EFKA VARIOSTOP VS HO HSING

[SARK9]

1 hour ago, Uwe said:

A nice new servo motor sounds like a GREAT option to me right now.

I have a really nice shiny Mitsubishi *Limi-stop-Z* servo motor unit that came with one of my Juki machines, complete with all the solenoid valves, positioners, trimmers, pneumatic lifts/reverse actuators, plugs and plumbing one could ever desire. The documentation for programming it is still readily available. One intriguing feature is described as a sort of "non-contact" electronic clutch which has a progressive sensor to attach to the foot pedal....a cyber-feathering prosthetic clutch solution for pedal-impaired klutzes like myself, thinks I. I have compressed air and an old school roto-phase always available here....but that type of annoying motor still has to run all the time.  I broke weak and went with an off-the-shelf servo from one of our Asian trading partners...a Consew CM-1000 in this case. Ain't nobody got time for dat.

-DC

[Diyer]

There are those of us that are working on the time is money principle, and others that LIKE  to take their time, because leathework is a Zen type of occupation. It would be lovely to have some things air operated, but I am not aware of the existence of a noiseless compressor. The old guy I used to work with always said that air is the most expensive form of useable energy. I shall probably ditch the 3 phase, unless a conversation with Efka changes that.

I didnt realize there are so many people that struggle with the clutch motors.I started my industrial sewing career doing outwork, and then found I was not fast enough.I changed to doing more custom items like Clint Eastwood hats, and made to measure clothing in leather.I was in that time is money loop then.

At the moment I am planning the "getting it home" work. I found that the plastic machine skates I have are rated at 200kg. Someone not too far away advertises he does removals, and the van is a front wheel drive, so the floor is low. I will see if he is interested in doing the job.

[RockyAussie]

On 04/02/2017 at 10:07 AM, Diyer said:

Is there any point using it if I do not use the  pneumatic features, because I cannot stand the noise of a compressor?

For production work I have found the Variostop very useful and if you check out the video our local newspaper made showing me making a key tag it shows the advantage of being able to quickly and easily lift the foot which is where the air comes in to use a lot. It does not use much air but I have had to replace the little switch valve which opens the air path once. I think it cost about $35.00 from a common air switch supplier. Here's the link http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/videos/wild-harry/43913/

Best of luck Brian.

[dikman]

Nice video, Brian. Your beard looks like mine, except yours has a bit of colour in it , but you've definitely got more hair on top than me!!!

Diyer, I think the big issue with clutch motors is that most of us hobbyists get a (hopefully) suitable machine and just want to get straight into sewing leather. Slow speed control is really essential for this and very few of us will have the time to learn to control a clutch motor (plus leather is probably not the ideal material to start to learn on). I tried, and that included making speed reducers and fitting larger pulleys to the head units, but to no avail. I doubt if I could do what I am if a servo hadn't been available. I am in awe of those who can crawl a clutch motor.