Servo on a UL?

[Cumberland Highpower]

I've been wondering...Has anyone had success with a servo type motor on a Union Lockstitch?

I run a couple in 80's factory "trim" with heavy tables, standard AC motor/dual belts, etc.  They work just fine but I'm growing tired of the extra clatter they generate.

I'd like to try a servo type to reduce the noise/vibration on one as a "test"   Do any servo's out there fit the power requirement?   

I have very little experience with servos....So far just some light cheap Chinese models.

Thinking maybe an Efka DC1550?

[Wizcrafts]

I was hired to adjust a ULS machine down in Roseville, Michigan, a couple years ago. It was a like new, rebuilt machine from Campbell-Randall. It was factory equipped with a servo motor. The motor was very powerful and geared way down. But, if had no free play between off and on. It was always in the drive chain when the pedal was heel down and it was very hard to turn the balance wheel manually (because the motor was fighting the wheel). If you do fit a servo motor to your ULS, choose one that has an adjustable or removable brake pad. You usually need to hand wheel around turns, or spin-arounds, or to place the awl into a previous hole.

[Cumberland Highpower]

On 8/13/2023 at 12:48 AM, Wizcrafts said:

I was hired to adjust a ULS machine down in Roseville, Michigan, a couple years ago. It was a like new, rebuilt machine from Campbell-Randall. It was factory equipped with a servo motor. The motor was very powerful and geared way down. But, if had no free play between off and on. It was always in the drive chain when the pedal was heel down and it was very hard to turn the balance wheel manually (because the motor was fighting the wheel). If you do fit a servo motor to your ULS, choose one that has an adjustable or removable brake pad. You usually need to hand wheel around turns, or spin-arounds, or to place the awl into a previous hole.

Thanks for sharing your experience.  Doesn't sound too promising...
I've gotten used to the factory motor/drive over the years, I was just looking to shed the excessive clatter. That I never got too used to

[Wizcrafts]

17 hours ago, Cumberland Highpower said:

I was just looking to shed the excessive clatter.

I still remember the exhilarating sound and feel of my ULS pounding through 1/2 inch thick leather straps at 15 stitches per second! The room shook and the racket bounced off the walls! Liquid wax splattered every which way and smoke came off the awl. It was awesome! I imagined that it felt like firing a Thompson sub-machine gun on full automatic! It was the same thing, but different.