Modifying old industrial sewing machine - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kerry · #16 04-20-2016, 04:56 PM

Most people sew their boat enclosures out of Sunbrella. Me, I think that's a bad idea. Sunbrella is not naturally waterproof and it costs 3 or 4 times the price of vinyl coated polyester scrim which is much more quickly glued than Sunbrella is sewn and is completely waterproof. The vinyl is not as aesthetically pleasing as Subrella but better I think.

kerry · #17 04-20-2016, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345

I thought at one time to get the speed really down. To create a separate intermediate shaft and pulleys. The max speed is 3,500 stiches per minute or about 60 per second as is.

The only thing I ever did with my old singer industrial model 196K5 was new floormats for a 114 coupe. I think really slowed down enough it would have seen more use.

It has sat under a pile of stuff for years now. I think about a tenth the speed it has now would be about right for me. Or perhaps even less. Lots of power and will not handle heavy leather but almost useless at my skill level speed wise as it is. I also have no ideal of the machines background. The table appears as new and no noticeable wear on the machine but I feel the machine was in another table at one time.

When I was a kid, every home had a sewing machine. People sewed a lot. I bought my first new sewing machine in 1982 or so. Bought it on a payment plan at the Necchi store. It's rare to see people sewing anymore. Went into a tenants apt a few weeks ago and saw a sewing machine. I was shocked. I guess that's what happens when hundreds of thousands of Asians sew for $.50 an hour. I sew mostly outdoor gear. Designs which aren't available for purchase. Tents, canoe covers, packs, etc.

barry12345 · #18 04-21-2016, 03:02 PM

Fit and finish of the parts in early singer sewing machines was quite impressive. To reduce the manufacturing costs eventually on domestic models they went to more problematic mechanical substitutes. Being timing belts etc.

Sewing machine sales and service was even a substantial item at one time. I think the last machine the wife purchased years ago was manufactured in central Europe simply because she thought it was built along more substantial and conventional mechanical lines..

It did occur to me that as we have a few members turning out aftermarket parts for our cars. A younger member with time on his hands. Could perhaps produce replacement floor mats for Mercedes cars.

I figure about an hours production time a set once you got going. By cutting out the middleman and selling below average market prices you might do okay. At the worse as an experiment you might even get a couple of sets of new carpets for your car or cars. You can sell all grades of carpet material from the original to types somewhat less so and much cheaper perhaps.

In most cases just cutting the material to pattern and sewing the edge bindings on is not rocket science. Plus if it gets too boring you could branch out to custom fitting new bras for the ladies.

As I mentioned in an earlier post on this thread. If a guy like me could make up an acceptable set on the first go for the 114 coupe it is not that hard.

Although I never touched the custom fitted bras for the ladies issue.

barry12345 · #19 04-21-2016, 03:39 PM

Also there appear to be servo motors that offer speed reduction conversions for about 100+ dollars out there on ebay.

I do not know about other industrial machines but in some form of drag race stich wise. I unfortunately perhaps have a winner.

I guess I should find an industrial sewing machine guy and ask about. Just how the servo motor conversions will actually work out.

kerry · #20 04-21-2016, 06:52 PM

There are reviews and instructions for installing servo motors on YouTube. Lots of people have done it. I think I'll be happy with my moderate modifications. The biggest difference is lengthening the clutch lever so it takes more foot motion to engage it. It allows a person to easily 'feather' the clutch for very slow speeds.

tyl604 · #21 04-21-2016, 08:23 PM

Kerry - are you saying 75 stitches per second or per minute? Can anything sew that fast per second; how could you even guide the material.

kerry · #22 04-21-2016, 08:50 PM

4300 stitches per minute. I approximated that at 75 per second, it's actually 71.6. In any case, damn fast. You'd have to be very skilled to control it at that speed.