How to make your Chinese Sewing Machine run Wicked Smooth

Welcome to my first full motion picture. LOL Todays epic video will cover tons of modifications I've done to my machine throughout the years, a full assembly of a torn down machine, and the lubrications I use.
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[@lyndaofiowa718]

Thank you for the complete explanations of your modifications. You made this understandable to even me (64 yr old woman). I'm interested in messing with this hand crank, beastie. Thanks for the information.

[@godislove201]

It seems like most people have the attention span of a goldfish these days... I was so glad to see someone that would go so in depth about what craftsmanship is all about. From a fellow tinkerer, thank for your time brother...

[@huckfinn4260]

Thank you for putting this all on one video. It drives me nuts when someone will break their videos up into pieces what should be left whole. Too much of a pain to find them all and gather them up into a cohesive and coherent block of info. There are hundreds of videos about this machine on KZbin. I've watched dozens of them and I must say this is by far the single best video on the CLSP that I've seen. Some guys will present solutions that are unfeasible for the average DIYer, casting, forging and machining parts from scratch. Others who pretend to know what they're talking about, but in reality when you try what they suggest it becomes apparent that they don't know. You definitely have an intimate knowledge of the machine. your mechanical ability is sound and all your tips are possible for the average person. I congratulate you on producing the best video for someone interested in getting the most from this machine. Well done sir. I'll be working my way through the rest of your CLSP playlists.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Best Comment Ever!! Thank you for checking out my channel.

[@EricChristiansen-pp3im]

GOAT u are. Best videos on the Tube! Thank You Sir!!

[@michaelkenny2983]

Thank you for such a thorough and articulate breakdown of this machine. It has helped me tremendously!

[@donasplin6595]

Great presentation, very helpful.

[@Tradesman1156]

Machine is coming today. I have been binge watching your videos since last night, and feel I have a good handle on what I will need to do. Basically disassemble clean file, sand, and polish any mating parts. Modify the spool holder or build a new one. lube, time, align, and adjust! Wow Good rainy day project, but from what I see ; if I do it all well I will have a dependable machine for $100.00 and 4-6 hours labor as opposed to $600.00 and 2 hours of fine tuning on a better machine. I know the process will make trouble shooting and maintaining it much easier. Thanks for making these videos, and letting us follow your progress!

[@leeburke4060]

i just came back to see if anything is new. I put mine in storage back in 2019 it had timing issues.. im gonna try this again. thanks for your help..

[@craigchristalaw2317]

I think it's the best video on that sewing machine I have watched quite a few videos on the Chinese shoe patch sewing machine and I think that is the best

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you

[@jgarcia2667]

GOOD JOB BUDDY!

[@Zippoking1969]

Extremely helpful, cheers chap from a happy man in England 😉 great video

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad it helped

[@asbestosfiber]

I watched to the end, TBH I did increase the speed. I'll go back over some parts later when I do the actual work.. clear instructions. Was not sure if I wanted to get a machine but saw some other videos on it and looked good. Saw yours and was like "Cool no problem to get this apart and back together and at least 3 hours of swearing saved from tring to figure out what's what & how to line stuff up" Thanks

[@AMissouriMule]

Outstanding tutorial. You will be my reference library.

[@ScottRedstone]

Glad you are back. It’s late at night so I’m going to watch the whole video in the morning. One of your earlier posts showed me how to set timing. It was so incredibly useful. Never would have done a single stitch if I hadn’t found you. New project is to polish and prep for smooth sewing. Thanks again.

[@annapelletier28]

Thank you. Definitely the best explanation. Just bought one of these and I’m more confident now that I’m following your videos.

[@familieexalto7101]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for your supportive comment!!

[@xavierdm69]

I made it all the way to the end! Great video, very well done! Thanks for the detail!

[@wawkabout]

Absolutely wonderful video, Thank you very much. Just got my machine and trying to get it to work.. Your videos are the best!

[@danharrell6200]

I recently purchased one of these machines and thought I had been taken. Ran terrible, rubbing metal, hard to crank. I saw our video and took it completely apart, did a lot of grinding, polishing, greasing and adjusting. Now it runs very well and smooth. Thank you for teaching me how to improve it.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thanks for your support and I am glad I could be helpful.

[@ronalddaub9740]

Yes they need lube and running in and a little blueprinting never hurts.

[@Quigley1200]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@chip582002]

thanks, and yes I watched it all.

[@byranbaker3071]

Thanks for your time and information again.

[@chrisnixon2179]

that was excellent!!

