Phoenix 429/Pfaff 130; advice on motor position and belt tautness?
 

Hi Group,

My Phoenix 429 (Pfeffer 130 knock-off) is now perfectly clean, re-wired, and all that. Name, by the way, is Ziggy.

Sews -marvelously-, straight and zig zag.

I have noticed that when sewing heavier things, i.e. leather, the wheel skids out. Even going by hand, the belt, I guess, is too loose, and the handwheel turns but does not grip the rubber belt.

I am very inexperienced with respect to how 'taut' a motor belt should feel. I should note that I did remove the motor for maintenance, and in replacing it back on the machine, it is entirely possible that I have it just a titch too high. My hunch is that I should lower the motor, thereby creating more tension on the rubber belt.

Could the more knowledgeable amongst you please give me some insight as to whether this is indeed the right thing to do, and if you can describe, how taut is the "right" amount?

Thank you!!!

Cecilia,

The sewing machine belt should be just tight enough that it doesn't slip and no tighter. Generally when they are at that point, they look and feel like they are too loose.

You said rubber belt, if you are referring to the round rubber band type belt, they are junk and prone to slipping no matter how tight they seem to be.

I have also found that the amber cogged belts don't grip like the black V-belts do.

As for the motor position, as long as it does not interfere with anything I simply set them where the belt tension is right.

Joe

Joe, yes, it is a round rubber belt.

So, to replace it, shall I just take the belt to a shoppe and get one in the same size but in... leather? What is a "black v-belt", as you mention?

Thanks so much!