How to electrify your Chinese Leather Patcher Sewing Machine Part 1

In today’s video, I am going through some important steps to get your sewing machine ready to install a motor. Don’t Forget To Subscribe! kzbin.info...
Step One:
Remove your flywheel so you can start the machining process of cutting a belt grove around the circumference. If you’re not an experienced machinist; I would suggest sending your flywheel to a professional.
Step Two:
While you’re waiting for your flywheel to be machined you can start the cleaning/lubrication of your sewing machine to ensure it has plenty lubrication. (This is a very important step because you will generate more heat and friction by adding a motor to your set up.)
Step Three:
Reinstall your flywheel.
Thank you all so much for the views and continued support of Mainely Acres. If you found this video to be helpful please send me some love at $harrisonhigh4206
If you would like to set up a one on one meeting with me feel free to send me a email and I will try my best to set that up. Email is address below
******Connect With Us******
Email: [e-mail]
******Check Out More Of Our Video’s******
• How To Videos
• Industrial Hemp Videos
• Hand-Crank Leather Sew...
Thank you so much for stopping by and I will see y’all on the next video!!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Video Correction!!! Make sure not to put any grease in the channels on the hand crank!! Check out Albert Fiallos comment below!! 👍

[@gergemall]

Wow it’s a total redesign.😊

[@elfpimp1]

I swear that road you drove down to get to the "machine shop" reminds me of old route 11 through north Syracuse and Cicero back home!

[@jonhenriksen5341]

Hello there Harrison 🙂 My name is Jon Henriksen, and I live at the north west coast of Norway, in a small town called Aalesund. I have just entered the working life as a shoe repair man. Travelling around the internet I stumbled over your Mainley Acres channel. Short story: You made me buy a chinese leather patcher machine. Waiting for it, I found great pleasure in watching your videoes. The machine turned up here in Norway approx. in the state you warned about. But, to my surprise, it worked as it should at first try. I can understand your enthusiasm for it, and I thank you for sharing your experience and knowlede. Great to see how you and your family make your way at the homestead. (By the way; For many years I worked as a program host and radio/tv- producer at the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation and I give you thumbes up for your video productions 🙂 ). I also very much like the way you give credit to your father when he has helped. That tells me alot about you. Best regards, Jon Henriksen

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you Jon Henriksen, This has to be the most heartfelt comment I have ever received. Thank you so much, it's people like you that keep me motivated to keep up with my videos on KZbin. If you ever need any help with your sewing machine I would be more than happy to help you out. Best of luck on your new adventure as a shoe repairman. 👍👊

[@jorgenunoguerrero4161]

HARRISON YOU SO GREAT!!! FROM PANAMÁ THANK YOU!!!!!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for that wonderful comment!!

[@thedavidfield1]

If I wasn't looking at the screen, I swear you sound exactly like Jeff Daniels.

[@tomjohnson9314]

Well done, Mainely. Blessings!

[@patriciakaviani9755]

Not too far from my hometown Belfast. Your videos helped me set up my machine in a couple hours.

[@patriciakaviani9755]

I'm in Washington State now.

[@mountainmama17]

Thanks for posting these videos, after watching a few times I order one off of ebay. $134 shipped to the house with extra parts and the belt grove already machined in the crank wheel. The only area that needed smoothing up was the hole in the arm that the thread runs through . I made a extension for the spool rod to use bigger spools. Kurt

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

That's sweet that you were able to find a machine already modified to run a motor!! That's a dang good deal!!

[@ver2go96]

Would you mind sharing the listing/seller? I'm trying a ready to go one like the one you mentioned but with no luck.

[@clockguy2]

I cut a groove in the flywheel on my 10" table saw in about 20 minutes without having to balance anything. I have an abrasive cut-off blade for metal that is made to fit the table saw. (You can get them at Lowe's or Home depot.) I stood the flywheel up against the fence so that the blade was in line where I wanted the groove. I clamped a board to the table, parallel to the fence, to keep the flywheel snug against the fence. I also clamped a block to the fence to roll the flywheel against, in order to keep it directly above the abrasive wheel. I cut a groove about 1/3 the diameter of the belt deep, in several steps rolling the flywheel over the blade several times each time I raised the blade. Clean up the burs with a file or wire wheel brush on the bench grinder. You can get 4mm diameter fusible transmission belting for watchmaker's lathes (like I did) on Ebay. www.ebay.com/itm/12-Feet-Transmission-Belt-for-Watchmaker-Lathe-Jewelers-Belt-Watchmakers-/122905012069

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you so much for sharing another way to add a belt to these sewing machines!! Good tips!!😀👍👊

[@clockguy2]

@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks While the groove did turn out beautifully, my standard sewing machine motor was not strong enough to run my machine.

