johnnyblaze Report post Posted March 25, 2019 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted March 25, 2019 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trash treasure Report post Posted March 25, 2019 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kgg Report post Posted March 25, 2019 Try Landis International ( http://landisinternational.ca ) for parts, their phone number is Toll-free: 1-800-634-0806. kgg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted March 26, 2019 (edited) 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnyblaze Report post Posted March 29, 2019 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evo160K Report post Posted March 30, 2019 Are you able to post a pic or two? Btw I have an 8345-30...... I believe. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted March 31, 2019 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnyblaze Report post Posted March 31, 2019 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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted April 1, 2019 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnyblaze Report post Posted April 28, 2019 Sorry for the delay on the photos. Been busy at work and haven't had time to play with the new toy.... It's an 8346-30. There are few areas that I touched up the off-white paint where it was flaking off the casting. My local hardware store was able to color match a quart of Valspar Rust Armor paint for me. (Similar to rustoleum). It's not as hard as the factory paint but I figure it's good enough for touch up. Haven't really had a chance to use it yet as I still need a stand and a motor. It came with what appears to be a regular home sewing machine motor. But the foot control is dead so I'm thinking I'll get a servo motor for it. Can anyone comment on the size of servo motor that would be most suited? I'm thinking I only need a small one. Has anyone ever tried putting a knee or pedal lift for the presser foot on a Claes? John. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted May 14, 2019 (edited) John I set them up on an off the arm stand with a servo motor and speed reducer. I can text you some pics if you would like to see it. What are you planning on sewing with the machine? You are missing the spool pin and thread holder that is below the bobbin winder. Can you send me a pic or two of the back of the machine. It looks like you have the zigzag attachment on it. sorry for the late reply. Computer been down for two weeks and no WIFI too boot. glenn Edited May 14, 2019 by shoepatcher more content to add Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnyblaze Report post Posted May 14, 2019 Glenn, I picked up an inexpensive servo from Amazon. The controller and motor are separate units so I can mount the foot control remotely. My plan is to build a pedestal stand similar to what Landis sells. I already have a steel plate for the base and the rest I'll build from 3/4" plywood with formica. Haven't completely decided what I'll do yet for a speed reducer. I figure I'll wait and see how slow the servo will run. One option I've considered is machining a larger aluminum pulley to clamp over the existing pulley. I have a Juki flatbed that I replaced the pulley with an 11" one I bought from an industrial supply company. I'm pretty happy with it. And yes, it does have the zig zag attachment. I'll post some more pics when I get the stand all put together. John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted May 15, 2019 I just sent you an email. Disregard it. I have only seen on Claes with a foot lift and that took some time to set it up but it was nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skygypsy Report post Posted May 21, 2020 Good Morning, apologies for joining this late but i have just got myself an 8346-20 so now have a lot more interest. the machine has the Claes motor with seems beautifully slow and nicely controllable. I do seem to have problems with setting up the thread and stitching with it though. The thread is breaking a lot and seems to stitch nicely for about 5 or 6 stitches then you notice the thread wearing and finally breaks. It also throws off the occasional loop on top of the work and i do end up with a knot of threads in below and around the robin in the lower gear case. To be fair I'm not sure about the needle on it, they seem similar in size to some i have but getting System 81 needles is causing me a problem. What actually is the difference with 81 system needles anyway? Finally does anyone have a repair/service/parts manual for this, i found an operating manual but the part at the end showing parts is all in German and not that comprehensive.Many thank TSG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted May 21, 2020 (edited) Are you sure the machine is correctly threaded (top & bottom) and set the tension correctly? You probably need a larger size needle - note this thread / needle chart. What needle & thread size are you using? https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html Needles can be found here: http://www.shoesystemsplus.com/Claes-Model-10-20-Needles-10-per-pack_p_352.html when looking at other sources make sure you do not buy DCx1, 81x1 or 81x5 needles, that's a complete different needle for overclock machines and the like. Please post some pictures of the threaded machine Edited May 21, 2020 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skygypsy Report post Posted May 27, 2020 Are the Groz Beckett LAx 81 needles the right thing then? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted May 27, 2020 If you have a #10 or #20 subclass machine- yes. If you have #30 subclass machine - no. The #30 needs System 88 needles (longer) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted June 8, 2020 make sure your needle system is system 81 NOT 81 x 1. glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MWLeatherWork Report post Posted April 22, 2023 My 8346-20 keeps throwing loops on the top and not completing the knot on bottom. I am sewing with 138 Thread Size and 22/140 needle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
