Durkopp Adler 291

[276ccm]

Hi there, I just got my new (to me, but obviously used) Durkopp Adler 291.. well, it only says Durkopp on the side, but the front panel has the DA logo.. it´s pretty stuffed with everything, probably more than I need and more that can go wrong, but so far it looks like it´s in pretty good shape.

Is there anyone out there, og here.. that is using a 291, N291 or similar (294, 295) for leather work? It´s a flat bed machine, but my goal is to use it for leather work.. some heavy nat veg tanned leather, but also thinner stuff as ordinary seats with out motive, wallets, bags etc..

It would be nice to "meet" anyone that uses that machine for leather work, to share experiences (I guess in the start, it´s me that has some questions).

Thomas Brinkhoff from Durkopp said it was the 291-185081 or 291-185082.. but I´m not quite sure whats the difference.. I only know the difference from the 291-164062, which was:

291-164062:

• 
  Stitch length up to 6mm
  

291-185082:

like 164062 but

• 
  Stitch length up to 10mm
  
• 
  automatic stitch number correction when changing the material feed
  
• 
  automatic backtacking
  

My new machine..

Does anyone have a good explanation what all these symbols means? Some of them I know, but..

I guess all these holes are for attaching different guides and helpers?

Well, if anyone feel like it, I´m hoping to get some more info, tips, tricks, etc for this machine..

Marius/287ccm :-)

[276ccm]

Finally I have just started to explore my new machine.. I don´t know much about it, or sewing machines in general, but I´ll try to document everything I find out, so I better remember what I just found out and maybe other people find it useful some day.. and maybe someone have other ideas, tips and tricks of what I´m doing, or trying to do :-)

Very thankful for comments and help!

Today I found out how the automatic backtacking worked and what button that was on the menu board.. looks like there are some combinations, but so far..

Here is a iPhone video of it in action:

http://youtu.be/Y_q2K_tkqqU

On this video, I had not adjusted the sting length.. I guess I can adjust the reverse lenght so it matches the forward stitches?

[Trox]

Hei Marius,

Here is the web site of Quick Rotan, seems like it is a part of Pfaff industrial. I do not remeber what numbers who was written on your motor. It is some Pdf downloads on this site, maybe one matches your motor. If not, send them an email and ask for the manual. Anyway you can read about the programing principles in them.

Later.

Good luck

Trox

[Trox]

I am sorry, here is the link; http://www.quick-rotan.com/index.htm

[276ccm]

Thanks a lot Trox, your help is amazing and without your knowledge I would probably still buy a lot of cheap and useless machines! I really appreciate it! :-)

[276ccm]

A little problem I dont understand.. I have a air powered knee lift on my machine, but for some reason it´s programmed to work in another way, or maybe not working at all as nothing happens when hitting it. The only way to lift the foot is to use the heel function on the pedal, but when doing so, it takes an extra stitch, but not lock the thread, so it leaves just an extra hole, which is no good, especially when I´m doing some detailed work.

In the video, when you see the foot stops, I released the speed pedal, and when it takes the last extra stitch is when I hit the heel function.

As a friend mentioned over the phone, it might be just an adjustment, maybe I havent been easy enough at the heel, as this machine should have two heel functions (I mean I was pressing the heel very light) or maybe it is just programmed in another way to work this way, but I cant see any reason why it should work like this, as it just leaving an extra hole.. (as far as I know, all the backtacking functions was turned off when I experienced this).. anyone have an suggestion, option, tips for why it acts like this or what I can do to fix it?

http://youtu.be/GozAD_ceFKI

I´m greatful for any tips! :-)

[276ccm]

Starting to learn the machine little by little..

The extra stitch is not solved, and the knee lifter is still not working, but I found out that I can lift the foot from a button on the control panel, when I stop sewing and want to change direction. When I´m done I lift the foot by the heel action, which will backtack and end it all.. also the automatic thread cutter works great.

It´s a great machine and I can now sew pinstriping motives beside painting them on motorcycles..

..on this one I used a 160 LR needle and Serafil 20 thread.

I also did a new test at sewing two layers of relatively thick veg. tanned leather, and it seems like it was no problem at all.

http://youtu.be/boqgnK4uU8I

I´m getting really exited by this machine :-)

[Trox]

Hi Marius, I told you it was a great machine. It was the best of its kind in high speed upholstery machines when new, and still sold for top dollar. I will visit to your workshop and have a look @ the knee switch. Call me and we will make an appointment.

Happy pin sewing

Trox

[Trox]

By the way, I think that red button should be used as a reverse button. (I am not talking about the knee switch) The seller told us it was a emergency stop button, I do not think he knew because it was not in use. You have a solenoid for the reverse and this button can be attached to it true the motor control. Check your manual, it is must likly a reverse button.

Trox

[276ccm]

Thanks a lot Tor, I´ll call you next week as I´m at a upholstery convention in Sweden this weekend.. if it´s used as a reverse button, it would be great.

Also got the manual for the control board and engine.

Talk soon!

Marius :-)

[Trox]

Thanks a lot Tor, I´ll call you next week as I´m at a upholstery convention in Sweden this weekend.. if it´s used as a reverse button, it would be great.

Also got the manual for the control board and engine.

Talk soon!

Marius :-)

Ok, we talk next week, have a nice trip.

Trox