Is it Heavy Duty enough for kilting?

[vorpallemur]

I just love those Singers with the external belt. They were a transition between treadle and motor power. Singer used to advertise that a machinist could keep on going after a power cut. Is this one of the constant speed motor types, with the speed controlled by a clutch?

If it's a clutch motor, consider getting a servo motor to replace it. A servo motor is quieter, doesn't run except when it's sewing, has less vibration, saves energy, and is easier to control.

Most industrial machines are driven by belt: motors are fairly expensive, and are the only part of the machine that's expected to wear out. An external motor allows the motor to be changed: the same head with a 1/4 HP high speed motor is suited for entirely different set of tasks as would with a slower speed 3/4 HP motor. Now that decent servo motors are available at reasonable cost, direct drive machines are starting to show up, but mostly as pretty specialized or high-end machines.

[Eujeankilt]

I second that advice. I bought servo motor from Artisan sewing in LA for $160 new. I went from a 3600 RPM to a 1800 RPM and it has a four position speed selector and is way more controllable than the clutch motor. Also, it only spins when you push the pedal. It still can sew faster than I can keep up with. Great investment.

Dale

If it's a clutch motor, consider getting a servo motor to replace it. A servo motor is quieter, doesn't run except when it's sewing, has less vibration, saves energy, and is easier to control.

Most industrial machines are driven by belt: motors are fairly expensive, and are the only part of the machine that's expected to wear out. An external motor allows the motor to be changed: the same head with a 1/4 HP high speed motor is suited for entirely different set of tasks as would with a slower speed 3/4 HP motor. Now that decent servo motors are available at reasonable cost, direct drive machines are starting to show up, but mostly as pretty specialized or high-end machines.