[@davehansonsr.4587]

very interesting thank you

[@tonylatham5915]

Thanks for doing this. My contraption shows up today. ;)

[@obkf-too]

Thank you, I am planning to buy one next week hopefully and I really want to know more before I get it.

[@leroylamb8745]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge. God bless! Lee and Mary

[@bsracer85]

Great work and thanks for the tips. Can you buy bobbins and any parts with out buying another machine?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Yes, Matt at Bantam Saddle Tack has some spare parts for sale. Here is the link: www.bantamsaddletack.com/Sewing-Machinery_c_20.html

[@ronniemaddox3037]

so thanks for all of your vids on this machine but need to point out the issue i found with mine...and took a while to notice...the slot where the needle goes down inside was drilled a little crooked thus when the bobbin tried to take the thread it would bind and snap because the needle was against it so the fix was using a 1/16" drill bit to open the inside a bit then used a 5/64" bit that seemed to be the same size as the hole to ream and smooth the opening to a straight line and now i can even push #24 needles through thin leather like nothing and hope this comment may help anyone else that like me followed your every move several times on your timing videos and still had problems with thread snapping and binding

[@codytoothman7581]

Time to disassemble my machine and do some polishing and greasing. I bought mine used off FB and I think the guy sold it cause he didn't know how to adjust the timing.

[@jimsciolla4119]

Nicely done and very informative since I just bought one and wanted to smooth it out before using it.

[@tokolosh11]

Awesome video. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

My pleasure!

[@eddieperez43]

Thank you ! I worked all day trying to get tension set right. It works good but once in awhile, while stitching, one or two top stitch are loose. Can’t figure it out🤔

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Is everything working now?

[@JustBlueFish]

Great video, made it to the end.

[@SearsTerry]

Excellent tutorial 👍

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Many thanks

[@gergemall]

Thank you

[@joycee-oakley3334]

Well your posts did help fix most of the problems I've been having, but now my boyfreind changed the stitch length and now the string in the bobbin keeps breaking, Do you have any ideals about that? We did fix the timing and that help aaallllloooottt it now picks up the bobbin thread and now this problem.

[@pdelmercado]

Great video. I bought one of these machines recently, but I ended up returning it. If I have to take it apart and finish doing the job of the manufacturer, I don’t need to waste my money on it.

[@PunCala]

Could you please make a detailed video on how to upgrade the bearings just like you've done at 13:50 onwards? I cannot get the screws out (one spins in its place, the other one seems to be stuck and disintegrating if I try to use force), I don't know how to remove the bearings or the shaft. I've tried googling this but no one seems to tell how to do it.

[@jesusmanzanoroman7211]

hola buenas sr Harrrison en primer lugar felcitar su canal es muy bueno sus consejos desanble mi maquina para engrasarla mi problema es que se me rompio el muelle que sujeta el prensatelas y queria saber donde se pueden comprar piezas de esta maquina.un saludo desde españa y darte las gracias de antemano por tu ayuda gracias . Chuchicueros

[@eddiiebranch3655]

I'm having trouble with my foot not moving the leather on my chinese sewing machine. What can I do or check?

[@erivera6002]

Hi, is there an adjustment for the pressure foot it goes up & down but won't advance.I bought that Chinese Sewing machine about 2 weeks ago and been able to get it to work. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@pspjr13]

Very informative and helpful, thank you so much! I have a question about the walking foot. Someone else had recommended filing down the foot to get rid of marks, and I did that but now it's too smooth to move leather with consistency. Any idea what I can do to improve this? Thank you again for your great videos.

[@leatherheadgarage7821]

I have heard others say the put a thin piece of leather on the bottom of the foot and it worked really well

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

I think they said just file the sharp teeth a little, not file off until it’s smooth. In any case, try dipping the foot in a can of liquid rubber handle coating. The kind sold to coat tool handles. Some have reported good results doing that. Good luck.

[@leroybarker8510]

I seem to remember a while back that you recommended buying from a vendor, somewhat to the effect of a saddle maker, is he still modifying these machines?

[@jordanmunro8689]

Bantam saddle and tack in Idaho sells them. Currently out of stock but taking pre orders in early May I believe.

[@leroybarker8510]

@@jordanmunro8689 Thanks a lot. Will contact them. They are in a good State.