[@SandcastleDreams]

@@clockguy2 My old sewing machine actually has the same motor he is using, but I'm not willing to cannibalize it for the motor. You are looking for a motor on those old 1950's zig-zag, metal cased machines and you can usually pick up an old sewing machine at a thrift store or even a yard sale. I bought my old machine at a thrift store for about $15 in the early 90's and she's still running. I also have several more machines from that era. Stay away from the plastic machines. Their motors are weaker. This site will tell you more about them. www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/2016/11/vintage-sewing-machine-motors-myths-and.html

[@SandcastleDreams]

@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks The reason your presser foot is getting hot is because the motor was meant to be run faster. It heats up when you run it slow. I have an antique sewing machine that does the same thing. If I run it fast and hard, it doesn't get hot. If I run it slow, it gets hot and I have to keep taking breaks. www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/2016/11/vintage-sewing-machine-motors-myths-and.html

[@clockguy2]

@@SandcastleDreams Thanks for the tip. I am a clock repairman and I've been collecting sewing machine motors from the thrift stores for around twenty years because they work well with jewelrs lathes. I had my strongest motor on the machine and it couldn't turn the shaft past the cams at the back of the machine. Perhaps I had the foot tension adjusted too tight or something, but it was weak at best. Maybe a DC treadmill motor is the next step, but I don't know how to put a foot pedal on one of those. I wonder if I somehow rigged a step down pulley above the motor, could I get enough torqe to run my machine and give the motor enough rpms to keep cool.

[@wildbill23c]

Great video. I have the same lathe, I make writing pens, and recently purchased the lathe to move over into some metal pens. Still learning how to use it and what cutters to use.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Those little metal lathes are fun to work with, just need some scrap and spare time to get a hang of it. Kind of like these sewing machines. LOL Best of luck on your pens!!

[@wildbill23c]

@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks Thanks, the pen hobby is quite fun, rewarding at times as well. I just make them for Christmas gifts now, so I don't do much turning. The metal lathe definitely requires some knowledge and tons of practice. That sewing machine is now on my must buy list (Christmas Present to myself). I want to get into leather work, I did a little bit when I was a teenager, but haven't messed with it at all and sold all of my tooling a couple years ago. That sewing machine would save a lot of tedious hand sewing time.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Yes, this sewing machine will defiantly save you some time when putting projects together. That's why I ended up buying one. Just like the lathe it takes a bit of practice and a few naughty words. Feel free to drop in if you have any issues with you Christmas present. LOL

[@wildbill23c]

@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks I definitely will, thank you for the awesome videos on that sewing machine. It'll certainly get some use when I get mine. Have a great week.

[@Al-Fiallos]

Hi Eric. Just want to pass on something I learned while working in the oil fields of the Gulf of Mexico. The crane mechanics told me to never ever put grease in a channel or grove where a ball bearing rides. You want the channel 'dry' so that the ball bearing does not slip and develop flat spots either in the channel or the bearing. Just wanted to share this.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I have never heard that before, thank you for the tip!!

[@Al-Fiallos]

@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks I didn't know that either until one of the mechanics caught me greasing the 'hook' ring under one of the cranes.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I will make sure to make a correction on my next sewing video. It make since that the ball bearing should be able to spin and with all that grease it will just slide around. Thanks again!!

[@Antlersandarrows]

I have seen lots of videos of people sewing 20-24 oz of veg tan on these. Every time i try, it seems so thick my foot won't even lift off the leather to walk. Also the little bit it moves the leather bends the needle. Is there any height adjustment on the foot?

[@garethkerlin]

Love the videos! Just got one of these and I'm learning how to set it up and maintain it. Will white lithium grease work as gear grease? Or is there another specific grease I need? Thanks

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Bearing grease works well too.

[@vqfive]

Simple way would be to bolt a 6-8" pulley along side the hand wheel on the threaded shaft. Would need to extend the threaded shaft with a long nut

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

That's a good idea, thanks for commenting

[@bricology]

Quick question: when you had the slot milled in the flywheel's edge, I presume that they took the handle off while it was on the lathe. Afterwards you pointed out the reliefs that were drilled out behind where the handle mounts, to balance the flywheel. But when you're operating the machine under electric power, I presume that the handle will still be left on it. So wouldn't the balancing job be largely negated by the handle being there while the flywheel is spinning?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Your 100% correct. We had to balance the flywheel to do the machining, not for the balance while sewing with a motor. My dad used a small lathe, so we had to get the wiggle out.

