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Hello all,
I've been lurking for quite a while and have learned a great deal from you all. I know the topic of 'sewing machine' winders has almost been beat to death, but I had to give it a try.
Not only is this my first post, it's also my first winder. Call it a prototype. I got much of my inspiration from this forum, although the topic is discussed on other sites as well.
I set out to build this winder for as little money as possible (keeps me out of trouble with the wife!). I started with a $3 sewing machine from the Goodwill store. I also bought a $3 set of roller blades at the same store and harvested the radial bearings for use on the winder shaft.
True, it won't go backwards, but we all know that's a simple work-around. The speed control is a dimmer switch from Wallyworld.
The counter was the most expensive component at about $12 from Ebay. Unfortunately, it has a zero-voltage trigger. I would have preferred to use an optical switch for the counter, but a reed switch will have to do the job. The way I mounted the reed switch seems to give me a reliable 1200-1300 rpm's.
All other parts were harvested from the scrap pile in my shop.
The next one will probably use a DC motor and optical switch for the counter, but for now I achieved the goal of building a super-low cost machine.
There's a pic below. I also have a video. I'll post it soon.
Cheers!
I've been lurking for quite a while and have learned a great deal from you all. I know the topic of 'sewing machine' winders has almost been beat to death, but I had to give it a try.
Not only is this my first post, it's also my first winder. Call it a prototype. I got much of my inspiration from this forum, although the topic is discussed on other sites as well.
I set out to build this winder for as little money as possible (keeps me out of trouble with the wife!). I started with a $3 sewing machine from the Goodwill store. I also bought a $3 set of roller blades at the same store and harvested the radial bearings for use on the winder shaft.
True, it won't go backwards, but we all know that's a simple work-around. The speed control is a dimmer switch from Wallyworld.
The counter was the most expensive component at about $12 from Ebay. Unfortunately, it has a zero-voltage trigger. I would have preferred to use an optical switch for the counter, but a reed switch will have to do the job. The way I mounted the reed switch seems to give me a reliable 1200-1300 rpm's.
All other parts were harvested from the scrap pile in my shop.
The next one will probably use a DC motor and optical switch for the counter, but for now I achieved the goal of building a super-low cost machine.
There's a pic below. I also have a video. I'll post it soon.
Cheers!
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