Adding pulleys to slow down a Consew 206RB

[melinda]

I have watched a few videos on adding larger pulleys, shaft, pillow blocks to slow down the sewing speed. All are

fairly explanatory--except--it seems that either the machine to small pully, or clutch motor to large pulley will be out of 

alignment once installed. So-- is the clutch motor repositionable side to side to allow better line up of pulleys and belts?

None of the videos I have watched have addressed moving the motor itself.

Thank you

[Northmount]

4 hours ago, melinda said:

I have watched a few videos on adding larger pulleys, shaft, pillow blocks to slow down the sewing speed. All are

fairly explanatory--except--it seems that either the machine to small pully, or clutch motor to large pulley will be out of 

alignment once installed. So-- is the clutch motor repositionable side to side to allow better line up of pulleys and belts?

None of the videos I have watched have addressed moving the motor itself.

Thank you

First, I would get rid of the clutch motor and replace it with a servo motor.  You can find lots of info and comments on servo motors here on LW.

Many motors mounting brackets allow you to move the motor to one side or the other.  You probably will need to move it to the left.  If the bracket doesn't allow for sideways adjustment, then figure out how far the motor needs to move, plot positions for new mounting bolt holes in the table, drill new holes and move the motor and bracket to the new holes.

Note the new position (center-line) of the small pulley on your speed reducer that drives the machine pulley should be behind a perpendicular center-line of the machine pulley so you can tilt the machine head back like before the addition of the speed reducer.

[melinda]

Thanks!

I took another look at the motor mounting, and found it may allow some movement without drilling 

new holes--but to be sure must remove it first as it has a 3/8" heavy rubber(??vibration damper) mounting

that covers the bolt slots--at least the rubber has slots, but cannot see the actual metal mount. LOL--since it 

is 27 degrees outside and studio is not heated, my further investigation will wait until at least noon.

  I had considered a servo motor but thought they might not have enough torque, and this machine came with the clutch motor.

My husband will also check out the motor motor mounting with me.  now that he finally understands what I want

to do to slow it down. I have also read that even a speed control will not slow it down enough to be just  over hand turning

speed . It will take awhile, but I will post when it is done and I can do more than stitch fabrics. Thank you again.

[amuckart]

I second Northmount’s advice to ditch the clutch motor and replace it with a servo if you can possibly afford it. 

If you’re going to go to all the work you’ll get a much better experience from a servo than a speed reduced clutch motor. You’ll also be able to add a needle position sensor, which is a big quality of life improvement. 

They aren’t terribly expensive really are worth saving up for. I will never go back to use a clutch motor on any machine I own now. 

[dikman]

A servo will have more than enough torque to run your 206RB. If you're concerned about it get a 750w version and if you need even more torque fit a speed reducer too. I spent a lot of time messing around with a clutch motor, pulleys and speed reducers until I finally saw the light and swapped to a servo. Don't waste your time trying to tame a clutch motor, trust me, a servo is the only way to go if you want to sew leather.

[melinda]

Several recommendations for servo motor vs the clutch--not feasible at this time, however I also read where the servo still does not slow down to a "clunkity clunk

speed. ( not sure if that is correct info) .

I ended up buying a speed reducer pully set ( 3,6,9") because I could not find the correct size separate pulleys. I did notice the original belt is not in alignment----until-- the clutch is engaged. Then when running , the belt is in a straight line from motor to machine pulley. Soooo- now I am concerned how install the pulley set with it "out of alignment" but so it will align when running. So far I have found no mention of this in the several videos showing speed reduction with pulleys. I suppose I am supposed to have enough sense to have noticed this when checking it out before installation of new pulleys.

Have not yet had time to figure out the installation but will post results and problems--if any.

Thank you to all who replied. Your input was appreciated !

[fibersport]

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.

[Cumberland Highpower]

 

On a small machine like that, you are better off using a box speed reducer.  

The one thing I don't like about belt reducers or jackshafts is that it creates drag/resistance when you want to finesse the handwheel.

You're correct about the belt alignment and engagement of the clutch.  you should try to have the belt as straight and square as possible when the load is applied.  Being a real low horsepower outfit, it's not really critical like you might think though.

Really no reason why you can't master a 206rb with a standard clutch motor (provided it's a 1725rpm motor) with a small pulley.  With a little practice you'll both speed up your pace of work and at the same time learn to slow the machine down with light feathering of the clutch.  

 

 

 

[Samalan]

I just got a box-type speed reducer from Cowboy Bob, they say it's heavy-duty and yes it is. Also, I got a 3/4 horse brushless servo motor with 0 to 5000 rpm and EPS control. It all mounted under the table right nicely It will stitch so slowly or one stitch at a time if you want. then without changing any settings, I can sew too fast.  That setup is a game-changer for me. no big deal to setup.

[GerryR]

I use an AC variable frequency drive (VFD) with a 3-phase 5:1 speed reducer gear motor.  The controller converts single-phase house current to the needed 3-phase for the motor.  The VFD gives the needed speed control.  This is another option that seems to be overlooked.  The controllers can be bought for less than $100.00 that will handle up to a 1 HP motor.  Many of the older industrial clutch motors were three phase, so it would be easy to lock the cluch on and connect to a VFD to get very good speed control.  Just another option. 

[Samalan]

 To Highpower's point, I could run my clutch motor fairly well after a few years it was the constant humming of the motor it's not fun. Now with the new setup, the machine will punch through 8 layers or more of denim at the slowest speed the clutch motor could not do that at a slow speed I don't use my Juki LU-563 for leather for leather I use the Cobra Class 4. I will freely admit my addiction to these machines. For someone who's not in the business of sewing, I own a lot of machines LOL.