Reverse lever hold down mod

[dikman]

I recently discovered that I needed three hands trying to start stitching in reverse on my Seiko (tried holding my elbow across on the lever but didn't work too well). After coming up with all sorts of wonderful (and complicated) ideas, I reverted to the KISS principle. A hole drilled in the table, a piece of threaded rod, a suitably shaped chunk of aluminium, a couple of springs, nuts and washers. I used two springs 'cos my "spare spring" drawer didn't have one long enough (or soft enough). The lock flicks in and out easily, and what's more it works. Total cost = a couple of hours.

Edited November 4, 2017 by dikman

[mikesc]

My Juki DLU 490-4 has a second pedal next to the usual one ( an original part reverse pedal ) which does very much the same thing..and ( to be even more "handy" ) also has a small reverse "jog" button next to the needle ( again an original part ) which does the same thing too..allows a quick "blip" into reverse.

Nice bit of "tinkering" there :-)

Edited November 4, 2017 by mikesc

[dikman]

I thought of using the "pedal" approach, but I would need it on the left side of the "go" pedal ('cos I need to use my right foot to make it go). It started getting complicated because of the lever system needed. Mine might not win any "aesthetic/design" awards, but it works. On my Pfaff, where you lift the lever for reverse, I just cut a "calibrated" piece of wood to put under the lever (even simpler).

[keithski122]

Great idea.I'm sometime going to try to connect up an extra pedal for reverse, like you it will have to be on the left side.

[mikesc]

You both drive automatics ?

[dikman]

As a matter of fact I do , but I was raised on manuals. I'm right-handed, but some things I do left-handed - swing an axe, baseball bat, cricket bat, golf club and use a fork in my right hand when eating. However, for accurate control of the go pedal on the sewing machine I really need to use my right foot.

So there .

[Colt W Knight]

I disconnected my reverse pedal because it was too tough for me not to try to feather the reverse like I do the motor pedal, which often led to birds nests or broken needles. Holding it with one hand isn't ideal either, but on my consew, you would have to wedge a stick under it to get it stay in reverse. My Cowboy 4500 is much nicer. It locks into reverse. Nice work around.

 

 

 

[JKHelms]

On 11/4/2017 at 6:00 PM, dikman said:

I recently discovered that I needed three hands trying to start stitching in reverse on my Seiko (tried holding my elbow across on the lever but didn't work too well). After coming up with all sorts of wonderful (and complicated) ideas, I reverted to the KISS principle. A hole drilled in the table, a piece of threaded rod, a suitably shaped chunk of aluminium, a couple of springs, nuts and washers. I used two springs 'cos my "spare spring" drawer didn't have one long enough (or soft enough). The lock flicks in and out easily, and what's more it works. Total cost = a couple of hours.

Good idea nicely done.

[Pintodeluxe]

I debated on rigging up a left foot reverse for my Consew 226.  An upholstery instructor I studied with had one rigged up on his machine.  A couple cloud block bearings and a metal pipe formed the main assembly, while a pair of clamp-on levers and chains complete the setup.  Makes a convenient place to store welting material too.  I'm sure they have commercially available setups, but I already have the cast iron foot pedal, so I should make a run to the hardware store.  

Nice creative solution to your conundrum.  

[dikman]

6 hours ago, Colt W Knight said:

but on my consew, you would have to wedge a stick under it to get it stay in reverse.

 

 

 

I have a "calibrated stick" that I use for just that purpose on one of my machines .