Adler 205 top thread getting stuck

[Rob2613]

The 205-374 I mentioned is an hour drive from me. I will make an aoppointment with the seller to go and check the machine. Are there any specific things to check / test to get an idea of the machine’s condition or warning signs that the machine might be in bad shape? Thanks again!

[shoepatcher]

21 hours ago, Rob2613 said:

@Uwe Thank you again for sharing your great knowledge about these machines. Your first class video’s about the 205-series are my inspiration to go search for this machine. Unfortunately the newer DA -models are way out of my budget (yet), so I need to get all the information I can get about the 205-374 to make a smart decision about buying one. Do you (or anyone else here) know of a source for these shims besides Weaver Leather, preferably in Europe? The shipping costs from the US to Europe are insane most of the time. And do you know if things like edge guides etc.that are listed for the 205-370, can also be mounted on the 205-374? Thanks again!

Yes the flip down roller guides will fit both machines.  You will need and adapter plate on the back to mount the guides.  Weaver leather has them as does Kwok Hing in Hong Kong.   Flip down roller guides are as cheap as $30.00 US on eBay but do NOT include the adapter plates!

glenn 

[Rob2613]

Thank you all again!!!

 

[Goldshot Ron]

@Uwe...yes, the problem that I was having with my 205 was exactly as shown in your video (nice camera also).  To time it, I took off the presser foot cover and the feed dog.  It sure made it easier to time, and see what was going on.  I had to use 6 spacer rings to adjust for the 346 thread.  I am still having some problems sewing in reverse, but that will have to wait for another day.

[Rob2613]

Looks like I have a deal with the seller of a Adler 205-374! Now I have to start thinking about moving this beast to my place. I think I will disconnect the head from the table, and try to move these two parts to my car. Luckily this machine has a servo motor, so the weight of the table should be easy to handle. Does anyone here have an estimate on the weight of the head, and things to consider when moving this machine (besides not dropping it on my foot:))?

 

[Goldshot Ron]

4 of us loaded the machine into the trailer, but I unloaded it alone.  First, lower the table to it's lowest position and tighten the two knobs on the stand.   There is a pistol within the stand that allows for machine height adjustment.  If not secured, the table may spring upward when the head is removed.  I cannot tell you the exact weight of the head, but it feels like about 175 pounds or more.  I moved the head on a hand cart into my shop, and was able to lift it onto my work table.  The stand is not light either, but manageable.  Once inside the shop, I positioned the stand equal to my work bench, and slide the machine onto the stand.  This all sounds simple, but I questioned my logic more than a couple of times during this operation.  Good luck, and happy sewing.

[Uwe]

@Rob2613 the specs on the leaflet show that the 205-374 head by itself weighs 58kg (127 lbs.). You’ll need at least two people to move it safely. I’ve moved a head by myself, but I really don’t recommend it.

You should be able to remove the hand wheel, which weighs quite a bit all by itself. With the hand wheel removed the main shaft stub sticking out makes a good handle for lifting. Don’t lift the head by the hand wheel if you leave it on - it may suddenly rotate and cause you to loose grip. The thick bars/shafts on the back of the machine also make a good grip for lifting the head. 

The head will definitely want to tip to the left once you loosen the bolts that attach it to the table, especially with the hand wheel removed. Remove the bolts on the right side of the base (under the hand wheel) last and have somebody hold up the left end of the head. Then re-install those bolts first when re-mounting the head to the table. 

Lay the machine head gently on its back for transport, don’t keep it upright. It’s very top heavy and wants to fall over. 

The table by itself shouldn’t be too heavy if it’s a standard industrial table with servo motor.

If it’s mounted on a tall metal stand that is common here in the US, it’ll be quite heavy. The stand comes apart in two pieces for transport. The pressurized gas cylinder inside the column is quite strong to balance the weight of the head - be carful when loosening the screws on the column to adjust or remove the top of the column. Here’s picture of that stand (your machine may not have this:)

 

Best of luck moving your machine. Post some pictures when you get a chance!

Edited February 7, 2024 by Uwe

[Rob2613]

Thanks again (for the tenth time I guess) for your very practical tips! What tools are recommended for dismantling the Handweel and the head from the table. And do you know the dimensions of the head (max height, width and length) so I can make a crate to transport the head without damage? I will definately post some pictures once I hauled this beast to my home!  Too bad you are located in the US, I would really like to buy one of your table attachments for this machine!

Edited February 7, 2024 by Rob2613