Domestic sewing machines

[Curious Observer]

Greetings and Happy Holidays to all 

I am trying to learn how to machine sew, in that effort I bought an old domestic machine. A true leather sewing machine is too expensive for me to experiment and find out if I’m able to machine sew at all. I probably overpaid for a Pfaff 332 but don’t regret it. I did fall for the vintage machine thing as I later fell for a 130 of the same brand which was in shambles, but was able to bring back to life. This latter one actually sews while the 332 I have yet to bring to full operational status. I’ll admit it, I then grabbed a 260 which is also in very sad shape and awaits in the shed for a spring makeover. This 260 I feel was a good deal as was the 130, though admittedly I’m no expert. 
I would like to know if someone can tell me if there might be a way to reign in and better control the speed on my old yet spirited 130. I’m trying to design a specialized bag which she might be able to sew. Other than that, at this time I make coin and card holders which is what, like many others I suppose, I’ve started my leather making/playing with. 
I hope to eventually buy a used leather capable machine which is my other question. Where in your site may I find used leather sewing machines for sale?

TIA for your help and time.

Mario

[Northmount]

1 hour ago, Curious Observer said:

I am trying to learn how to machine sew

I moved your post to Leather Sewing Machines since you want to learn how sewing machines work.  This is the place!

[friquant]

2 hours ago, Curious Observer said:

I would like to know if someone can tell me if there might be a way to reign in and better control the speed on my old yet spirited 130.

Can you post some photos/videos of your Pfaff 130?

 

Foot Pedal

Does your foot pedal give linear response? That is, proportionally more torque based on how far your press the pedal? If not, buy a new pedal. Here's one I bought recently which gives good response: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D8WPWTY

 

Slow Downers

As for slowing it down (and increasing available torque) there are many ways to slow down a machine. Adding an oversize handwheel is just one: https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/132445-domestic-motor-with-plywood-pulley/

Other ways include going to a smaller motor pulley, or adding a speed reducer between the motor and the machine. Or finding a motor that is slower in the first place.

 

2 hours ago, Curious Observer said:

I hope to eventually buy a used leather capable machine which is my other question. Where in your site may I find used leather sewing machines for sale?

Here is a link to the Used Sewing Machines: https://leatherworker.net/forum/forum/84-used/

 

[AlZilla]

I've got a scad of these old domestics, but no Pfaffs

I'll agree with Friquant that the old Pfaff really should start slow and smooth and ramp up evenly.  Foot controllers are often a culprit, The motor itself can be a factor. Most of them can be disassembled, cleaned, the commutator surface refreshed and new brushes installed. Plenty of youtube videos. Find one shows how to test the windings for opens and shorts.

A multimeter  can test the foot controller. I don't have any exact values to give you but the resistance should start off high and drop to zero or close enough with the pedal fully engaged and do it smoothly.

Let us know how its going.

[Curious Observer]

1 hour ago, friquant said:

Can you post some photos/videos of your Pfaff 130?

Here’s a video Friquant, she goes

[friquant]

No video

But stills are present. Looks like you could make the pulley part of the handwheel three times its current diameter before it runs into the motor pulley. That would be a good start. And then check the foot pedal out like al was sayin.