[John Fehlberg]

Hi, Has anybody ever here of a Rex Sewing Machine, I just got a used 26-188, walking foot & reverse. I haven't had a chance to try it yet but if somebody knows if this is a decent machine or have any feed back about this machine and how it works would be great! Thanks John

[DanTwoLakes]

The only thing I know about that particular machine is that it is a very old model that is not produced any more. It looks like a copy of the Singer 111W to me, but I really am not familiar with it. Just make sure you use a heavier needle in it, like a size 22, and it should handle what you want it to do. Remember, guys, these industrial machines were made to go almost full tilt all day long in a production setting. Nothing you will do with them should come close to that level of usage.

[John Fehlberg]

Thanks Dan, I like all the great stuff you and the rest have been writing and for all the hints, Great job! Thanks,
John

[Dusty82]

I'll echo the best advice Dan gave me when I got my used machine - have it checked out, cleaned, and tuned up by a pro. Look for a sewing machine shop in your area that handles industrial machines, and talk to one of the techs to see if they're familiar with your brand. You may be at a disadvantage here since your machine's been out of production for a while, so you may have to look around a bit, but no doubt there are still techs out there who have worked on them before.

It cost me about $90 to have my machine checked out. They disassembled, cleaned & lubricated, inspected, then reassembled it, then they adjusted the timing and ran a few test seams on it. They gave the whole machine one final oiling before calling me to tell me it was done. I dropped it off on a Monday evening and picked it up that Friday afternoon.

When I picked it up, I asked to speak with the tech that did the work on it. We talked for a good half hour about my machine, and I asked him every question I could think of about the machine's condition, maintenance, and what I needed to do to keep it in tip-top running condition. He gave me several tips, and pointed out some of the places I needed to oil it that weren't obviously identified. Overall it was a very good experience, and I consider the $90 to be money well spent.

Welcome to the club, and good luck with your new machine! And by all means, please do post some pictures of it!

[John Fehlberg]

Thanks for the advise Dusty! In my spare time I'm going to look up some sewing machine repair shop and have them give it a going-over. I will post some pictures of both projects soon (62 Vette restore & 54 Chevy Panel rod).
John

[Dusty82]

Originally Posted by John Fehlberg

I will post some pictures of both projects soon (62 Vette restore & 54 Chevy Panel rod).
John

:::perk::: '54 Chevy Panel? Panel van or Sedan Delivery? I'm getting started on a '55F GMC 1-ton Panel Van, which is virtually identical to the '54. I've about got everything gathered together, and construction should start something later this fall. I'm doing a total frame swap to an '83 Chevy 1-ton dually chassis that I'm modifying to the 138" wheelbase I need. This thing just screams "big truck" so that's the route I'm taking with it.

[John Fehlberg]

Yes, a panel 1/2 ton truck. SBC, 4L60E, 1980 Camaro RR end, IFS (TCI) and more. I keep gathering parts but working mostly on the 62 now, it should be done next year.
John

[John Fehlberg]

Hi, I'm looking to change motor to a servo, what size should I get, 400 watt or go for the 550 watt there isn't that much money difference so I think I should go for the bigger servo.
Thanks
John

[DanTwoLakes]

I have Reliable Sew-Quiet 3000's on both my Consew 226R and my Consew 255RB-3 sewing machines. They are 1/2 h.p. 400 watt units and they work beautifully. There is no advantage to getting the bigger motor. http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/rel-3000.php

I bought both mine at the same time for $138 each with free shipping from some place on E-Bay. Most places get $149 for them.

[John Fehlberg]

Thanks Dan

[John Fehlberg]

Hi Dan, I bought a Reliable sew-quiet 3000 for $135.00, shipping included.
Thanks,
John

[DanTwoLakes]

Terrific! Great price, and I guarantee you will love it. It comes with all the mounting hardware and an extra set of brushes. It also has two different pulleys, 110 mm diameter (about 4 1/4"), and 90 mm, (about 3"). Use the smaller of the two, 'cuz it absolutely flies with the bigger pulley on. Let me know how you like it. This also has a lot of adjustments to adjust the top speed. The first time you need to creep with it and don't have to think about how hard you're pressing on the foot pedal makes it worth its weight in gold.

[horvath]

Ditto that on the Reliable Sew-Quiet!

I bought one, too, and I sure am glad I did!!! (Thanks, Dan!)