Pedersen 309 Bobbin case wires question

[Einherj]

I am doing some heavy maintenance on this Pedersen 309 outsole stitcher I got for cheap.

What are these wires going into the bobbin case? Are they for some kind of heater for the bobbin thread wax, or am I way off?

Thank you for your assistance.

[Constabulary]

don´t know for sure but could be a heating device for warming the waxed thread. But its just guessing.

 

EDIT:

Rapid E 317 is the same machine AFAIK - see manual page page 8.

Rapid E 317.pdf

Edited January 1 by Constabulary

[Einherj]

On 1/1/2026 at 7:39 AM, Constabulary said:

don´t know for sure but could be a heating device for warming the waxed thread. But its just guessing.

 

EDIT:

Rapid E 317 is the same machine AFAIK - see manual page page 8.

Rapid E 317.pdf 1.24 MB · 3 downloads

Thank you. I'm fairly sure it's for a heater then.

[Tastech]

You are correct , Its a heater for the wax pot . Modern threads come wax impregnated which makes the wax pot pretty much redundant . You can still get un-waxed thread but the right wax is hard to get . If you only use the machine intermittently for the odd repair then use the pre-waxed thread. If you are doing a large production run then heated wax is more economical in the long run . If you are going to use the pre-waxed thread get the braided polyester type because it is much more durable than the linen/flax type . While you are at it give the machine a good clean using kerosene and a paint brush . old wax can clog up the machine and makes parts sticky and not move properly . The rapid is a very good machine when it's working smooth.

[Einherj]

On 1/6/2026 at 9:03 AM, Tastech said:

You are correct , Its a heater for the wax pot . Modern threads come wax impregnated which makes the wax pot pretty much redundant . You can still get un-waxed thread but the right wax is hard to get . If you only use the machine intermittently for the odd repair then use the pre-waxed thread. If you are doing a large production run then heated wax is more economical in the long run . If you are going to use the pre-waxed thread get the braided polyester type because it is much more durable than the linen/flax type . While you are at it give the machine a good clean using kerosene and a paint brush . old wax can clog up the machine and makes parts sticky and not move properly . The rapid is a very good machine when it's working smooth.

Thank you very much for these insights.
So there is a wax box built around the bobbin case? Is the screw on top the filler cap?

I am actually on my way to stripping all the paint from the major parts as there seemed to be some paint spillage or similar all over the machine, and the original paint is chipping too.
I will wire wheel all the major parts to bare metal and repaint them.

Luckily the insides are in good condition. I will not disassemble the main mechanism, but I will clean it up good with solvents and regrease and oil where needed.

I will most likely be using pre-waxed threads, so I will disconnect all the heater wires.

I will also be converting this machine to a modern servo motor, so there are a lot of parts I can leave out from the reassembly, like the power switch, heater switches, motor mount, power transfer wheel, etc.

Edited Thursday at 12:30 PM by Einherj

[Tastech]

@Einherj I just love seeing an old machine rise from the ashes . Looks like you are all over it and thought things through . You are right in not pulling the whole thing apart and only cleaning the moving parts.  If you do need to dive in them take plenty of  photos because through my experience you will need them for reference. Keep us posted on your progress and keep the photos coming . I would also like to know of any unexpected problems you came across and how you solved them . In my experience ,when you come across a dilemma that you can't solve, just walk away and let it brew in your subconscious for a while . The solution will reveal itself when you least expect it. Just so you know and to avoid problems with the spouse . Kerosene will stink your shed out for about 2 weeks . Its a sacrifice worth making.   

[Constabulary]

do you know a dry Ice cleaner in your area?