[@jimpimley8999]

I thought I would see if anyone could help me. I broke a needle and now everything is out of alignment. I pulled the needle out and now it seems to have what looks like a another broken needle in it. But it will not come out. Any help would be appreciated. TY Jim

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

There is a plate under the sewing arm that you can remove to gain access to the bobbin well. Magnets help out too

[@just4kickli]

Just got my machine in yesterday. Been watching your videos before committing to purchase. You have been an absolute wealth of information. Thank you so much for your time and videos!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

No worries, I am happy I could help out

[@raerichardson3572]

I just unpacked my machine, was scratching my head on where to begin and ran across this video. Now I have the confidence to disassemble it, because you showed me how to reassemble and time the thing, Thank you so much!!

[@thesheepdogpatriots6749]

I have to tell you ... out of ALL the video tutorials i've watched re; "Chinese Patcher/Cobbler Machine" ... you SIR! ... are the best, in-depth, most knowledgeable, detailed oriented, troubleshooter regarding these finicky machines on KZbin or on the Internet for that matter ... Full Stop! ... Thank You!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Wow, thanks!

[@bondebond]

BTW, thanks for all of your videos. You are one of the main reasons I went ahead and spent $100 when I already have machines costing much more that are motorized, finely tuned from the factory and are ready to go. I am in the process of reassembling my newly arrived patcher since I like to tinker. Your videos, and now this one especially, are extremely useful for knowing how to operate and tear down/reassemble these machines. I figured I would do a top-down fine tune up before really even trying anything. Keep up the good work and information sharing. I appreciate your passion for creating and sharing, especially on this machine.

[@bondebond]

I'm on the reassembly phase after polishing and painting. After watching this video (based on your years of experience with the machine), I'll be cleaning off and re-lubricating with grease especially in the sewing head.

[@datguy4104]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for taking the time to make this. I watched this once waiting for it to arrive, and a second time to actually reassemble it and make sure I didn't miss anything (I did). It's hard to describe how big of an impact a proper cleaning and greasing can make. This went from a crunchy, sticky, barely functioning machine - practically speaking it would be unusable, to something that operates buttery smooth and feels like a robust machine made before planned obsolescence. Like I just found a treasure in a thrift shop. I never would have been able to get this back together, or even have had the confidence to take this apart if not for this video and I'm extremely thankful for it. To anyone considering doing this, or on the fence, if you've already got a dremel and some spare elbow grease this is definitely worth it! Other than saving a lot of money, the hidden benefit of DIYing this machine vs buying a far more expensive machine is that you also end up learning how every piece of it works as you put it back together - so maintenance in the future will be a lot less daunting and quicker. Again, thank you so much!

[@billjordan7512]

Really appreciated the step-by-step instructions on this video. I was able to completely disassemble the machine and successfully reassemble it because of the information you provide. I typed up the steps for my own sanity but had to keep referring back to sections on the video to watch how some pieces fit back together. Thank you very much for going to the trouble to make this. Very helpful.

[@Awdrocity]

So I got everything set up then realized my foot is pressing down but not walking. any idea where I went wrong? thanks!

[@philochristos]

You could probably make a lot of money by buying these sewing machines, fixing them up and making them usable, then selling them for twice as much. A lot of people would probably gladly buy one that was ready to go and didn't require all the hassle of making them usable.

[@davidchadwick3156]

Absolutely!!!

[@markolson7877]

purchased a CLSP years ago...finally getting around to using it...or want to...my presser foot does not move the leather...can you help??

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Could be a couple different issues: The stitch adjustment screw is adjusted too far out or too close in, or the timing is off.

[@silviamora3260]

My machine still not picking the bobbing tread.what can I do to fixed? Thanks

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Check out my complete playlist I have three or four videos on that topic.

[@Levi_Allen]

Do you have a video where you talk about largest possible thread size for this machine?

[@thomasdsmith7678]

New to CLSP and your channel but love your concise narrations. For springs, I suggest getting 12 inches of heavy thread, stick it through the end of the spring, fold thread in half and pull up on the string to stretch the spring onto its post (biker trick). Also, while apart, get a cheap tap set with the 4 smallest metric threads ($5) and run all threads on all parts. Experience has taught me that when a Chinese manufacture uses the same taps 50,000 times, the threads they cut are BAD. My bobbin cover screw came with damaged threads and the hole had no clean threads. Tapped it out, got a longer screw, put in a drill and reduced the screw head diameter and taper to make it more counter-sunk and smoother on top. Also used bright heat shrink tubing on foot lift lever and sewing head swivel ears. Easy to see and gives them a rubber-like coating.

[@evannielsen9013]

I have had mine only since feb .My wife and sons bought it for my Bday . after about a week of using it the thread started snapping after two cranks. Went two weeks going crazy not sure what was wrong I was doing. Finally watched one of your videos and saw exactly what was wrong . Simple thing of the screw holding the presser arm loosening it move all of about 8th inch if that. Moved it back, and I was back in business. I owe you a thanks. Also I watch your videos laughing how simple your channel is ;no flashy backgrounds . I have learned a lot about my sewing machine from you . So thank you so much.

