Claes 8346 restoration questions

[johnnyblaze]

I recently purchased a Claes 8346-30 and need some advice.  The machine has been well used and is really dirty so I'm in the process of taking it apart and cleaning it up.  It appears the previous owner was using lithium grease so the gears and cams are full of crud.  I'd like to take the top shaft out but the service manual I have doesn't show any details.  From what I can see looking at the parts manual, it doesn't seem too complicated.  But I was hoping someone out there might be able to share their experience.  I'd hate to mess something up on this wonderful piece of machinery.  

Also, I'm missing the conical spring for the tension disc assembly.  Unfortunately, the parts dealer in the US (Shoe systems) doesn't sell the spring by itself and I would have to buy the whole assembly for $80.  I tried using the spring from some of my other machines but they are too small to fit over the shaft.  Anyone know where I can find a more affordable spring?  The shaft is 7mm.

Lastly, I would like to get a new presser foot.  Will the feet from any other machine fit the Claes.  The Claes foot is over $100.  I'm hoping to find a more affordable option.

Any assistance would be really appreciated.

John.

[Constabulary]

I would not remove the shaft. Rather wash out the grease with Paint thinner, motor cleaner, Diesel or similar. Really leave the shaft where it is!

If other tension springs do not fit clip off the top coil - will not hurt giving it a try.

 

[trash treasure]

You might find a suitable spring at McMaster Carr - I've used their conical springs for sewing machines, before - Just pick one by size :

https://www.mcmaster.com/compression-springs

[kgg]

Try Landis International ( http://landisinternational.ca ) for parts, their phone number is Toll-free: 1-800-634-0806.

kgg

[shoepatcher]

Jonnyblaze,

There are no generic feet for Claus shoepatchers.  Constabulary is correct, do not remove top shaft.  Send me a pic of the spring you are looking for and the foot.  I may have them,

glenn

Edited March 26, 2019 by shoepatcher

[johnnyblaze]

Thanks everyone for the advice and assistance.  Better judgement prevailed and I decided to not attempt to remove the top shaft.  I was able to clean up the inside pretty well using denatured alcohol, a toothbrush, a wood stick and microfiber rags.  Tried some wd-40 spray degreaser but I found the denatured alcohol and rag worked just as well and was a lot less messy.  It took a while but I'm pretty happy with the results.   

John. 

 

[Evo160K]

Are you able to post a pic or two?

Btw I have an 8345-30...... I believe.

[shoepatcher]

Johnnblaze,

One thing you have to know about Claes shoepatchers.  Best shoepatcher made.  Period.  Parts are expensive as hell.  Period.  You get a machine, be prepared to spend some bucks on it.  I rebuild them and I know what parts cost.  Not cheap.  I have been able to find a few generic items I could use on the machine.  Feet are not one of them!

glenn

[johnnyblaze]

Shoepatcher .... I feel very fortunate to have this machine.  I haven't sewed anything with it yet and I'm already in love.  It's a wonderful piece of German machinery.

Now I have to figure out what to do for lubrication.  Would it be a good idea to grease the gears (hand crank to mainshaft) and maybe the cam wheel?   Or should I just oil everything?  

 

[shoepatcher]

Grease on the gears is good.  Oiling everything is good to start.  The cams should have a very fine grease on them because oil will run off.  Sends us some pics so we can see the machine. Is it a #20 or #30?

glenn