Rex 26-188

[Stitches]

I've got a rex 26-188 walking foot machine made by nakajima. Does anyone have any experience with these machines?  I still don't understand if its a compound feed, needle feed or what. Is there a good source for a manual that I can actually read and understand?  I'm wanting to learn to do boat upholstery so I figured that I would get an actual walking foot full size machine instead of a portable or a home machine. What is the biggest size thread I can use in it? And are there any good places for parts for this machine?  Thanks.    Please help

[sofadoc]

This manual should work for the Rex:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bxc7URxlLGQ1aGhWaUttaW8yVEE/edit

The Rex 26-188 is nearly identical to the old Singer 16-188. It is a top/bottom feed walking foot machine (not compound feed).

I think you can use as big as #207 thread. But if not, #138 for sure. It's rated for up to a 23 gauge needle.

Parts for the Nakajima TDU-N62 should be the same. Any industrial sewing machine repair shop that stocks parts for 16-188's should be able to help you.

This model is a 'tweener' for boat seats. Better than a portable......not as good as a compound feed walking foot machine.

[Stitches]

Thanks.   What is a compound feed?

[sofadoc]

Thanks.   What is a compound feed?

Watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Gt0ydA1Zo

As you'll see, the needle "walks" in the same motion with the front foot. The rear foot goes up/down.
The front foot goes up/forward/down/back.

With a non-compound feed, the needle doesn't walk. It just goes up/down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuSD45vGfNM

[Stitches]

Wow the compound machine definitely seems to work better and walk the material a lot smoother. Thank you for taking the time to educate me.  Usually I google or youtube everything.  My rex is the first sewing machine I have ever touched,  and will be learning on it. Slowing it down has been the first challenge for me I ended up putting some foam scraps under the pedal to stiffen it up a bit which has helped.  Lastly...what is a fair price to pay to give the machine a tune up?  I called a repairman here in the delta area and he quoted me $129 for a service before parts. Seems a bit steep no

[sofadoc]

Lastly...what is a fair price to pay to give the machine a tune up?  I called a repairman here in the delta area and he quoted me $129 for a service before parts. Seems a bit steep

I'm sure the price varies by region.
I had a guy who charged me $125 for an in-shop service call.....he drove 80 miles (one way).

The shop that I currently use charges $65 for timing, and other basic adjustments. They even did it on a Saturday morning while I waited.

I know what you mean, though. If the machine needed a few parts, you could easily be talking about $250-$300 or more. At that point, you have to weigh the options of paying that much to fix an old machine, or put a little money with it, and get a rebuilt one.

Another trick to slow it down a bit, is to loosen the belt until it almost slips.

[Stitches]

Ah I will try that with the belt. Those machines in the videos must have servos.  I may also get a smaller pulley and belt to be able to slow it down a wee bit from turbo mode. Smallest I can find around here is a 2" pulley. original is a 3 1/2". Any thoughts on that?

[sofadoc]

A 2" OD pulley ought to do the trick.