29K171 Handwheel automatically drops down.

[kidbeey]

I have two blue 171’s that I bought separately. Interestingly one has a Serial Number FA341202 and the other FA341206 which probably means they were made on the same day at the factory.

However, they both have a very nervous hand wheel. I can rotate the handwheel so that the needle is uppermost and it automatically swings downwards. They both don’t want to be stable and hold while the needle is in the upright position.

Is there any adjustment I can make?
 

Furthermore, I am keen to take the bobbin winder fully apart. It does come apart to a degree but I don’t know how to get the pulley wheel off the spindle.

[Tigweldor]

Take a look at the handle on your handwheel - I made one out of brass to replace the wooden one - I now have the same problem as you have.

The handle will - when the 29K33 is not under belt tension - sink to the bottom

As soon as I switch back to the very light wooden handle - the wheel stays in place where ever you leave it.

Naturally the handwheel also stays in place when the machine is under belt tension (to treadle or motor)

 

To pull the bobbin winder wheel of the spindle - you need a gear puller and since you have to pull it over the small pointed shaft that the bobbin affixes to - you have to protect this skinny shaft with a tube a little bit longer, so the puller spindle will press on the tube and not the shaft. A small piece of steel brake line would work.   You could also place the wheel over a socket, heat the wheel with a propane torch, put the steel brake line over the shaft  and hit the brake line with a hammer.

Do NOT hit on the little shaft - you will bend it and then your bobbin will wobble when being wound.

If the wheel is really stuck - I would just throw it in a small jar of acetone (close the lid, else it evaporates) and leave it over night (without the rubber "tire") - that will dissolve all hardened gunked up oil - the next day oil it thoroughly - there is no need to pull the wheel in my opinion - never had to on all my 29Ks

Should you feel grit after the acetone treatment - it is most likely rust - throw the unit into a small jar of vinegar - leave it for a day or two - that will dissolve the rust.

Oil thoroughly afterwards.

Edited April 24 by Tigweldor