Chillpill12 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Hi Am a newbie, using an Adler with a new Clutch motor, but its still way to fast and am a novice at sewing, so was looking at switching it to a servo, but as there are sometimes even issues with these (which brand and which model in which brand for which I will still end up with a good current clutch motor not being used). So I wondered if the 'speed reducer' (as referred to in another post about servo motors, for $85), are able to do their magic on my flatbed Adler 67-63L machine? Secondly, if here in the UK we use 220volts, does this pose any issue for the speed reducer? Sorry if this is a bit basic, but I have only had a few hours on industrial machines and really want to be able to go slow when needed (probably often, especially as I will be making bags)!!! Many thanks for any and all useful, kindly sent replies. Regards CP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billymac814 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 A speed reducer is just basically a pulley that has a smaller pulley on it to reduce the gearing so power won't be an issue. You could always start with the reducer and see how it goes with your motor, then if you still don't like it add a servo to it. There are also gear reduction servos and that's what I have on my flat bed. I think given the choice I would go with a seperate speed reducer and servo but that's just me. I'm sure some others will chime in who know more than I do and be able to help a little better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chillpill12 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Hi Billymac Thanks for sharing your experience. Theres a local sewing company who will come to my place to put a servo on, but I will perhaps see if I can get a speed reducer too as you have done. However on thing is unclear. It seems that even just a single, smaller/tighter pulley slows the machine down, so I am hoping this cheaper option will be my starting point, then the servo (expecting I will need this regardless) then try the speed reducer thingy for 3rd option!!!..............I am not quite sure how a speed reducer is different to just a smaller/tighter pulley, but thats something for someone keen on photos to hopefully post on here You guys in the US seem to have a much greater variety of suppliers... Thanks again for posting and sharing your experience - it helps make me feel I am not too far away from getting this machine to work at the novice/slow speed Im after! Cheers CP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billymac814 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Ill post pictures of the speed reducer when I'm done so you can see the difference but picture a large pulley welded to a small pulley then your motor connects to the big one and the small one goes to your machine so it reduces the speed much more than just replacing the pulley on the motor however that is an option and you can certainly start there first. I have one machine with a servo and speed reducer, one with the gear reduction servo and one with just a servo but that's the one I'm putting the reducer on right now. They are all different types of machines so its not easy or fair to compare the difference but I do really seem to like the speed reducer/servo combo. I have 2 other machines that have clutch motors, one is a very large machine and I almost kind of pump the pedal and the other I'm usually able to feather it just fine although I don't use it often, if I did or if I start ill probably swap it out. The gear reduction servo may be a good choice for you, I don't think they are a whole lot more expensive than a regular one. Hi Billymac Thanks for sharing your experience. Theres a local sewing company who will come to my place to put a servo on, but I will perhaps see if I can get a speed reducer too as you have done. However on thing is unclear. It seems that even just a single, smaller/tighter pulley slows the machine down, so I am hoping this cheaper option will be my starting point, then the servo (expecting I will need this regardless) then try the speed reducer thingy for 3rd option!!!..............I am not quite sure how a speed reducer is different to just a smaller/tighter pulley, but thats something for someone keen on photos to hopefully post on here You guys in the US seem to have a much greater variety of suppliers... Thanks again for posting and sharing your experience - it helps make me feel I am not too far away from getting this machine to work at the novice/slow speed Im after! Cheers CP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Am enclosing photos of set-up with a speed reducer and a gear reduction servo motor. Speed reducer on a Servo motor with a dial to set speed. Gear reduction servo motor from Toledo Sewing Machine. No speed reducer pulleys required. Also has speed setting dial. This servo may have slightly more power. You can see the speed dial on end of motor as well as label telling you it is a SEWPRO Gear reduction servo motor. The speed reducer pulley is on my Consew flatbed, have no problems with it. Gear reduction motor is on a Seiko Cylinder arm. Hope this helps. ferg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chillpill12 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Heh Billy - Thanks for the explanation, I envy you the large variety of machines you have. You must be a pretty organised person with an efficient business! I will discuss these options with the dealer that does a home visit (where my machines take up too much space here in my living room)! Hi Ferg, I do appreciate the time you have taken to upload the photos on here, which helps me to know when I get something, that its the right thing, (as asked for) as sometimes I think sellers here in the Uk just want to sell a Servo, but at least on this website, there are more options to consider (speed reducer, specific servo such as the one Wiz recommends or the gear reduction and the need too, to balance this choice against the material that I will be working with most. This last bit is the tough one, as will work with both average thick leather, fine, thin leather, and laminated cotton, plus cordura! Heheheh! I think this web is great though to help us total newbies learn so we can ask the right questions of suppliers. One industrial machine dealer I spoke to was super casual about any technical info on servos, just saying it was a brand name for a slower motor, which it sounds not quite the full storey! Cheers and thanks for your postings - most encouraging CP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chillpill12 Report post Posted January 31, 2013 Billy - just saw your website, think your holsters look fantastic, really solidly made and seems you have a developing range too if your website is just a year or two old, so I guess you are busy adding things here and there to it. Ferg - those photos are sooo good to see the alternatives. Maybe the moderators or you could post these under Wiz comments about 'what machine to buy' thats pinnned....? Am sure you guys get asked about slowing down industrial machines ALL the time, Am off to call the sewing machine dealers now to see if they have all the stuff for these options here with them before they come to fit just 'any' servo....If they bring them, we can then try all options, Cheers CP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billymac814 Report post Posted January 31, 2013 CP, Thanks for the kind words. I can tell you for sure that I'm not organized, I do try to be as efficient as possible though. I started off in my living room too so I can relate. I started on a desk and moved to a workbench and then added a machine and a sander then moved to a seperate room in a new house and then finally to my current shop. I have 1500 sq ft and a little more than half of that is shop space, I can't fit a whole lot more in here as it is but I pretty much have what I need now. I do about 40% holsters and do about55% of my work is repairs and the last 5% is other custom work. Ferg posted good pictures so there's no need for me to post any more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites