Skiving Machine, Dual Speed needed?

[arz]

Hello,

I need a skiving machine (bell skiver) for splitting wallets back, thinning pockets etc,. I need it so I can line a wallet, so I have to get it down to below 1mm. Here in Europe it seems common to do that. I would be using it for 2-3oz (1mm) goat, calf and veg-tan. Maximum 2mm thick. 

My question is do I need a dual speed set-up? In other words, a constant knife speed and a variable feed wheel speed. The price difference can be almost twice. 

I have heard some say that you need the blade running at high speeds, but I also need control. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks! Adam

[RockyAussie]

I have a Fortuna and a FAV and they both have the blade run at a constant fast speed. The foot pedal allows the feed wheel to go at whatever speed you want just like your accelerator in a car does. You can if you want set them to be feeding at a constant feed speed as well. I did have a very old Fortuna and the bell on it only went along with the feed wheel and it was not very good. In all cases above there is only one motor and the feed is governed by a clutch.

In this link you will see a video I made using my Fortuna, it should help.

Regards Brian

[arz]

Thanks Brian, Where I'm at I have found the typical Chinese machines (which I believe will have the blade and feed in sync) and a used Fortuna and Fav. Not sure what model the used ones are and if they are setup to have the blade run at a constant speed. Looks like I should hold off for a constant blade and clutch feed.

[RockyAussie]

If you want to let me know the Chinese machine models I could check them out but I would be very surprised if they would be making them with a blade and feed in sync still. I do recommend whatever model you get, getting one with an aspirator to help take the waste away. That is a suction device that normally takes the waste into a bin under the table and on the left via a tube under the bell. The picture below shows what I mean I think. Regards Brian

[arz]

The Chinese ones all seem to be about the same, basically an 801 or Global SK111 model. I can find the following machines in Romania: Japsew Q-801, Jack T801, Dison DS-T801, Global SK111 and probably many other "brands." Some have a servo motor and others a clutch.

I'm familiar with the vacuum attachment, so far none of the used ones or even new ones here have one. I could always purchase a used machine from Germany if I needed to.... Thanks!

[gigi]

Hi Adam,

Depends on your budget: I would prefer a used Fortuna, FAV, Atom, Nippy  with vacuum over a new Chinese machine. 

[arz]

2 hours ago, gigi said:

Hi Adam,

Depends on your budget: I would prefer a used Fortuna, FAV, Atom, Nippy  with vacuum over a new Chinese machine. 

Thanks for the advice, I agree. It's good to see someone else from Brasov doing fine leather work! I am trying to be careful with my budget....once my business gets up and running I will be willing to spend more.  I might just wait until I can justify a 1500+ euro used machine.

-Adam

[gigi]

Servus! Best of luck!

[arz]

19 hours ago, gigi said:

Servus! Best of luck!

Multumesc mult!

[arz]

Update on skiver purchase: I looked at a typical Chinese 801 today and a used Ellegi GL12CTN today. The was the first time I had used one. On the Chinese model the belts could be set so that there is a different ratio between the knife speed and feeding speed. Both are the same price. I'm trying to determine which will be better for my needs (see post above).

The used machine was in good condition, all the covers and parts were there, no rattling or bearing sounds etc. It seemed mechanically sound. It has a new knife and a vacuum. It is set up so that the blade runs continuously and the feed is controlled by the clutch (foot pedal). 

It however skived pretty bad (bunching up, tearing, not skiving straight etc.). It was a harsh reality of how important it will be to set it up correct (my wife was not impressed!). I am assuming that it is skiving bad because of: A. poor setup, and B. A new blade that has not been sharpened correctly. For example, they did not even know you have to remove the burr inside the knife. I also think they had the depth gauge on up-side-down.

Also, it had a standard looking presser foot (about 55mm) shaped the same as the radius of the knife. However, if you look at the foot straight on (towards the back of the machine) it was beveled, not straight. Is that normal? I have attached a very simple drawing to show what I mean.

I'm not sure what machine will be best for me. The new one will have local service, quieter. While the used one will need a little care given to it and I will be on my own...

Thanks! Adam