Adler 205-64

[cdthayer]

Has anyone ever put a handcrank knob on an Adler 205-64 and sewn with it by hand crank power?

CD in Oklahoma

[cdthayer]

Does anyone think it's an option to hand crank one?

I have one that I'm going to try to clean up and just want to use it for repairs. I won't be using it for production.

CD in Oklahoma

[J Hayes]

I see no reason you cannot hand crank it. I handwheel all of my machines in the tight coners. I would set it up so you can add a motor though, at some point you may want one, hand wheeling is slow but it is still faster than hand stitching. I've seen pictures of them driven by bicycle cranks too.

[cdthayer]

I see no reason you cannot hand crank it.

Thanks for the input, J.

Since much of my sewing is repairs, I tend to do a lot of hand wheeling with some of my other machines too, although they're all either electric motor or foot treadle powered. It doesn't appear that many here on the forum have intentionally set up an Adler for hand operation, but I keep thinking about the Boss machines that are hand-operated stitchers, and wonder about the practically of my idea.

I don't plan on doing anything to the machine that would inhibit converting to electric power later on, but I don't think that I need a motor for the time being. I have a hand-operated bobbin winder that I think can be modified to accompany the machine. I will see if I can come up with some type of clamp-on hand wheel knob for a crank handle so I can avoid drilling and tapping the existing wheel. If not, I'll see how it goes just hand wheeling the wheel rim.

I'll also have to set up something for a presser foot lift, probably using a chain and foot plate. All of this depends on getting the machine freed up and operational again. Any tips that you can think of would be appreciated. Thanks.

CD in Oklahoma

[pcox]

If it is really stuck I have the best luck with a 50-50 mixture of acetone and ATF.

[cdthayer]

Thank pcox.

Yes, it's really stuck. As soon as I find a tray large enough for it to fit in, I plan on giving it an oil bath with sewing machine oil and let it set for a while. Then I'll start removing the commonly removed things and see if anything wants to start wiggling. If I don't get any movement, I may try your suggestion.

I like to bathe rusty machines in SM oil before I ever touch them with tools. It helps keep from damaging things.

CD in Oklahoma

[gordond]

I picked up a Adler 205-64 in a job lot recently.

It was jammed stuck solid- I would have placed $ on betting that something was broken inside the machine.

I just happened to have some triflow ,removed access panels and dosed the parts inside.but ATF/acetone ,Kroil, and the other brews all work [ATF & brews are much cheaper though]

Initially nothing -- then realised the sticking part was the presser foot height mechanism [fine threads rusted solid]..this cleaned up and a redose and away it went.

as you said, it will take a bit of feel ,wiggling and listening to where the issue is.

[samthedog]

Hello CD, I think the 50/50 of acetone and automatic transmission fluid is the best solution. It penetrates quicks and gets into all the nooks and crannies. You won't have to soak the machine. IIf it's anything like my Adler, you will have the plastic oil injection ports leading to all the bearings and contact surfaces. Get yourself a good quality high pressure pump oilcan and give the ports a squirt.

Time is your friend here and just take it slow. I would also be prepared to replace all bearings as once siezed, they will never run right again and cause vibration through all the shafts.

I'm probably not telling you anyhting you don't already know....

Paul.

[cdthayer]

I picked up a Adler 205-64 in a job lot ....jammed stuck solid.....the sticking part was the presser foot height mechanism [fine threads rusted solid]....

Thanks Gordon, I'll watch for that.

.... plastic oil injection ports leading to all the bearings and contact surfaces.....give the ports a squirt. ....replace all bearings as once siezed, they will never run right again and cause vibration through all the shafts.

Paul.

Thanks Paul. This is the first one of these machines that I've tried bring back from the dead. I know I'm going to get educated once I get into it. I haven't started on it yet. I've still got a Singer 111G156 waiting for a part on my bench. I'd like to get that one going before I tackle the Adler. I'm going to have to come up with a larger drip pan to set it in before I start too.

I doubt that shaft vibration will bother me much if I hand crank it, but I hadn't thought about that possibility for future powered operation, so thanks for the information.

CD in Oklahoma

[Jimbob]

OMG.....!!!!!

Who would do something like that to such a beauty of machinery with the name ADLER on it.....shame to the last keeper of this jewel !

I certainly would bring it back to working condition and use the heck out of it....these 205's are beautiful machines.....and a hand crank is no problem....just think of the cobbler machines...they all have a hand wheel on it and can be operated smoothly. I have a hand crank on my Singer 99 and others....works well. Now ya all go and oil bath these Adlers and make em work again!!