FMQ w/one speed machine
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 17
FMQ w/one speed machine
Does anyone have any suggestions in controlling the speed on a machine that you cannot adjust it? I have a Baby Lock Jazz II and it is fast. I'm a beginner quilter and learning how to free motion quilt and I cannot get my hands and feet in a cohesive speed. I realize a lot of this is something that I need to learn. A repairman told me to tape a metal disk on the foot pedal to prevent me from pushing down the entire way. It worked for a little while but the disk kept slipping off. I might need a better tape than packing. Any suggestions? Thank you.
I do okay with the walking foot.
I do okay with the walking foot.
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,539
When I used my old machine that I could not adjust the speed, I did use a little block of wood to prevent my foot pedal from going down all the way. I duct taped it to the pedal so the pedal would only go down a little.
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 65
I know exactly what you mean. Hard to focus/coordinate your hands and foot both while doing something different with each. Sometimes I go faster and faster until I lose control. And since your Jazz has no electronic speed control, it would naturally be even harder.
The idea of taping something to the pedal to limit the movement until you get the practice hours in is certainly a possibility. I also wonder if an electronics/electrical shop can sell you something that allows you to adjust power coming in to the machine. Years ago we had these little boxes that you could plug a lamp into that allowed you to increase or decrease the light. I think it was a simple rheostat control. This would not be good for a computerized machine, but for a purely mechanical machine it might work. Perhaps inquire at an electronics shop or electrical supply store if something like that still exists and if it would be appropriate on a mechanical machine like this.
The idea of taping something to the pedal to limit the movement until you get the practice hours in is certainly a possibility. I also wonder if an electronics/electrical shop can sell you something that allows you to adjust power coming in to the machine. Years ago we had these little boxes that you could plug a lamp into that allowed you to increase or decrease the light. I think it was a simple rheostat control. This would not be good for a computerized machine, but for a purely mechanical machine it might work. Perhaps inquire at an electronics shop or electrical supply store if something like that still exists and if it would be appropriate on a mechanical machine like this.
#5
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Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 65
One more thing....I have heard there is an adjustment inside the foot control for these AC types. You might could adjust it down, and leave it that way for a couple weeks/months while practicing, then turn it back up when you feel ready. It would slow down all your sewing during that time period, of course, but might be worth it overall. Just another thought.
#6
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 17
Thank you all for the insight and suggestions. Possibly the easiest is to cut a piece of wood the right size for the foot pedal and tape it on. I'll see how long that lasts. Just practicing will help, for sure. Thanks again.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 9,475
I think you may need a new foot pedal like others have said. This happened to me and the speed was out of control and going so fast on my machine. I took it to the LQS and they replaced the foot pedal and what a relief to control the speed on my machine.
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Denise S
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10-21-2011 11:15 AM