Handcrank 306K (long)
After reading wonderful reviews of the 306K in 2010, the machine below turned up on eBay. At the time, I had no idea of the problem involved with installing a handcrank on this model machine......just liked the look and thought it would be great to have a zigzag machine that cranked. I had never installed a crank, taken off a motor, etc -- true beginner at this point.
The machine arrived with the motor installed (now I know why - to fit the case!) and it was missing several parts - bobbin tension guide, manual, bobbins, cams, attachments, int. bight screw. Mostly that was easily available. The real downside was the upper thread guide, broken, which always shredded the thread after a bit of stitching. The motor is a replacement and only goes very fast. Frustration.
The handcrank confounded me. It obviously was weird, with a big plate at the base that turned the thing at an angle and obviously was not going to fit on the orphan treadle 127 head I acquired. Drat. Cindy Peters must still consider me a crazed loon as I tried to describe the situation to her. The odd handcrank got stuck away in a box.
So lately, running through my list of parts needed, an upper thread guide turned up on eBay. Good. Now the machine could sew, but I also wanted to learn more about it, and searched Quilting Board.
THANK YOU, ThayerRags (CD in Oklahoma)!!!! Your comment a few months ago about the offset connection that caused handcranks to not fit on this machine brought about a real lightbulb moment!
The specially made plate welded to this handcrank makes it fit securely, nicely centered and it works beautifully! The machine is a delight to crank, and so thank you also to someone in Utah who went to the trouble and had the ability to pull off this neat trick.
Dianne in Colorado