Modern sewing machines use electricity to power the sewing machine. This power is channeled to the machine through an electrical cord plugged into the wall socket. This cord is designed in series with a sewing machine foot pedal which is actually a variable on off switch. Press down on the foot control and the electricity causes the sewing machine to operate. A slight push down results in a slow start and go. The firmer the push the faster the sewing machine sews.
The foot control on a flower is what makes the flower beautiful. In similar fashion, The foot control on a sewing machine gives power to the sewing machine so it can make things beautiful.
There are three basic types of sewing machine foot pedals: Resistance, Electronic, and Pressure Devices.
A resistance pedal uses a Bakelite or other resistance material and slides a connector over it from less to greater resistance. The typical problems associated with resistance foot controls include cracks in the Bakelite, shorts in the connective wires, and wear of mechanical parts in the foot pedal.
An electronic foot control uses a circuit board with resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits to control the flow of electricity to the sewing machine. Failures of these pedals result from electrical surges, shorts, and general degradation of the electrical components. Problems with connective cords can also be problems.
Some sewing machines use pressure sensitive switches in combination with electronics and an air ballast pedal to control the flow of electricity. Potential problems include ballast leaks, electronic failures, and electrical contacts.
When you have a problem with your foot control, the first issue is to diagnose the source of the problem. Some of the obvious things to check include the flow of electricity, electrical connections, and on off switch issues.
Here are some tips on how to repair a foot control.
First, you must find out what is wrong. This requires a series of tests and checks. Inspect the foot control to determine what type it is. Depending on whether it is a resistance, electronic, or pressure type; proceed to inspect for possible causes of the foot pedal failure. What happens when I press down on it?
Is there any sound at all from my foot control or from my sewing machine? If there is no sound, that is good. If you hear a popping or crackling sound, unplug it immediately. If we shake my sewing machine pedal, do you hear anything rattling inside?
If we hear a hum, then the problem is probably not in my sewing machine foot control. If there is no movement and no sound from the sewing machine, my sewing machine foot pedal is suspect. Try pressing it down and letting up several times. Hold it down for a few seconds. If we still hear nothing and the sewing machine is motionless, it is either the cord or my sewing machine foot control.
Remove the foot control from the sewing machine and open the foot pedal. Resistance and electronic pedal open by sliding the back off or remove a few screws. Pressure based pedal do not usually open up.
With the foot control open, check for electrical connections and test for continuity with a TVOM or other meter.
If you have a resistance based pedal, use a TVOM or other tester to check resistance. Check for solid electrical connections.
Cords are often where your find real problems. Look for cracks, wear, and other faulty characteristics.
Use of your meter results and visual inspection should identify most apparent problems. Minor repairs can be made to most pedals, but often it is advisable to replace the pedal.
Originally posted 2009-03-14 20:55:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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