Portable sewing machines as winders

[Ruel]

I saw one of those portable sewing machines that run on AC adaptors (6 volts) sold mostly thru TV shopping networks. CAn it be used as a coil winder? I noticed that it is quite hard to control the speed of the motor using the supplied foot switch. Can something be done to reduce the initial take up speed to prevent snapping the magnet wire?

Thanks in advance.

[corduroyew]

I doubt the initial take up speed will be that big of an issue. I can load 44 awg wire onto my lathe hit the start button and I'm off to the races at about 2000 wpm. The key is make sure there is no slack between the tensonor and the bobbin. Any slack will cause your wire to snap when you turn on. If there is no slack then it's not going to snap.

[David King]

Having a good speed control pedal that give you full control would be worth a few extra$$ to me. I paid $15 for a mid 1940s Singer sewing machine and the control is amazing.

I don't see how 6V would ever get you the torque you'd need to overcome the sewing machine's internal friction at lower speeds. I imagine that's the problem with this one.

[Ruel]

Thank you guys for the inputs. I too was surprised to learn that it only requires 6volts to run. But this bugger is torquey enough. Anyway, I am thinking of a small amount of reduction only.

Well, there's only one way to find out.

[Spence]

Go for it. You've got nothing to lose. Also, if the speed control is too insensitive just Google for motor speed controllers. I shouldn't worry too much about the voltage. I had a French car once who's 6 Volt battery could crank the starter enough to turn the engine over.

[CL-10]

If you find that you want a really good foot control pedal--there's a guy on ebay that sells new vintage type pedals (industrial quality) for $9.00 to #12.00 and the 2 prong cable is around $5.00. I bought 2 and they don't look like they will wear out anytime soon. If you interested I can try to find his information.

[Ruel]

If you find that you want a really good foot control pedal--there's a guy on ebay that sells new vintage type pedals (industrial quality) for $9.00 to #12.00 and the 2 prong cable is around $5.00. I bought 2 and they don't look like they will wear out anytime soon. If you interested I can try to find his information.

thanks. Sure appreciate it.