[@n1ety289]

I just got a machine today. The bobbin was snarled up so I took apart and threaded a different bobbin.Got everything together and it doesn't seem to be looping thread. I've been putzing all night and feel I have bobbin out of time.Can you give guidance on what is correct placement of bobbin?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Here is video I made on how to set up your machine with the correct bobbin placement. ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/qojKqa2JeL-rqLM ) If your still having issues after installing the bobbin correctly then your needle bar needs to be adjusted lower.

[@ireland66613]

Hi there how deep and how wide is the grove ? Thank you .I use to live in Ellsworth Maine.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

The grove is 4/16 wide and about 2/16 deep, these are rough measurements I don't have any calipers here. That's awesome Ellsworth is a beautiful little town., we live about an hour away from there.

[@ireland66613]

@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks than you very much . Your series is very helpful. Wow you are way up there. .

[@randolphchappel6098]

With the bearings and channels in the flywheel; do they require any lubrication? What about lubrication within the bobbin assembly?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I use oil to lubricate the bearings on the end of the arms and grease on the Pittman rod. I used to add grease to the channels, but I was told not to because it won't allow the bearings to roll. If the bearings don't roll it will cause one side of the bearings to have a flat spot.

[@randolphchappel6098]

Okay, that makes sense!

[@SandcastleDreams]

I keep wondering if that thing can be turned into a treadle machine. That would be cool because you could run it at a slower speed.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Yes, they can!! There's a facebook group you can join to see others that have done just that. facebook.com/groups/1646031288779869/

[@randylaw9826]

What sort of motor did you use? I have looked at another video with a bolt on mod that I like but he had issues controlling that motor. Its a 6000 RPM job off Amazon. I do n ot have access to a machine shop so the bolt on option works for me but I think a different motor might be in order. THX! I have learned a lot from your videos so far. Have not had my machine long but you helped me get it going. The motor will come later once I get a bit more experience.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I used an old singer sewing machine motor, but I burned that one up a while back. Your best option for a motor is going to be a servo set up

[@randylaw9826]

@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks Thanks so much for the response. So that motor just didnt have enough huh? I looked into those servo motors. I am OK with the price but how do you control one? Most you have to reach over and adjust the speed or turn on and off. Not sure how that would all work out. Have you done this or just scrapped the idea and crank 'er by hand?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Yeah, that old singer motor didn't have enough slow torque. Most servo motors I have seen can be adjusted by a dial, then controlled by a foot peddle. I haven't given up on adding a motor just haven't had the time.

[@GailDaily]

The Singer type motor should work well with the addition of a jack shaft. Use wood to make pillow blocks to hold skate wheel bearings and a shaft. Put a large pulley on one end and a small pulley on the other end. Connect the small pulley on the motor to the large pulley on the jackshaft. Connect the small pulley on the jackshaft to the flywheel on the machine. The jackshaft pulley could be made from baltic birch or other quality plywood. If it is the same diameter as the flywheel then the jackshaft will be turning at the same rpm as the flywheel WAS turning and the flywheel will now turn much slower than it was. This allows the motor to run at higher speed, producing more power and moving more cooling air over the motor.

[@samuelgrimes9761]

What is the link for the $80 servo motor?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I am not sure, I think I seen it on Amazon

[@ericmckenney5388]

Has anyone had their machine apart far enough to find out what the shaft looks like on the Bradbury&co no2 the drive pulley was at the other side are there three screws that hold the flywheel and cams or what If it is easy enough to duplicate you could just make it longer and add a pulley

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I have had this machine completely torn down, but I have never seen or taken apart a Bradbury&Co No 2.

[@noybnoyb3929]

Where is part 2?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmrZnHaVa692rZI

[@trapperdad121]

I thought for sure you were going to say "bacon grease". What a let down. Maybe I'll try it anyway.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

LOL, Bacon Grease!! Hey, whatever works

[@LitoGeorge]

That's precisely what I thought he was going to say!

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

go get red lucas grease its sticky lovly stuff i love it n so does my wife...not

[@pirobot668beta]

Electrify your hand, crank the Chinese sewing machine? Wait, what?

[@ocotillodavid7343]

Could have been done in one part by skipping the BS

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I could have, but then I would miss out on comments like this.