The Upholstery Forum

Hello everyone! I am a newbie with a wonderful machine, a Consew P1206RB. My dilemma is: EVERYTIME I start stitching, I must move the hand wheel to get started. It doesn’t matter how thin or thick the material is, it won’t start on its own. I know this isn’t a big deal, but I’d really like to hold on to my project with both hands instead of needing to encourage the motor. My first thought is the belt tension. I have tried increasing the tension by moving the rod that adjusts the angle of the motor (aka long thingy with a bolt) which in turn moves the motor further away increasing the tension but the bolt is at the tip of the rod, so it can’t be adjusted more than I already have. I thought I’d ask experts to see if I’m way off base. Thank you for any insight you can offer!

Where is your servo motor setting? Tells us what # reads on th dial or digital setting.

Hi BigRig! My motor speed is at 1590.

I don't put a lot of tension on my belts, just enough to get good traction but not slip. Not sure if that's right or wrong but how i set them up. I would look into putting a smaller pulley on your servo, say a 2inch. You can easily find them at a Tractor Supply or Ruralking type store for about $5. That'll decrease your top speed and increase your torque on start up and may remedy your issue. You may also need a shorter belt to compensate the smaller pulley as you are now stretched all the way out.

Thank you, Adam12! (Jack Webb related?) So it sounds like I thought the belt was too loose and in fact, it may have been too tight. I’ll adjust it. I will look for the 2” pulley for the servo. I did buy a larger spoke hand wheel a few weeks ago, although I haven’t put it on yet. Should I replace both? Thanks again

Hi @PaulaF Welcome to the forum!!

So you will know if the belt tension is not tight enough if the motor pulley is spinning and slipping when your having the problem of having to start by hand.

If the pulley is not slipping then your speed setting is not high enough. This is a common symptom on some servo motors. Adjust the speed setting up until you dont have the problem. If that speed is too fast for you then getting a smaller pulley will help slow it down.

Also as @Adam12 mentioned. Be cautious about putting too much tension on the belts because it will put added stress on the bearings inside the motor and cause them to wear out prematurely.

Let us know what you figure out!

Thank you all so much! I adjusted the speed and the tension of the belt. It’s fixed!! But now it’s too fast for me. That walking foot gets moving very quickly! I’m sure I will be able to handle the speed with more practice but for now, I bought a 2” pulley to add to the motor. I’ll be adding that when it arrives next week. I may still add the larger hand wheel too. I’ll let you know how it goes. I really appreciate all your help!

Good luck @PaulaF and welcome to forum. If you have the big hand wheel too then absolutely use it, it'll help slow it down even more.

Hello @PaulaF

The smaller motor pulley will help some.
If you have the Consew 500w servo I suggest upgrading if possible. Mine was very touchy at start up also. I just replaced it with a digital servo and man what a difference. Plus It has needle position which I am finding out is very helpful also.

This is the one I got. I see Amazon no longer stocks it but if you can find it or similar you will not be disappointed.

I have the same machine and upgraded the motor to a Reliable sewquiet with a needle positioner, works great.