Members Chayse Posted March 24, 2017 Members Report Posted March 24, 2017 Second post, so far I have learned a lot, just by lurking before I joined. So here is the scoop, I came across a Chandler 305-64, understandably just a re-badged Adler 105-64 ( I researched here before purchase). The machine is in great shape for being roughly 30 years old and I am the second owner of this machine in this time. The previous owner, the U.S. Navy, purchased the machine brand new in 1987 at a tune of $3721.00 (it has a brass placard on the back with all the information). As with all military hardware, it had a functional 'Hour Meter' attached to the table...showing only 465 hours....so 15.5 hours a year (average use) is not bad in my book. It is complete with table and the dreaded clutch motor. The only damage I found was that the thread reel pin on top of the machine was sheared off. It took me a few minutes with a small drill bit and an easy-out to remove the threaded stub. I contacted Durkopp Adler about a replacement...needless to say they are 'proud' of their parts!! At a cost of $97.00, I think I can fashion one up on my lathe and mill and have some change in my pocket afterwards! I am currently refurbishing the table, as it was stored in a warehouse and had not been taken care of at all. After a good cleaning and a bit of oil, it turned smooth as silk. I didn't have any sewing machine specific oil on hand, so I oiled it with some oil that I use on my vertical mill, oil that is used for the precision ground matched bearings in the mill. I figured if it was good enough for precision bearings, it ought to be good enough for a German-engineered machine....please correct me if I am wrong? I will pick up some oil specifically made for sewing machines. I came with only one foot, looks like a right cording foot and have contacted Bob at Toledo Indust. Sewing Machines for replacements...at least he has a regular foot in stock and should get me started in the right direction.I have a line on a servo motor to replace the clutch motor but will wait until I finish the table refurb until I purchase it. Being new to leather, I have a few projects lined up, mainly dog collars, as we foster and rescue Belgian Malinois. I would like to be able to send them to their new home with a piece of me...a new collar as they settle in to their new homes. I may dabble in a holster here or there if my skills progress to the point I am not wasting material. So, experienced members, if you could possibly shed any light on the pros and cons of this machine,it would be greatly appreciated. Seeming that I mainly use my Singer 20U for most of my projects, the fan-dangled cylinder arm machines are all a new beast to me! Any help, words of wisdom, or criticism is greatly appreciated. Here are a few pics after moving it into the sewing room. Thanks in advance. V/r, Chayse Another angle Quote
Members Constabulary Posted March 24, 2017 Members Report Posted March 24, 2017 (edited) I doubt this one was built by Adler, I´d rather say its an early "clone". Adler 105 are a bit longer and the upper part looks different. However - still a great deal I think! I think it is a needle fee machine (like 105-64) but to be sure I´d like to see a picture of the back side of the machine. If you mean the upper tension you can probably replace it with the tension unit of a Singer 29K. Not sure if the internal threading is the same but in worst case you can glue it in with JB Weld - did that on a friends Adler 4 machine a while ago - works flawless up to the current day. If you buy the 29K tension stud make sure you are buying a tension nut too as the threading may be different. https://www.college-sewing.co.uk/store/413D-ADJUSTING-NUT-SIDE-SINGER-29K https://www.college-sewing.co.uk/store/1560W-TENSION-NUT-SINGER-29K https://www.college-sewing.co.uk/store/2102-TENSION-DISC-SINGER-29K (2 needed) 29K tension springs are probably too weak - you may need a heavier spring for your machine. I´m sure you can find these parts in the US too (Toledo Sewing Machine F.I.) but CS in GB is my source for parts as I´m on the other side of the pond. Here are pictures of a Singer 45K and 29K tension unit just to compare. Picture 1 is 45K and picture 2 is 29K - notice the heavier spring in 1st picture Edited March 24, 2017 by Constabulary Quote ~ Keep "OLD CAST IRON" alive - it´s worth it ~ Machines in use: - Singer 111G156 - Singer 307G2 - Singer 29K71 - Singer 212G141 - Singer 45D91 - Singer 132K6 - Singer 108W20 - Singer 51WSV2 - Singer 143W2
Members Chayse Posted March 24, 2017 Author Members Report Posted March 24, 2017 Looks like you are correct Constabulary, looks as if there are minor differences between the Adler 105-64 and my Chandler 'Clone'. The first picture is of an Adler, the second is my Chandler...looks as if the Adler has one more thread tension assembly than my Chandler. My machine is a needle feed machine, with reverse...the stitch length adjusted by the lever...which I think is similar to the Adler. Quote
Members Chayse Posted March 25, 2017 Author Members Report Posted March 25, 2017 Constabulary, I think we may be talking about 2 totally different things here. I just re-read what I posted and your replies. Here is a pic of what I discovered that was broken...the $97 piece from Durkoff. I refuse to pay absorbent prices for simplistic things! I will fabricate a new thread reel pin on my lathe or mill before I pay that...maybe for a more important piece...yes...this...no. Here is the part in question... Quote
MADMAX22 Posted March 25, 2017 Report Posted March 25, 2017 Nice find on that one. Machine looks in good shape considering it belonged to the Navy. Wonder what they use to make with it? Quote
Members Chayse Posted March 25, 2017 Author Members Report Posted March 25, 2017 @MADMAX22.. I have no idea what they would have used it for, there was, what seemed to be, a stiff, wire-like thread on the bobbin. I lucked out and picked it up for $250. My original plan was to clean it up and flip it but figure I would dabble in a few projects that my Singer 20U can't handle. I mainly sew Cordura nylon and such...so this is entirely a new beast for me to learn on! Quote
Members JimTimber Posted March 25, 2017 Members Report Posted March 25, 2017 Wow, that's a steal! Quote
Members Chayse Posted March 25, 2017 Author Members Report Posted March 25, 2017 I couldn't pass it up....ad had a horrible picture and took me a couple hours to identify it....once I found out what it was capable of...I bought it. He also had a Consew 206rb for the same price but I was too late on that one.... Quote
MADMAX22 Posted March 25, 2017 Report Posted March 25, 2017 Darn thats a good deal, I always wish the liquidation site had some near my area but all the sewing machines seem to be on the east coast. Scene some cool stuff pop up from time to time on there. Quote
Members Chayse Posted March 25, 2017 Author Members Report Posted March 25, 2017 This was a private seller...guess he got the machines from work. The very same way I picked up my vertical mill, fellow was told by the boss to make the machine disappear, due to a fallout with a former employee...so he took it home. I actually passed on 2 lockstitch machines today....a Chandler (Brother) DB2-763-5 and a Singer Professional..owner is moving and needs the funds...$300 for both. Wife would have killed me...and I currently do not have room! Quote
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