Claes patcher repair

[Samer]

This is the other end of that arm that I sent you the video tape off.

[Samer]

I really appreciate your help. So we won’t get confused the first machine we will call machine #1 It’s not working 95% correctly. The second machine we will call machine. # 2 , which I purchased 10 years ago. I’m having timing issues with it. Since all  Claes machines are the same, I tried to adjust the timing of machine #2 to the same timing as #1 but no success.

please note the second and third photos are the same but from different sides.

I apologize if I’m confusing you with the descriptions I’m sending and also the photos and videos. I’m 60 years old and not computer savvy.
 

The following is how I have threaded the machine.

[Constabulary]

Yes, its a 8346-20 medium hook machine. Top threading seems to be okay but indeed, the "wedges" don´t belong to the machine (check the parts list - see picture below) and are probably part of the problem. I assume when the top tread goes around the hook the thread keeps handing on the wedges - somehow (maybe not but they don´t belong there anyway).

Hard to tell what the guy 5 years ago did with the machine. I only can guess what he tried to achieve with the wedges. 1.) Either he tried to "rise" the hook a bit to eliminate a timing issue (Needle bar to high so he tried to bring the hook higher 🤨 or 2.) he tried to compensate wear but I doubt the machine can we worn that much already. So I assume its 1.)

What I would do is removing the wedges and lower the needle bar a little bit. Some years ago I translated a 8346 mechanics manual from German to English for one of our members. I´ll check if I can find it and send you the file. It includes all values for timing and how to replace worn shuttle drivers and set the needle bar correctly and so forth. Thats the best I can do from the distance.

 

Edited 2 hours ago by Constabulary

[Samer]

I hope you find that English translation, if anyone you do, please send it as soon as possible.

Please tell me how much I owe you for your time? And whose name I should write the check and where to send it?

If I may ask you a couple questions

I know they’re not out yet, but the cowboy clone of the Claes should be coming to the US in a few weeks, do you know or have any secondhand information if they are worth it?

Also, I’m interested in starting saddle repair. In your opinion, which would be better the CB4500 or Cobra class 4?
 

[Constabulary]

I´m on the other side of the big pond (the land where the CLAES come from 😉) and yet I only have heard of the "Cowboy Clones" of the 8346 but I have no info when the will be released and how good they will be. I´d say time will tell.

40 minutes ago, Samer said:

which would be better the CB4500 or Cobra class 4

I have none but from what I read here they are equal and probably come from the same factory (guessing) just with a different color and name on it. Since you are in NH I´d check with a dealer that is close to you. Toledo Sewing Machines (he is member here too - check out @CowboyBob)  is not really close but probably the closest and from what I read they have an excellent reputation so maybe worth checking with them.

Edited 2 hours ago by Constabulary