Buying Keestar Sewing Machine 441 Directly From China..

[korokan]

It is not a 441 video, sorry about that. I presume all sewing machine works on the same principle. but different in some ways. This video should help other people understand what is the timing of a sewing machine.

[Constabulary]

hard to explain if you know "not very much" about sewing machines. Timing is not only finding the point where the hook meets the needle.

There at at least 3 different type of hooks (CB hook, rotary hook, barrel shuttle hook) one should know of. And there are several different feed mechanisms, top feed only, drop feed, needle feed, compound feed (triple feed / walking foot), combined top + bottom feed, puller feed and maybe a few more combinations.

Timing of a walking foot (compound feed) machine is probably the most difficult (as on the 441) as you have 2 foot (one goes only up + down and the other goes up + down AND back + forth) , one needle bar (goes up + down AND back + forth) , one feed dog (has to be exactly timed with the needle bar) and a barrel shuttle hook which you have to time with the needle bar and all these have work properly together. So the two videos you have posted are not even close as the shown machine has just a needle that hoes up and down, no feed mechanism (you feed it manually since you have to move your material by hand) and not the 2 foot... and so forth.

No offense - but sewing machines are NOT one like the other, there are many many differences and I probably have just scratched the surface.

[korokan]

hard to explain if you know "not very much" about sewing machines. Timing is not only finding the point where the hook meets the needle.

There at at least 3 different type of hooks (CB hook, rotary hook, barrel shuttle hook) one should know of. And there are several different feed mechanisms, top feed only, drop feed, needle feed, compound feed (triple feed / walking foot), combined top + bottom feed, puller feed and maybe a few more combinations.

Timing of a walking foot (compound feed) machine is probably the most difficult (as on the 441) as you have 2 foot (one goes only up + down and the other goes up + down AND back + forth) , one needle bar (goes up + down AND back + forth) , one feed dog (has to be exactly timed with the needle bar) and a barrel shuttle hook which you have to time with the needle bar and all these have work properly together. So the two videos you have posted are not even close as the shown machine has just a needle that hoes up and down, no feed mechanism (you feed it manually since you have to move your material by hand) and not the 2 foot... and so forth.

No offense - but sewing machines are NOT one like the other, there are many many differences and I probably have just scratched the surface.

No offense man. This is the reason we have a forum so you can clear isiues and claify doubts. You can also show off to people your expertise of the sewing machine or what ever you can make your self proud of. We would love to her what you know.

This sewing mexhanicle principle is old and probably older than my granpa that i feel people should have an idea how it works. So we know what some of the dealer been thru to sell a working sewing machine for us.

I look at my pfaff walking foot and I could see the simillarities . I little imagination can help.

[korokan]

Hi Constabulary,

I knew zero about sewing machine timing.

It does sound you you very well know about this 441 timing.Can you make a video for us to how to check the timing ot fix it. It would be great.Thanks.

Edited July 8, 2014 by korokan

[Wizcrafts]

I've enjoyed all of this topic I can stand. I am out of this thread. See ya.

[gottaknow]

Come on Wiz, it's only page 3!

Hey korokan, I trust that you're taking all the advice with the spirit it's being given. Believe me, none of the guys here have any kind of a motive other than to help and educate you about making a mistake you may regret. This entire site(not just this forum), is geared to people helping others enjoy our leatherwork. Some here have been making a living at it for a long time. A US based dealer provides a service. Providing services costs money.

I have purchased hundreds of machines made all over the world, including the US. Even the machines made in the US had issues that had to be fixed after the production. Every time I priced a machine, I got two quotes. 1) Just the machine and all it's stuff delivered to my door. 2)Machine set up, sewn off on my material and thread, all add-on mounted and tested, delivered to my door.

I could then weigh the cost of my time to do it, or my dealer. Often I'd just have them send it (or multiples) direct to me. But there have been plenty of times I didn't have time to do the set-ups and I gladly pay for it, knowing that I'm paying for a service. You are certainly free to choose. We all have different personalities here in the machine forum. I enjoy them all, and have learned a great deal, just by interacting.

