Walking foot sewing machine -- Reliant Barracuda

[notlef]

I've been following this thread and there is a lot of good information here.
I decided to order a rex607z to re-do the enclosure on my pursuit. Got it yesterday. I have the same issue with the spring washer missing. Good thing I had already order the power wheel and associated parts from sailrite to do the upgrade. I'll have ~350.00 in it when it all said and done.

 

[Buoybill]

Is the Sailrite 604U Monster II Sailrite Balance Wheel that will fit the REX 607z?

 

[bruceb58]

Is the Sailrite 604U Monster II Sailrite Balance Wheel that will fit the REX 607z?

Yes..same machine basically.

 

[notlef]

Is the Sailrite 604U Monster II Sailrite Balance Wheel that will fit the REX 607z?

I got the Power Wheel Plus
http://www.sailrite.com/Power-Plus-Flywheel-Only

 

[Buoybill]

That you!! Got it ordered from Sailrite. Finally got to try the machine. Works nicely but starting is like a jack rabbit. Hard to control. With this wheel it should work alot better. With all I have to do it should pay for itself. Just for my projects. Bought the whole kit. Wheel belt and hardware.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

BuoyBill & Notlef --GREAT TO HAVE OTHER USERS OF 607-Z BOARD --

Please let us know what you think about the machine handling with the upgrades.

I priced out the parts at $138.00 for Posipin and monster wheel but have not ordered yet.

I did fabricate a .030 brass washer for a clutch plate but found its not as good as part of a used bicycle tire inner tube cut as a washer -- I guess I stick with that until I upgrade.

 

[Woodonglass]

This guy is an internet guru on all types of sewing machines. Here's his breakdown on the Sailrite LZ1

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Interesting video --- That Ls1 shown has much better low speed control than the rex607z -- Larger balance wheel with bigger cog diameter for the belt and resulting gear reduction seems to help a lot.

 

[Woodonglass]

You may like these as well...

Note this one appears to go on longer but it realy does end at the 7:30 mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWwGnVN2EKQ


This is Sailrites "Take" on why Their machine is better than the clones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVctef6IRlo

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

The one in the first video -- differs from the Sailrite and also the Rex in that the casting is 9 inches deep / The Rex 607z & Sailrite have 7 inch wide clearances under the arm.

I tried the Rex with some lighter fabric and shorter stitches and it seemed right at home for speed control / handling.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

It appears their are a few types of look a likes -- It was an interesting comparison. Thanks for all your efforts WOG! Your tireless!

 

[notlef]

I got some time tonight to go out to my shop and play with the Rex. If habor freight sold sewing machines this would be it. In the end I believe it will work fine for my needs. It will just take some fine tuning.
Biggest issue with it is the clutch setup. It's just plain bad. Took me an hour just to get enough tension on it to where it would sew 2 layers of sunbrella, 30 mil vinyl, and a binding layer. My power wheel gets delivered tomorrow. I believe that will solved the issue with slippage permanently. Also I'm going to find a replacement for the foot switch.

 

[bruceb58]

Sorry..that would drive me nuts having to deal with that. That's why my welders, plasma cutters and sewing machine are not made in China.

 

[Woodonglass]

It appears their are a few types of look a likes -- It was an interesting comparison. Thanks for all your efforts WOG! Your tireless!

Well When I was looking into doing my upholstery several years ago I did a lot of research on All types of machines. I maintain an electronic library of the links I find worthwhile so I can bring them back up when needed. Also I've had a lot of time on my hands lately to do Web Surfing. If I get to be to much of a Pest just let me know!!!!

 

[PatinIdaho]

I also have a Rex607z that i got recently and after i got the upper tension set for my thread and material(up to 5 layers vinyl) it has worked perfect with no problems.
I can certainly see the bigger wheel being an advantage starting though and some day i might get one but for now it is sewing my boat interior fine.
The clutch has not slipped at all. Its not a Lsz1 but it will sew what i need it to and for 1/2 the price im liking it

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Great to have some other R607-z owners following Please keep us posted on your work & learning.


I think we all know that you get what you pay for // And stretching the dollars can have challenges & rewards of its own.


And remember -- As long as its thick fabric or boat related -- "Sewing is Manly" -- Or at least that's what I keep telling myself. Hoping for a welding project or 2 to keep up my self esteem. :lol:

 

[Woodonglass]

Hey, I sewed Christmas Stockings for my Grandkids!!! Didn't affect my ManCard in the least!!! They Love em! and thought PoPo was AWESOME!!!!

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Well -- Since it appears we are going " Open Kimono " on the side jobs for the family.

Have you ever tried making rice packs ? They work like a microwaveable hot water bottle.

Just take some heavy cotton such a jean cloth and make a 6x6 pouch (or longer on one axis with 6 inch sections ) and fill each one with 1.5-2 cups of white rice.

My wife used hers all the time in the long VT winters -- The kids like em too -- especially when sick or to warm up their beds a little.

( Cotton seem to work much better then fleece for heat transfer // dimensions are approximate & can be adjusted // more rice = more heat mass // heating time is about 1 minute per 2 cups )

 

[Woodonglass]

Oh Yeah!!!!! Only we use White Navy Beans to fill ours. Made ours about 4" x 18" That way you can wrap it around your neck and shoulders or lower back. My Wife couldn't live without it!!!! Both My Kids families have one Too!!!! Envelope Pillows are fun and Easy too!!!!

 

[sphelps]

What do you do put them in the microwave ?
I must admit I have sewn up a couple holey socks ... :facepalm:
I hate it when my big toe sticks out ! :lol: