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Member since 5/27/04
Posts: 3769
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Posted on: 9/10/10 12:08 PM ET
Not sure what I've done wrong, I changed the wiring because the machine was "live" (electricity on the bed), I don't have that problem anymore. Now the actual foot pedal is overheating.

Has anyone had this happen? How was it fixed?
TIA


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"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Coco Chanel

Stash Sewn in 2011 148.5 Yds
Stash Sewn in 2012.... counting...

http://adonising.blogspot.com
  
Member since 8/23/07
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Posted on: 9/10/10 12:19 PM ET
In reply to loti
Is this a "toe-operated" foot control? Does it happen quickly/after only a little bit of use?

If so, I think it's fairly common for it to get hot rather quickly (but not *too* quickly). Especially if you're "riding" it (like you "ride" a clutch on a manual tranny car).

At least, that's what I seem to remember. I could be wrong!!

Assuming this is a vintage SM, have you checked out the appropriate YAHOO group?
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"And these children that you spit on, as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultations. They're quite aware of what they're going through" ~ David Bowie, "Changes"

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Member since 2/19/04
Posts: 10120
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Posted on: 9/10/10 12:19 PM ET
In reply to loti
Yes, I did have this problem. My older Kenmore pedal was getting really hot when I sewed. When I asked for advice from a Kenmore yahoo group, the experts said "sew faster." So I did and it worked.

They said it was something about sewing slow causing the foot pedal to get hot. I don't know what kind of machine you have or how old it is or if this suggestion would work for you, but it helped me. :)
  
Member since 3/13/05
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Posted on: 9/10/10 12:25 PM ET
Also, I heard that releasing the button completely every time you stop should help.
  
Member since 5/27/04
Posts: 3769
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Posted on: 9/10/10 12:26 PM ET
Duh, sorry I didn't mention the machine, it is a vintage Singer 15-91, bakelite pedal case & 3 plug terminal (same as the ones found on featherweights).

It does not happen immediately, I had it plugged in and did not use the machine, just hit the pedal long enough to test it and left the machine. After an hour I could smell something, I unplugged it immediately and let it cool, then took it apart again to make sure nothing had started melting. Everything looked ok. So I'm stumped.
------
"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Coco Chanel

Stash Sewn in 2011 148.5 Yds
Stash Sewn in 2012.... counting...

http://adonising.blogspot.com
  
Member since 3/24/10
Posts: 1949
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Posted on: 9/10/10 12:33 PM ET
There may be a bit of crap inside the pedal
cleaning it out could help. it can cause shorts that will overheat the pedal :)
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Member since 3/13/05
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Posted on: 9/10/10 12:34 PM ET
It sounds like your foot control needs adjustment so that it releases completely when not in use (maybe it's slightly 'on' all the time) or you have faulty wire?
  
Member since 5/27/04
Posts: 3769
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Posted on: 9/10/10 12:39 PM ET
In reply to gymcats
I would hate to think the wire is faulty, it's brand new
I'll adjust it again, maybe I adjusted it too far.

I'll take it apart again and clean it out and hope that helps it.

Will report back.
------
"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Coco Chanel

Stash Sewn in 2011 148.5 Yds
Stash Sewn in 2012.... counting...

http://adonising.blogspot.com
  
Member since 1/20/10
Posts: 3195
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Posted on: 9/10/10 1:43 PM ET
My understanding is this: the old carbon pile foot pedal controllers are going to get warm - it's what they do. The comments about going fast, & then letting up completely, so that there is either full contact or none at all, will help.

I'm seriously thinking about getting a new electronic foot pedal for my 201, since it's the one I use most, and I really need the option to adjust my speed! Some folks just automatically switch out all their old foot pedals. It's probably the safe solution.
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Member since 5/27/04
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Posted on: 9/10/10 1:54 PM ET
In reply to JillyBe
Quote:
Some folks just automatically switch out all their old foot pedals. It's probably the safe solution.


You are probably right, now I noticed the lamp is getting really hot after just being on 5 minutes. The foot pedal is cool now.
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"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
Coco Chanel

Stash Sewn in 2011 148.5 Yds
Stash Sewn in 2012.... counting...

http://adonising.blogspot.com
  
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