Problem with 328K foot pedal
 

I can't seem to regulate the speed. It sews so fast, then slow. Not sure if I can get another foot
pedal somewhere. I am assuming that is the problem.

Thank you,
Joanne

Joanne,

The foot controller is a simple two wire resistance unit. There are both resistance and electronic controllers available for it.

However before you get to the controller let me ask this. When was the last time the machine was thoroughly cleaned and oiled? And make sure the motor belt is not too tight or loose.

As for the controller here is a couple blog entries about them:

Drat, those are two links I lost in the last computer crash. They were from ArchaicArcane's blog.
If you PM her I'm sure she can give you the links, or someone else who reads this might have them.

Also if the controller is the button type, you can disassemble it and clean the insides, making sure there is no corrosion or broken pieces in there. That also might help.

JArrrghhhhh, I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.

Joe

Joe,
Thanks for the quick response. I just bought this machine and it seems like it was well taken care of. I did oil it and was really clean on the inside. I will check the belt and also email ArchaicArcane's. Thanks again.

Joanne

Which Ridgefield? I grew up near the one in SW WA state.
Rodney

Morning,
It's the name of my condo complex and I am in MA.

Joanne

Morning Joe,
I googled ArchaicArcane and found her website that shows you how to take the foot pedal apart to tighten one of the screws. Hopefully I will get the courage to try this. Thanks again for your suggestion and will keep you updated.

Joanne

Joe,
I fixed it. Inside the foot pedal the screws were loose and all I did was tighten them and it works perfect. I only paid $25.00 for this machine two days ago and has all the attachments.

Thanks again,
Joanne

Joanne,

Glad I could help.

Joe

I use my 328K so much years ago I had to have a new controller put on it. It would get real hot.

Joanne, which screws did you tighten? I just want to check for safety.

The one that runs about 2/3 the length of the foot control and moves when you press the button is supposed to be loose. The rest should be tight. The long one I'm talking about is adjustment and if it's too tight it can cause a fire.

If you followed what was on my blog, you're fine though.

When I opened the foot pedal the plate was almost falling off so I did turn the screw a little just enough to hold the plate on. I recall you mentioned not to tightened it too much so I was very careful not to put it too tight. Pedal works great now.

Excellent!! Great job then! :)

Going to check it again as it is better to be safe than sorry. Thank you for your response.

Typically, you'll know fairly fast if it's too tight. Degrees of too tight:
First the machine may groan a little and the pedal will get noticeably warm.
Then it may start to run without touching the pedal.
The hissing and crackling noises will start shortly after that and the pedal will be starting to get downright hot,
then... uh well I don't know because that's where I unplug them and take the pedal and run for the kitchen sink or stove so any resulting fire is contained. ;)

Also, the pedal shouldn't generate heat when the pedal hasn't been pressed. That's one way I test them. I plug the pedal into the machine and the wall and leave it sit like that when I'm cleaning the machine. If it starts warming my toes when I touch it or a cat sidles up to it and cuddles up, I know it has to be adjusted.

Did check it again and the nut that is on the screw is loose but I did turn the screw to loosen it some more. it is very loose and the plate isn't really tight. I am going to do the other test you mentioned and leave it plugged in so I can see if it gets hot. I was afreaid to use it so glad you sent another message so I can check it out further.

Joanne

These pedals do get warm with use, but they should never get warm without use, or really hot with use. Those are warning signs.

The tightness of the plate is less important than its relationship to the "lip" of the ceramic piece. It should be just below the lip for good graduation of speed. The nut should be tightened down so that the screw can't back off. Dave McCallm even suggests a little nail polish. Loctite is probably preferable if you have it but nail polish will lock the nut in place too.

And at least nail polish is reversable!

That sounds like experience talking! :) There are several strengths of loctite, and for some reason most of us discover the harder than steel version first. ;)

Joanne congrats on getting fixed. Certainly not the Ridgefield I was thinking of then. My wife grew up in RI so depending on which part of MA, she wasn't too far from you. I've been back with her twice now. I like it back there. Pretty, but in a different way than here.
Rodney

I think I am go to go. Nut is snug and the plate is below the ceramic piece. Thanks for all your help. I think I have taken it apart five times so I feel like a pro.

Joanne

Rodney, I was so glad to finally get this done as I kept taking it apart. It sews fast and slow depending how you press on the foot pedal. First time I have ever taken one apart.
Also I am not very far from RI and we often go to Roger Williams Park. There's a train that leaves from Worcester on Mother's Day and one on Father's day and leaves you at the zoo. Fun trip.
Joanne

After 5 times, you ARE a pro. ;)
Alright! Just test for temperature and don't leave your vintage machines plugged in when you're not using them!