Plastic repair
 

I have a question for some who might know more about plastics than I do. That would probably be most of you.

I'm working on an Emdeco Mdl LT-72 ZZ and multi stitch with cams machine
[ATTACH=CONFIG]431754[/ATTACH]

and the hand wheel is cracked. It's plastic with a steel sleeve in the center. Here's a pic of it:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]431752[/ATTACH]
The plastic is hard, kind of like PCV, but I really don't know what kind of plastic it is. I'm guessing it's from the 60's or 70s if that gives someone a clue.

Once I find an adhesive I'll glue the crack, then clamp it tight with screw clamps till it cures.

OH, yeah finding a new one is an option I'll be following, but I won't be holding my breath.

Thanks.

Joe

Hi Joe,

Though not an expert opinion, I'd try an epoxy and be on the lookout for a replacement hand wheel if for resale. Hope your feeling better.

Jon

Jon,

Feeling a bit better, but not as much as I think I should. Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy.

Will have to make a trip to the hardware store for epoxy, I'm running short.

Joe

Plastic never really properly can heal; especially since it will be receiving torque whenever the handwheel is touched/moved by hand. I would not only epoxy it, but also create a permanent brace around the circumference of the wheel. Think of a dental retainer, or a large hose clamp, but obviously something more attractive than a hose clamp.

If it shares any parts with Brother type clones, u might find a swap from a thrift shop clinker...?

I haven't done anything to it yet. Still cogitating on it. Next time I go somewhere I'll take the hand wheel to the LSMG and see what if anything he might have.

I have no idea what other brands of machine this one might share parts with, but if anyone here has an Emdeco that's dead and has a good hand wheel, we can compare notes and maybe work a deal.

Joe

does the hand wheel off that old junky rusted up machine fit on there, Joe?

Hmmmm, I don't know. It hadn't occurred to me. I'll go get it and find out.

Joe

Drat, nope it won't fit. The center hub is offset way more than the one from the Emdeco.

Good idea though.




Joe

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***Be sneaky, get closer, bust the cap on him when you can put the ball where it counts :) .***

would an automotive body shop have any special glue/epoxy?

Have you checked with local sewing shops? Sometimes they have old parts they have saved from unfixable machines.

I have not checked with any body for parts yet. Still sticking pretty close to home. Money is short too so I've not been doing any running unless absolutely necessary.

Joee

Would one of these Kenmore ones fit? They look very similar, $10-$20 each with shipping

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-ORIGINAL...item56561b0f25

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sears-Kenmor...item46124b879c

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kenmore-158-...item4611f379bd

Joe some time when you are in Indy we will look at a couple junky old machines in the vast dark places...

Miriam,

Sounds like a good idea. Got the machine to sewing, ran a test of all 30 cams and it did well. I've heard some not so good things about the Emdeko machines, but this one is working properly.

I'm gonna take some pics of of the machine and patterns now that I've got it up and running.

Joe

I can't tell anything from the picture. I think there is a non running plastic wonder in there somewhere. I think I've pulled parts off it on occasion but not a hand wheel. I'll see if it has a plastic wheel or metal some time. That shop needs to be cleaned up. Have you tried to see what other wheels you have that might fit?