Adler 205-64

[DarkHorseFarm]

Hello  to whoever reads this. 

I’m considering buying a 205-64. It needs the walking foot worked on. I’ve been told there are shims that are needed to keep it working in line. Its sews fine and could be used as is. 
I know it’s an old machine  with its limitations and I certainly don’t need it. That being said the asking price is $500 and I do wonder if it might be worth it to have I’m my shop or possibly repair and resell. Though I never seem to sell anything.

I’d like to hear opinions from those who know more about this machine than I.

Thanks

Jonathan
 

 

[friquant]

What other working sewing machines do you have in your shop?

[WoVo]

A 205-64 is not a walking feet (-370) but a needle feed sewing machine.

One of the best made in the class of super heavy arm machines.

[bruce johnson]

I had one. Sewed at least 30 new saddles on it, plus a ton of repair work. A couple miles of double latigo reins. production belts, wallets, everything. If it had 4 more inches of throat clearance it never would have left. If this one sews - $500 and I would not be asking, I would be robbing the ATM and gassing up the truck.

[WoVo]

Very good machines indeed. The walking feet/needle feed versions of the Adler 105/205 and Singer 45K (and it's Seiko, Ferdinand and Cowboy clones) are a bit weaker (=more joints/moving parts) than the solid frame versions but useful for slippy materials and some kind of work like saddles.

[DarkHorseFarm]

Hello,

 

I used incorrect terminology when I said walking foot,  I think the correct term is the feed dog, I believe that is worn out. I had a chance to mess with it some today. I’m not an expert with this but from what I can tell the screw hole on the dog is enlarged due to useage and I think the screw not being tightened. If I had a new one to compare it to I might know for sure. I was able to get it snugged up by using a cardboard shim and it appears to work. The screw is messed up from being torqued on repeatedly. I was just wanting to see if I could get it to work. I’m think it’s got promise, needs a good cleaning and the new parts. 

Thanks 

jonathan
 
 

[Constabulary]

does not look worn, it is an oval hole because you can alter the feed doh height I think I have  a feed dog to compare I´ll check later today.

[bruce johnson]

11 hours ago, Constabulary said:

does not look worn, it is an oval hole because you can alter the feed doh height I think I have  a feed dog to compare I´ll check later today.

Mine had the oval hole. I raised it all the way up when I was sewing wear leathers on saddle blankets. otherwise - the teeth barely clearing the slot. 

[Constabulary]

my bad - my feed dog is from a 104-64 - sorry. Anyway, your looks normal to me.

[DarkHorseFarm]

Thanks for your replies. To my inexperienced eyes the oval looks ok. My thought is the screw that holds the piece  in place and the area of the piece that the screw comes in contact with are both worn down. There’s now way to tighten it enough currently that will have the feed dog move correctly. I can’t see any loose movement in the shaft the dog attaches to though that doesn’t mean there isn’t. It’s pretty dirty in that area. 
Im planning to go by the shop this week and talk with him some more and maybe mess with it some more. 
Is there anything else you would recommend I should look at on this machine? 
Do you have a recommendation for a source for parts for the machine, specifically the screw and feed dog?

Thanks again,

Jonathan