[@janetherrell9579]

Can you tell me where you got the bearings

[@seaneehumanbeing]

Man, your videos have been a lifesaver! However, after some adjusting and resetting the timing, I’m now having an issue with the bobbin shuttle being too tight to the wall of the bobbin well when the crank arm is at 9 o’clock and it’s snapping my thread. Why is that and how do you fix it? I had my machine set up and stitching great until I had to try to reset things to stitch a thicker part of a project I’m working on. after adjusting things I now have this problem and I’m pulling out my hair trying to solve it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

[@fsa1946]

Absolutely one awesome video. Thanks Harrison. Although I've had my machine for three years and did clean and lube it when I got it, it was not done to the extent in your video. I definitely will be taking it apart and following your instructions. This is by far the best video ,(IMHO) on this subject. If new owners follow your instructions when getting their new machine, it would eliminate most of their problems when first using it.

[@danielrapoza8468]

Wow Harrison this is an Awesome video. Long but needed for all the detail you needed to cover. Plus, the links for additional information needed to do a complete repair/recondition of the unit. Thank you for sharing this wealth of information. I will be ordering my unit this week so i can time its arrival. Your video convinced me that it can be a great tool. One question, you mentioned fine sandpaper to polish are we talking like 600 grit or do i need something finer ? Great job... Dan 😊

[@captaintripps7354]

Really nice informative video, learned some new tricks to use. Considering how oily these machines arrive in the box, not one moving joint or bearing had any lubricant! Just adding oil and grease where it was actually needed made my machine work smooth and quiet.

[@buckcorrigan9595]

Fantastic video, well thought out and well executed ! ....I've been considering buy one of the sewing machines. There appears to be 4 or 5 different brand names available, although, from the advertising photos, they look to be all the same. Are there any brand names you would recommend ?

[@magicdaveable]

Excellent tutorial. I appreciate not having to figure out the mechanicals. Things mechanical can always be figured out but you did the work. It's very cool that you shared it.

[@jasonthompson6335]

I am trying to get my sewing machine to stitch the way I had it when I first got it but I can't get the thread to tighten up enough when I stitch it I have the 3:00 and 12:00 with the wheel but it's still not working better but not great

[@gergemall]

Ditto

[@dantheupholsteryman3611]

I have been working with industrial sewing machines for over 40 years. Your advice to use grease to lubricate anything on your sewing machine is dead wrong. You don't use grease, 3 in 1 oil, gun oil or anything else to lubricate other than sewing machine oil (mineral oil) . Any of those other lubricants can stain fabrics or leathers. The first time you ruin a project with an oil or grease stain makes buying some sewing machine oil worthwhile.

[@Dsoginventor]

I completely disassembled my machine yesterday. I will start by deburring and grinding away all the rough areas, and polish everything. It’ll get a new paint job that isn’t green. Next, I will be installing bronze bushings in the arms (which get extensive grinding and smoothing). I also will be installing a pillow block for the cam driveshaft on the cam end, plus I’ll put in a new longer driveshaft to add a 12 “ dia. pulley. I am going to enlarge the bolt hole in the frame where the lifting arm bolt goes through, and build my own lifting arm that works on the front side of the machine, plus the lifting arm contact point will have a bearing. I’ll also be adding a 600W sewing machine motor with a two-stage pulley system.

[@thomasdsmith7678]

When setting your cams back on, use a business card pinched between the cam and the shaft block. Once tight, pull out the card and spacing should be good and consistent.

[@thegearcage6595]

Hello Was wondering if I could give you a call at some point convenient with you to troubleshoot my machine it was sewing fairly good after some adjustments but I missed with the cams and now it’s breaking the thread after 1 or 2 rotations.

[@yosoyaaaron]

could you help me out? my thread keeps getting caught under the bobbin casing and snaps every time, i don’t know what to try to fix that problem. any suggestions??

[@TheTimeChamber2007]

You have to write a book on these machines with all your knowledge. I would buy it in a heartbeat. Maybe a downloadable eBook?

[@julioflores7022]

Saludos desde Perú tierra de los antiguos dioses precolombinos incaicos tierra de la maca kiwicha oca Quinua coca mashua y la papa.

[@dragonclaw88]

great vid..you have no idea how much the community depends on your videos...thank you so much!