Now, if I apply my own logic, if I was spending my personal money on a machine to do leather work, I would pay their price to have it sewn off the way I want. Those that know my background may be surprised by that, but I honestly would. Please enjoy your new machine and have fun!

Regards, Eric

[Constabulary]

Hi Constabulary,

I knew zero about sewing machine timing.

It does sound you you very well know about this 441 timing.Can you make a video for us to how to check the timing ot fix it. It would be great.Thanks.

I´m sorry but no - I don´t have a 441 but a different walking foot machine. The 441 is not the only machine with a waling foot there are dozens of different machines out there. Follow this this part forum for a few month or so and you will learn a lot and you will learn that a video of ONE certain machine is not the holy grale that solves all problems on all machines even if they all have a walking foot.

Maybe a used machine is an option for you.

[korokan]

I needed right now a heavy duty sewing machine to fix belt. I will have to buy locally in US. There are just too many issues regarding imports from China . There could be hidden charges which I dont know. And then there is that adjustment problem that I will surely encounter. Though I have an option to contact and inspector in China to check the machine and test it before packaging. I told the supplier to adjust the machine before delivery and I will send an inspector to make sure it is done.At this point I feel that i am the only person who would think of doing it.

I dont understand the rules regarding importing sewing machine from China which is one of my big concern.

Besides having to worry about the technicalities of the machine, I will have to worry about the import rules. I will have to take my time and try to digest all your inputs. I am glad , you guys are pro and I am getting a free advice. Much Thanks.

[korokan]

Come on Wiz, it's only page 3!

Hey korokan, I trust that you're taking all the advice with the spirit it's being given. Believe me, none of the guys here have any kind of a motive other than to help and educate you about making a mistake you may regret. This entire site(not just this forum), is geared to people helping others enjoy our leatherwork. Some here have been making a living at it for a long time. A US based dealer provides a service. Providing services costs money.

I have purchased hundreds of machines made all over the world, including the US. Even the machines made in the US had issues that had to be fixed after the production. Every time I priced a machine, I got two quotes. 1) Just the machine and all it's stuff delivered to my door. 2)Machine set up, sewn off on my material and thread, all add-on mounted and tested, delivered to my door.

I could then weigh the cost of my time to do it, or my dealer. Often I'd just have them send it (or multiples) direct to me. But there have been plenty of times I didn't have time to do the set-ups and I gladly pay for it, knowing that I'm paying for a service. You are certainly free to choose. We all have different personalities here in the machine forum. I enjoy them all, and have learned a great deal, just by interacting.

Now, if I apply my own logic, if I was spending my personal money on a machine to do leather work, I would pay their price to have it sewn off the way I want. Those that know my background may be surprised by that, but I honestly would. Please enjoy your new machine and have fun!

Regards, Eric

Hi Eric,

Any chance you ordered direct from China? Are there any custom restrictions on sewing machine or any other VAT or what ever I need to look into when making imports from other countries?

[korokan]

I'm almost certain that shipping will be from $7-900 on top of this price you will be very close to getting one here that is tested & ready to go.Also does this include a servo motor & speed reducer?

They will send the head and table , no motor. The clones for 441 is about $1050 and the clones for 205 is $1750. Shipping by boat is somewhere around $50- $60 and will take 26 days. I will have the option to pick up from the port in NY if it arrives or have it delivered from port for $280 .

Additional options are pneumatic lifts. 2 of them for $160 a little bit more for the 205 Adler clone. They accept payment by EScrow account. I hav ethe option to have an inspector check the machine for $100 base price for checking the machine with video as additional option.

The trader will also send me video of the checking and setting in the factory since I requested them to adjust the setting to sew harness and belts. She state that once I receive the item , it will sew leather harness out of the box.

No speed reducer and I should ask ask her about it.

They will change the foot to a harness foot, Did not ask how much it cost. Just receive the mail from them.

The after market sell which is very important. They do have it, but I cant imagine how it is gonna help me. That too will have to clarify more.