DC motor conversion on chinese patcher machine

[Matt S]

Standard motors for industrial sewing machines tend to start around 500W. Even at gearing between 1:1 and 1:2 they rely partially on inertia to get though the tougher parts of the stitch cycle. It looks like steppers would overcome this low-speed-low-torque issue but there isn't much research out there on their application to sewing machines.

Remember that your patcher is not designed for motorisation -- there's nowhere convenient to mount a pulley and I suspect that it's not very well balanced when spun any faster than you can turn by hand.

[Pezed]

There are many videos on YouTube about these machines with excellent information on all aspects of improving them, including adding a motor. 

The best solution when adding a motor ensures that you retain the hand cranking ability. 

A big advantage of motor drive is being able to use both hands at the workpiece. 

A useful motor will be in the 500-750 watt range, with a controller and a needle positioner. 

The brushless types on eBay are currently £75-£120, depending upon size. 1 horsepower = 750 watts. 

3d printed conversion kits are available for the motor conversion, about £45. 

It's  all on YouTube, a guy called Henskecht does the best I've seen, he prints the kits. 

[Pezed]

Oops, I got the guys name wrong, it's John " Hansknecht".  His video is well worth a look. 

Theres a mad Brit goes by the name of Screaming turbo eagle, his fettling of one these is also worth a look.  I'm in awe of what some people are able to achieve with imagination and industry!