Singer 29k72 hard to crank

[Jholden0]

I recently purchased a 29k72 shoe patcher.  It is in overall great condition visually and appears to be well taken care of.  I installed a servo motor and was able to use the original treadle pulleys to a.run the machine and b.  Since there are two sets of pulley, I used them as a speed reducer of sorts.  I am having a few issues getting started however.  One issue is that the walking/feed foot does not drop consistently and gets stuck even after cleaning and re oiling.  It also doesn't fully compress the leather and feed it through the machine.  I have tried adjusting the wing nut to lower the foot and also tried adjusting the pressure with the pressure adjustment knob.  

The second issue is that when starting a stitch, there is a point in the rotation of the crank, where it becomes very hard to turn the cranking mechanism.  Videos I have seen online seem to show operators effortlessness cranking by hand.  Not only is hand cranking a chore at that one point, the motor sometimes stops  turning when using the servo.  I know some of my explanations are vague, but does anyone have any tips or suggestions?  I can upload a video or add some photos if necessary.  Thanks in advance!

[Jholden0]

One other thing I have noticed, is that setting the stitch length to the largest stitch and even the one just smaller than the longest, creates a situation where the stitch length collar seems to slide off.  I don't know if this is related.

[Wizcrafts]

The paddle spring could be bent out of its track, jamming the revolving head motion. A bent presser shaft could bind the foot action. The foot lifter mechanism could be binding near the top-rear of the head. See if removing the revolving head assembly clears up the binding. Inspect the revolving and pushing parts that go through the head. If the binding persists with the head removed, the problem is either with the rack on top or the gear driving it on the back shaft.

[Constabulary]

2nd what Wiz said.

A missing or worn off gib on the stitch length adjuster could be a problem too or a wrong adjusted thread take up lever regulator...

I have attached a manual and parts list please compare and check for the gib # 82230 also check al adjustments mentioned in the manual.

If all that does not help please post pictures and a Video.

29k71-71-73 Service Manual and Parts List.pdf

Edited September 10, 2021 by Constabulary