Comments on: CNC Sewing Machine

By: cnc lathe for TMT

cnc lathe for TMT — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:24:57 +0000

Good!I like it.

By: Andrew Lewis

Andrew Lewis — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:08:36 +0000

I’m glad you like the project. I must admit that it wasn’t really a project, more a sort of protracted tinkering session

I’m not sure of the exact model of the sewing machine, but it’s usually fairly easy to spot how the zigzag mechanism works. Machines that can accept cams will be easier to modify, and it will pay to get the fastest acting servo that you can find. Servo power is less important than speed in this project.

Hope that helps,
Andrew

By: Bing

Bing — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:37:41 +0000

Hello Andrew,

Your design is amazing! I plan to make a similar one for my school project.

I wonder which model of Alfa Sewing Machine are you using? I would like to buy a sewing machine that’s easy to hack.

Thanks a lot!

Cheers,
Bing

By: Andrew Lewis

Andrew Lewis — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:32:29 +0000

I’ve added some more photos and information here: http://www.upcraft.it/archives/718

I’ll keep posting updates, and release the software when I’m happy with the look of it.

Thanks for looking!
Andrew

By: John

John — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:35:03 +0000

Love the project you’ve got there. Also looking to recreate it for myself and my group of “Makers” in Memphis, MidSouth Makers.

Anxiously awaiting your posts!

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:37:11 +0000

I second Justin great project. I cannot wait to dig into this a build one out for my self. Keep the updates coming great work.

By: Andrew Lewis

Andrew Lewis — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:59:01 +0000

Thanks, really pleased that you like it.

I used standard Futaba S3003 “general purpose” servos – It doesn’t take much effort to move the mechanism once you disconnect the tension springs from the feed and the zigzag cam. The feed/position controls work fine with these servos, and the machine will reverse feed in a single stitch. If you push the machine at full speed, the servo might not be fast enough to move from extreme left to extreme right at 5 volts, so a 7806 voltage regulator might be a better choice – but then again, how often do people floor the pedal unless they’re running a long seam?

By: Justin

Justin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:29:01 +0000

That’s awesome! What a great idea. Now I want to convert one of the old machines I’ve got laying around. To do full embroidery, you’re going to have to control the reverse function and the needle position left-to-right. What size servo does that require?