msdeluca Report post Posted September 25, 2014 (edited) I don't like the bobbin winder on the Cowboy CB3200 so decided to come up with an alternative. The problem with a typical commercial sewing machine bobbin winder on a machine set up for leather is that it winds while the machine is engaged in stitching or, if not stitching, the stitching mechanism is running. Leather machines run rather slow and it takes too long to wind the bobbin and it seems like a lot of extra wear and tear on the machine. Also, if left unattended, the bobbin doesn't wind with the thread evenly distributed on the bobbin spool. I looked at several dedicated bobbin winders and found the Luis Sew model on ebay for $35 new, including shipping. This machine typically sells for $80 so I snapped it up. Upon running it for the first time, I discovered that there is no speed control and the thing runs at warp nine... no control of the thread winding. The tension discs are also too close to the bobbin which leads to uneven winding on the bobbin spool. I decided to install a PWM (pulse width modulator) speed control which can be had for around $10. The advantage of a PWM is that it maintains full torque while reducing the speed of rotation. It also doesn't heat up the motor like a typical fan-type dimmer switch. The machine also has a lot of vibration which creates excessive noise during operation. I decided to make a new wider platform from 1/2" 9-ply baltic birch plywood. I also mounted the motor on rubber washers. The unit is now virtually silent. So now the unit runs quietly, there is no vibration, the speed is variable down to zero RPM. I can help the winding process manually to keep the threads winding evenly; it winds pretty well unassisted. I have added nylon knee-high stockings to all of my spools of thread to keep them feeding consistently as well. This unit works on type M, as well as residential type bobbins. Hope this helps anyone looking for a better bobbin winding solution. For links to products used in this discussion, go to my blog. Here are some photos of the finished product. Edited September 25, 2014 by msdeluca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toolster Report post Posted September 28, 2014 I have CB3200 and also get frustrated with bobbin winding. This looks to be a very cool setup but I checked EBay today and they're now $59....probably still worth it though. (even at full price it's probably still worth it) BTW I'm having trouble accessing your blog for the PWM speed control info. Maybe you could post that info here or PM me. Thanks in advance! JW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msdeluca Report post Posted September 29, 2014 (edited) I have CB3200 and also get frustrated with bobbin winding. This looks to be a very cool setup but I checked EBay today and they're now $59....probably still worth it though. (even at full price it's probably still worth it) BTW I'm having trouble accessing your blog for the PWM speed control info. Maybe you could post that info here or PM me. Thanks in advance! JW Toolster, Sorry about the link, I've fixed it now. The seller had a buy it now or make offer option so I offered $35 and he accepted. After clicking the link to the seller's store, do a search for "bobbin winder". There are two models, make sure to get the one like the photos in my opening post. Edited September 29, 2014 by msdeluca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toolster Report post Posted September 29, 2014 Thanks! Got it now! Must have to survive..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
