Techsew 4800 Aluminum Flatbed attachment

[skibaron84]

I purchased a Techsew 4800 to be strictly used as a flatbed leather sewing machine.  I also own a Techsew 5100 that is now going to be my cylinder head workhorse for sewing gussets.  

Unfortunately, the aluminum flatbed for the 4800 is not seated properly and is pressed against the cylinder head causing the top of the bed to sit ~2mm too high.  Has anyone else experienced this problem and know of a fix?

I've reached out to the company and waiting for a response.  Does anyone know if Ron is still active with the company.  I've seen his posts and his technical support and knowledge is what convinced me to go with Techsew.  My 5100 has been incredible with only a recent minor issue on the needle position.

Thanks!

[Constabulary]

IMO that in general is a terrible designed FBA. The long metal plate (I think) will always be kinda flexy due to its length and weight and because it it just "clamped" on the far right end. It needs at leat 2 supports on the left underside. And IMO the throat plate should stick out 1mm or a bit more from the FBA to prevent "interference" with the presser feet.

I know my opinion does not solve your problem but if you cannot install it correctly I would return it.

This FI is a proper designed (OEM) FBA for my Pfaff 341. Just to give you an example.

[skibaron84]

Thanks for your thoughtful response.  Those are astute observations.  I agree that there should be slightly more clearance around the presser feet, regardless if I can get it  level.   Right now the bed does wobble, but that's due to the presser feet hitting against the lip.

Your setup looks good and secure.  I like Techsew's concept if the user is continually going back and forth with the configuration, helps with easy storage, but since I want to use it primarily as a flatbed machine I'd be happy with your design.

I'll update with Techsew's response.  I could easily grind down the sides around the walking feet and bevel the bottom edges to make them not press against the bobbin compartment, but I'm HOPING they sent me an incorrectly milled flatbed.

[skibaron84]

Gotta love it when learning, building, maintaining, and fixing the tools used to complete our craft BECOMES the actual hobby.  Although I sound like I'm complaining, that can be half the fun.

[Uwe]

You may have to make small adjustments with a file to provide clearance if the aluminum is touching the arm. 
 

I added some saddle wedges to my flatbed from Recent Relics, which made a big difference in how solid that table attachment mounts. The bent edges of that design also make the attach MUCH more rigid and non-flexing. 
 

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Edited May 19 by Uwe

[eblanche]

I tried out one of the more recently popular options for my 246 model and was not happy with the stability, both, length and width wise. This used a single mount towards the right, different from the larger models being discussed here. Saddle wedges and such would maybe help but i think it also depends on the machine model and how the table mounts to it.

I was looking into the techsew versions as well and they look very nice but are also pricey. As I have the room, I will probably hold out for a great deal and buy a separate older used walking foot (563/206/1541 if lucky).

Edited May 22 by eblanche

[Tommy217xxx]

I bought a flat bed for my cb341 and it’s a bit wonky also. Unfortunately I can’t add feet on the left b/c the table my machine is mounted to doesn’t have anything for the feet to sit on.

Edited May 23 by Tommy217xxx

[skibaron84]

UPDATE ***

Techsew paid the shipping for me to send them back the flatbed, and... sent me back the exact same item with no changes to the dimensions. 

The speed and responsiveness was good, but there was no dialog from them about the rational in sending me back the exact same flatbed.  I even sent them measurements of the opening around the bobbin (~51mm) so they could verify if it was incorrectly milled. 

I thought the benefit of buying the 4800 straight from Techsew would mean amazing customer support, which was their strong selling point from all the forum dialog, but this experience was dissapointing.  So if you get the 4800, be aware of this issue with the flatbed.  I also have the Techsew 5100 (brand new from SewingMachinesPlus.com) and that machine's flatbed fits perfectly. 

As a fix, I have an 8inch bench grinder and beveled the bottom edge to fit the arm.  Pretty simple solution, but not something you want to do with something right out of the box.

Thanks again for everyone's help!