CB4500 foot clearance problem

[dikman]

I've just realised that the clearance under the feet isn't to specs and I'm a bit perplexed. When the foot pedal is pushed down hard the maximum lift I'm getting is 5/8". I've studied the mechanics involved and can't see where the linkages have any adjustments. I removed the pressure adjustment screw to release pressure on the outer foot and when the pedal lifts to its max I can still push the feet up so the travel is there but it's not lifting. I'm still searching for info.

Before I start pulling things apart does anyone have any ideas?

[RockyAussie]

Can you take a picture from the back showing the linkage fully down? Could it be just that the chain needs to be a little shorter? Is it just that the foot pedal can not go any further down? Is the bar that separates the upper tension discs hitting the tension disc rod?

[dikman]

I can push down on the linkage at the back of the machine, so not using the chain/pedal, with the same results. I've been looking at the parts manual (for what it's worth) and I'll go down and have another look. It's a bit hard to see without removing some of the parts, fortunately this appears to be a fairly simple machine mechanically.

40 mins later: I may have found it, if not it's still something that's not right. I removed all the linkages to the pedal lifter which left a bell crank at the back, next to where the top tension assembly sits. This has a thick wire connecting link that goes down inside to a sliding block on the presser shaft (my manual calls it a "presser bar lifting bar"). When the pedal is pressed it operates the bell crank which lifts this wire lifting bar, which in turn lifts the presser bar. Only problem is it only comes up so far and then it jams against the housing, stopping the sliding block from lifting the presser bar any higher. Tomorrow afternoon (I'm going shooting tomorrow) I'll bend an off-set into the wire, which should stop it jamming.

Hopefully that's all the problem is.

Edited December 13, 2019 by dikman

[Wizcrafts]

Apparently. the (new) dealer failed to fully adjust and setup the machine. It takes time to develop a checklist of things that need to be tweaked and adjusted. I would mention it in a followup message to the seller.

Adjusting the internal lift parts requires removal of the faceplate. There are two large screws holding it onto the head.The full lift is a little over one inch. The pressure spring makes it harder to lift that high when it's in, so remove it while you fine tune the lifter components. When you replace the spring you need to recheck for binding on the wheel inside the head that pushes against an adjustable steel guide block. That block can be moved at both ends to get the smoothest action up and down. I tweaked my machine via those lifter parts.

When you are done adjusting the lift, oil all the tiny oil holes on the moving parts. Replace the faceplate, making sure you place the tension release lever slot over the stud that drives it on the rear lift lever. After a few times this will become old hat. Those internal parts need oiled every so often.

[dikman]

Thanks Wiz. Because I bought a head only I doubt it was checked by the dealer, just re-shipped still in its carton. If I had bought a complete setup, including table and motor, I've no doubt it would have been assembled and tested. No big deal as I like to find out how things work so that I can maintain them. There's just not a lot of information out there (as in none) on this particular aspect of adjustment. I'm quite confidant that once I put a slight bend in the lifting wire it will work as it should. I did manage to jam 3/4" of leather under the feet and it went through like it wasn't there.

I reckon they must have used an impact driver to do up the screws as every one I've had to remove has been bloody TIGHT!

[Bert51]

I realise you purchased Head only, I would have thought the Dealer should have mounted and tested the machine before shipping it to you, instead of just re-shipping the box to you.

Isn't that what you pay for?

Bert.

[kgg]

3 hours ago, dikman said:

Because I bought a head only I doubt it was checked by the dealer, just re-shipped still in its carton.

That doesn't say much for the dealer new or not. Not a great way to start off with a new machine. If they are a new dealer you would think the machine would not have left their hands until it was gone over and in perfect operating condition. For the price I would expect it to have been sewn off with the thread in the needle, the sew-off sample under the presser foot, manuals (operating and repair) in English and ready to work. You are to nice, if was me I would contact the "dealer" the machine came from and express my displeasure to the point of seriously considering whether or not to send it back. Have the dealer either do the repair, replace the machine or refund the money. If the dealer repairs it then they cann't say you screwed things up voiding your warranty should something else arise.

kgg

[dikman]

I understand what you're saying, and under different conditions I would do that (I've done it before!). She gave me what I consider a very good price and overall I'm happy enough with the machine. To send it back would be a major undertaking anyway. When I set it up it sewed fine straight out of the box and it was only when I decided to start pushing it that I discovered the problem. After studying its operation I consider it less complex than my Seiko and fairly easy to work on. If I can't fix it easily then I'll simply tell them it's faulty and take it from there (fixing it is far preferable than the stuffing around that will occur otherwise).

[RockyAussie]

I have to cut in and say that I had the pleasure of meeting face to face Jessica and Mitchell, the new owners of the Cowboy leather machines here in Australia. They are very new to this and I can assure you that they are very eager to learn every thing they can to be knowledgeable about their new business. There was a LOT of note taking and picture taking and discussion on various machinery whilst they were here and I know that if they don't have an answer to help you they are the type of people that would find out from people who know and get back asap. It would take a little time for them to get on their feet but I have no hesitation in recommending them already. They have also left a variable speed sanding burnishing machine for me to check out and I will get back in another post with my findings on that in the near future. 

[Bert51]

Having said all that, I still would think it had been run and tested so the would not be any need to even think of sending it back.

To send anything that size by a non-business person is a joke in the country.

I tried to something to a daughter we left behind in the Pilbara and it would have been easier and cheaper to fly over and take it as luggage.

Bert.