Ireland so that might explain your comment about "modern cars" (not making any bad references to Ireland or your cars of course), here in the US 10W-40 went out with the 70's. Some of our newer cars run 0W-20!

Don't mean to sound snarky but the best screwdriver is the one that fits. You might have to shop around for some, might try a gunsmith supplier? Guns usually have odd size screws that get marred if not using the correct size. Only other suggestion is to be very careful with what you do have on hand.

Looks like you're covered on photos -

Will get some shots in a day or so

While I don't have one for sale, I also have a 545 H3 and could take some pictures of it for you if that would help.

I had a 145 that had sat for years. Initially it had sort of a hard spot as you rotated the handwheel that got better once I reset the timing. I now have a 545 that ran very smooth but once I reset the timing in it, it ran even smoother. Granted it sounds that yours has some miles on it but it might be worthwhile to check the gear backlash and overall timing of it.

Being new to sewing myself, I like to watch various youtube videos to pick up tips and then try them on some scrap vinyl. My first project was seat covers for my Jeep CJ in leather. Before actually using leather, I made up one complete out of vinyl for practice. I'm very formtunate in that I have literally rolls of vinyl to use. It really helped to determine the order of assembly. Other than that, practice sewing, once you feel comfortable with straight lines, throw in some curves, then some tight 90's. I picked up a lot of tips from a guy who has a business called "pit-n-tacks", he's really good in showing you the basics.

I love my Pfaff but that one looks like its seen a lot of use. All things equal, I would have to go with the Singer just from the pictures. I second the difficulty and price for Pfaff parts.

Have you looked at any of the owners manuals? I seem to recall seeing the cutouts in some Pfaff documentation I ran across some time ago.

Servo motor with a 45mm pulley on the motor, best thing you could do. The servo motors do not run when you are not sewing so there is an electricity cost savings there as well. It would basically be a simple swap, unbolt one and bolt in the other. You will need a different belt too, easily found at the local hardware store or on-line once you measure for it. Contact CowboyBob on this forum, he can set you up with a nice analog servo motor and pulley.

I've had a Pfaff 145 and now have a 545. I like the bigger bobbin on the 545. The Consew you show looks to have less miles on it but it is a side load bobbin which you may or may not like, the Pfaff has a top load bobbin which I find just a little nicer than a side load. KGG brings up a very valid point, you're knocking on the door of a new machine with a warranty if the $900 prices are firm. Just for comparison, my 545 was listed at around $900-1000, I was able to pick it up for $400 I think. I would not have paid the original asking price. Parts for the Pfaff are expensive and some of the off brand items like presser feet are of questionable quality, don't know about the Consew parts. If I were to buy another machine, I think it would be a Pfaff 1245 or a comparable Juki or maybe even a Thor. I work on my own auto and marine upholstery only and am not in business. Just my $0.02 - good luck.

Great videos, thanks for posting. I never realize they were supposed to actually touch. I'll have to take a look at mine to see how it's set.

Was the machine running before you started to tear it down? Reason I ask is that when I had my 145, I had it all apart and it didn't need any extra force. I don't remember the order I followed to take it apart though, sorry. Do you have the manuals for the machine? They show all the parts so you can make sure all the screws are out.

The color of the original posters machine looks really close to my Pfaff 545.

Curious where you ordered the parts from. I have a 545 which is in great shape but it's always good to know where to get parts should the need arise.

Superior Sewing Machine has a parts manual, doesn't show how to tear it down but does show the parts and their original part numbers.