Industrial machines and 'artisan' machines

[peterle]

@ hutch:

I also love my Elnas. I even got some spare parts lately for my supermatic from the 60´s.

They usually don´t walk across the table. This is probably just because the rubber feet of your machine got hard or desintegrated. Just change them, and everything will be ok.

[hutch--]

I found a few tricks in the maintenance from using a mix of Singer sewing machine oil and a teflon additive for the lighter parts and for the bevel gears inside the free arm I use a teflon grease that does not throw off and it makes a noticeable difference in terms of the smoothness and speed. You are probably right about the rubber feet but its closer to the speed when they are maintained properly that helps them walk across the table. I only use it in short bursts when doing long seams so its not a problem.

[spookietoo]

I also find a chunk of carpet gripper or shelf liner under a machine will prevent or at least help with the walking.

I also like to use sewing cabinets for end tables, night stands, etc. Double and triple duty for the furniture then. 

Of course I'm the only one dealing with any mess I make. 

[Futura]

We have an old Elna zigzag in need of a new friction drive wheel. I haven't had any luck sourcing a replacement part, though. Anyone else encountered this problem?

[hutch--]

You need to know the exact model and in most instances the best you will get is a second hand machine that you can use for parts. I used Ebay to find stuff like this and its usually something that someone has had in their attic for years as a left over from their parents or grandparents. If there are any old Elna dealers or service folks left in the US you may just be lucky and find some bits, I was lucky and found a repairer who had been in the business for 50 years who had a number of the specialised feet for my model.

[Futura]

I heard that there were some replacement drive wheels made, but the quality was defective. The Elna I bought was probably found in an attic or similar. I lost count of the number of machines we've got. Needless to say, eBay was involved!

[Futura]

I inherited my grandmother's Singer 331K4 from the 1960s. In searching for further information online, I stumbled across this:

http://www.industrialsewmachine.com/webdoc1/used/used-brochures/331k.htm

Most interesting that it was intended for "the artisan trades." I am greatly looking forwards to using it once the rewiring is finished.

[hutch--]

I don't know the model but I had a quick look on Youtube and it looks like a good strong industrial straight sewer. Looks like you can still get some bits for it as well.

[Schneiderfrei]

Something terrible has happened to me. I joined the facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/137241563337471/

Now I have three machines.  The third is for free, if I pick it up. a Brother buttonhole machine.

[Futura]

I'm hoping get a video uploaded of the 331K4 after we finish work on it. Going to clean out the clutch motor tonight, and just waiting on replacement wiring for the lamp to show up before it's put to use. It sits in a beautiful wood table my grandfather built.

I nearly joined that Facebook group last night, but thought better of it! 

But I do need a carpet serger and a walking foot machine for vinyl... I've got a few cars that need reupholstery. 

[mysewingpleasure]

Hi, everyone, I find this advertisement today. I cannot believe my eyes that the roller foot, how does it work? it says that it works on light fabrics. why do we need it if we sew with light fabric? It is very interesting to me.

By the way, the price is very very expensive to me, is it overpriced?

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1447231380&utm_source=alerts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Kijiji%20Search%20Alerts

Description
Artisan 5550 BIG Flatbed Industrial Sewing Machine

- Reverse feed
- Servo motor - silent, with speed reducer
- thread stand and bobbin winder included
- includes bobbins and needles
- thread size range - 46 to 138
- table on lockable wheels
- knee-lift for presser foot
- "M" size big bobbins - double capacity
- roller foot - suitable for leather, canvas, light fabrics
- self-lubricating system
- very clean and well maintained
- hard copy and digital manual and parts list
- Price - $1,200

[Futura]

My thought is that a roller foot like that is intended for sewing leather.