Sewing Machine Game.....

[littlecraneleather]

Hello! I know this is an old thread but found it searching for industrial machines for leather working. Last weekend I picked up a pretty Chandler TDU-N62 for under $500. Its in great condition. I (read: Husband...) am now in the process of modifying it to work for my needs, mainly small projects like journal covers, jewelry, etc. From what I have learned in a short amount of time, I need to slow this beast down. Looking into a 'reducer'. I also dont like the way the walking foot leaves permanent marks in the leather (thinking of filing that down a bit...?). I'd also like to find the thickest thread/needle I can use with this machine. Researching continues!

Anyway, still learning my way through this but wanted to share a few photos. Love seeing everyone's set up!

 

[alpha2]

There should be a tension adjustment for the presser foot force. I'm guessing, it's the spring tensioned thingie at the top of the machine. (At least that's where it is on the leather machines).  If it's just "sharp edges" on the presser feet, smoothing it may help. Otherwise, it will need the force reduced. You have your own "green machine" now! 

There are a lot of experts on various machines here on the forum. I'm sure some will check on this!

Jeff

[R8R]

6 hours ago, littlecraneleather said:

Hello! I know this is an old thread but found it searching for industrial machines for leather working. Last weekend I picked up a pretty Chandler TDU-N62 for under $500. Its in great condition. I (read: Husband...) am now in the process of modifying it to work for my needs, mainly small projects like journal covers, jewelry, etc. From what I have learned in a short amount of time, I need to slow this beast down. Looking into a 'reducer'. I also dont like the way the walking foot leaves permanent marks in the leather (thinking of filing that down a bit...?). I'd also like to find the thickest thread/needle I can use with this machine. Researching continues!

Anyway, still learning my way through this but wanted to share a few photos. Love seeing everyone's set up!

 

Here is a good vid of that machine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6apOFMN2PTA

In the vid comments is a link to the manual:

http://strongbolt.work/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Rex_Chandler-26-188-and-TDU-N62.pdf

135x17 (or for leather 135x16) needle up to a size 23 so you are safely looking at a 138 thread or maybe up to a 207 with some tweaking.

 

I keep posting up about the Sailrite/Reliable 12 coil servo motors. They have fantastic power and slow speed control. I've used ancient clutch motors, newer clutch motors, basic and more advanced servos and out of all of them the Sailrite has been my favorite. (The Reliable Sewquiet is basically the same motor)

https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Workhorse-Servo-Motor-110V

https://store.keysew.com/catalog/product/f12bce0ab9754bbc84a8055aaf375ffc

 

Or add a speed reducer pulley if you really want to go very slow.

https://store.keysew.com/parts/sewing-parts/sr-2

 

You're looking at $150 - $200 for total speed control investment.

 

Grinding the "bite" off of the presser feet and backing off the pressure should help a lot with the marks.