Looking for cylinder arm for leatherbag making. Necchi 840-100

[luxuryluke]

(I'd love to change the title of this thread to be specifically about this model Necchi machine)

Success!
Drove down to Portland to pick up the machine from CL seller this week. It's a beautiful machine. Seller gave all sorts of great advice on how to use it normally and with the RB (rotative bindery) attachments.

It sewed wonderfully, and the clutch motor was actually pretty quiet, but likely too fast for my needs. I need to have it acclimatize to normal temperatures in the office for a bit and we'll start sewing with it this week.

Considerations now:

1. Which Servo will I go with? After all of my research here and comparing specs/speeds/and power, I'll likely just call Bob @ Toledo as many here have suggested. 
2. Is it recommended or even smart to run a Speed Reducer along with a Needle Positioning sensor?
3. Need to learn what range of thread sizes this machine can tolerate. I know it states that it uses the 134 needle system and it is running T90 thread currently.
4. Has anyone used some of those flexible round pulley belts on their machines? Seems like it'd be nicer in the hand than a regular belt.

Here's a pic of the handwheel on the 840-100 and the old bobbin winder that needs to be oiled and put back into proper service:

Any helpful info is surely welcome! More info about this machine will go here in the future.

Edited March 8, 2019 by luxuryluke
typo

[luxuryluke]

Found out that this machine takes a Singer bobbin case #173058

[Bugstruck]

Your bobbin winder was for a leather belt setup I'd think. Haven't tried the new round belts, can't bring myself to it on vintage (leather belt) machines. Only appearance related here (others may like that look), they likely work fine and no doubt run cleaner than leather. I am not certain a needle position setup works with a speed reducer (I don't run any), ask Bob if nobody answers that. Speed reducer is best with a servo for speed control and penetration power as you know. However, my old Adler 67 flatbed with a small servo motor pulley, that setup works well enough for what I throw at it. Gets up to 1/4" vegtan on occasion but usually on the Cowboy at that thickness or more as it taps out at over 138 thread. The Adler wouldn't suffice for most pros in a volume setting for a couple of reasons but beyond okay for a hobbyist (me) with that small pulley setup. Something to consider. You could always add a reducer later and I don't see it as necessary until you are sewing thicker material and over 138 thread.

Grab a few v-belt sizes if you are mounting a new motor and changing pulleys, I never seem to nail the belt length right the first time on a new setup. I'd also vote for less automation (needle position) if you are coming from hand sewing. Forces you to get familiar faster with the hand wheel and brake release. If you are like me you will not be a fan of a brake on any machine at the speeds we typically sew. Just an annoyance IMO but it does keep the needle parked, safety, maybe? I don't even buy the safety thing on an exposed belt. Perhaps of some actual use sewing fast on thin materials. I'd much rather hand break any machine.

 

[luxuryluke]

I’m not sure this is the machine for me, but it is a lovely machine, that much is true. I think I need a machine for thick work that say a Cobra could handle. It doesn’t appear to me that sewing leather with T90 thread is tough enough.

Thanks for the tips, @Bugstruck. Great points there. Getting a newer machine might be the solution for my needs.

[Bugstruck]

1 hour ago, luxuryluke said:

I’m not sure this is the machine for me, but it is a lovely machine, that much is true. I think I need a machine for thick work that say a Cobra could handle. It doesn’t appear to me that sewing leather with T90 thread is tough enough.

Thanks for the tips, @Bugstruck. Great points there. Getting a newer machine might be the solution for my needs.

Luke, I would not part with that machine without giving it some serious thought. I had and still have old Singer home-type iron (cut my teeth working on and restoring them), then as my need to sew heavier products materialized, I got the Adler walking foot, then when heavier leather got in my blood the Cowboy 4500. Then I needed something less robust than either of them for wallet interiors and lighter work. Yep, needed a third machine and still looking. Believe me, they all fill a capability niche. Your machine and a heavy leather stitcher are a pretty good combo. Plenty the heavy stitcher is not well or at all suited for, even in leather. Certainly use it awhile before you unload it. You need a light to medium machine before you need any other, My experience anyhow.

I'd learn and use that machine well before I got a heavy stitcher. Learning curve is fairly quick but what you learn on it will go a long way with other machines that are less set it and forget it oriented. Love my 4500 (Cobra would be the same) but even with all the prior knowledge I'd gained it took some getting use to. They throw a very wide range of thread and will handle a wide range of materials, very capable, so they take more time to learn what they like. Having good experience on yours will make that upgrade easier.

Either way though, good luck in your endeavors.

[luxuryluke]

Thank you, @Bugstruck! Your advice is wise. I'm taking a bit to get used to this machine, but will spend another moment re-reading the posts by @Wizcrafts about machine thoughts: 

Very wise words, Wiz!

[Bugstruck]

Well you are reading info from the right guy. Wiz is a wealth of knowledge and good advice. If I come across as wise it is fully attributable to all the sharp tacks around here and the contributing machine vendors and real Leatherworkers who really know their stuff. Very helpful group of people and I'm thankful for what they contributed to my knowledge base. Always learning something new.

[dikman]

Needle positioners and speed reducers generally don't go together. There is at least one servo that was mentioned in a thread somewhere that would work (to a point).

[luxuryluke]

Absolutely, @Bugstruck. Also, thanks for clearing up my suspicions, @dikman. 

I’ve ordered the Consew 3000 servo and just in case that’s not slow enough, I’m ordering the reducer.

I spoke with Bob at Toledo IndSew and I’m going to install his 3/6/9 speed reducer. He is very helpful. Recommended. 

More updates soon.

[luxuryluke]

Hello, @Gregg From Keystone Sewing, Great to find that you’re on here! Do you think there’s any chance this might fit my 355 style machine? Let me know if I should take a pic. I’d appreciate your advice. It’s been troublesome finding a flip down roller guide for my machine (no screw holes).

https://store.keysew.com/parts/sewing-parts/gr1245-spring-edge-guide-foot-set