[@jakesmalloy131]

Why would you leave those screws in the arm, Phillips head screws are insane went out and bought Allen heads, they worked fine

[@thebairn]

Your timing advice on the foot was wrong on my machine. If I timed it as you suggested, I would break a needle every time, because the foot starts pulling after the needle is already down

[@datguy4104]

The bearing is 6001-zzc3 if you can't remember where in the video it is.

[@byrontyler6991]

What type of grease do you use? Your videos are great. I have just bought one of these machines and I am watching all your videos.

[@joekahno]

I've found that the Chinese are pretty good at making knock offs of vintage machinery. But you have to approach them as "kits" of rough finished castings and parts. That last bit of hand fitting would probably double the retail price even at Chinese labor rates. I'd rather get it cheap and DIY.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Great point!

[@donaldslayton2769]

Appreciate the video. Seemed straight forward. Just one question, where do i find a 10mm socket

[@rickolibar]

Did you drill holes in the back of the hand crank to make the weight better? Can you explain more of what you did?

[@garymartin-jt5em]

will the 40 W.T. thread work in the Cobler machine for putting patches on leather?

[@TheEdiphone]

you know any olsons or paines from maine i grew up in conn.but had family up in northern top of maine about 7 mile from border and some from ba haba lol as well ehyup just playin i loved it in maine im in kansas and its night n day different love your videos have helped me greatly and your presentment is really awesome and concise in aspects and explainations as to what,or not and why or not it is and or can cause issues and ways to address them which is no easy task and you do it like elvis and his pelvis thanks for the info and hope yuor ready for that cold weather thats on its way soon i think its gonna be a long cold one this year

[@radicalanddangerous]

Excellent video. I was wondering what the bearing number was I don't find it 'below'.

[@nialkelly7582]

Yep, made it .. A well considered and well made video, 10/10 Hallelujah :)

[@vanphillips1878]

Just found these videos and they are extremely helpful. Now for me to polish my machine.

[@RobertDouglas-dc6xm]

Awesome video. I'm looking forward to pimping my machine out.

[@tattooassassin3494]

I absolutely enjoyed this , and I needed to know all of what you went over , thank you so much

[@multicraftman]

I know this video is a couple years old but I just brought one of these machines and I'm waiting on it to arrive. While waiting I'm trying to learn as much as can be learned by watching videos. I'm an old dude, 73 and just filling time till it's time to go home. Thanks a bunch for taking the time to share what you have learned. May God bless.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for your comment!! If you run into any issues feel free to send me a email at [e-mail]

[@dylanhuntington8187]

I did make it through some of the camera shots were hard to see but could be made out cuz the auto focus just took awhile or wanted to focus on something else, my camera does the same alot

[@joannewittenbrook8051]

One of you handy guys could start a business setting up these for those of us mechanically challenged.

[@antwanpk]

My patcher foot doesn't release or walk anymore would you know what my problem is?

[@larryjones6359]

Larry Jones Just got my machine yesterday and did the polish cleaning, but NOW it is coming apart for some real TLC as you gave me the intestinal fortitude Thanks Love all of your Vids that I’ve watch taking notes, and have watched several 2 or three times. One question Is it possible to use thread that has been Waxed. Or should I continue to Hand Stitch those project. I’m learning but I’m only 84 Thanks again

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

It's not recommended to use wax thread, it will gum up the tension disks and spring and cause all kinds of tension issues. Thank you for commenting

[@Biokemist-o3k]

New subscriber here. I just received my new to me sewing machine!!

[@daviddoyle2738]

sound off

[@landonbuck253]

Thank you so much for the videos. I just received my machine, which I probably wouldn't have done without seeing your instructions. Thanks again for taking the time to help others. I truly appreciate it.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad I could help

[@brandons9398]

Thanks Sir, fine video😊

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Most welcome

[@johnwright4428]

Your video did indeed prove worthy of watching and learning the tips you show in this video. My machine was a disaster in the way of irregularities. I had to do a lot of filing and polishing and Dremel work to it as per your recommendations in your video. After reassembling it with the step by step instructions in your video, it now works perfect and smoothly. I can't thank you enough for the handy tips.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Awesome, happy to hear your up and running smoothly.

[@brucebissell7626]

AWESOME JOB. I HAVE ALOT OF WORK TO GET MINE SHIP SHAPE. THANK, GOD BLESS.

[@classydays43]

I have no use to have one of these right now, but your machine sounds so buttery compared to the ones I've seen right out of the box. Also your method of explanation was very easy to understand.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you so much for your comment

[@chrisnixon2179]

Nice to see you finally repainted your machine, looks so much better now