help: handwheel on Thompson PW400 hard to turn

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   Hi all,
I just purchased a used Thompson PW400 from Ebay and upon inspection I've noticed that I get a lot of resistance when I try to turn the handwheel. I went through and oiled all the moving parts but it did not make much of a difference. From my research, it seems that this machine very similar to Sailrite machines. Am I right to assume this resistance is not normal for these types of mini walking foot machines? My only other experience with sewing machines is a Singer 201 and it is very easy/smooth to turn. 

The seller described the machine as in "excellent condition" and I am contemplating contacting them and seeing if they would help pay for a tune up from a repair shop. 

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memorymachine Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 14 October 2016 Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote memorymachine Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: help: handwheel on Thompson PW400 hard to turn Posted: 14 October 2016 at 6:50pm
	Hi all, I just purchased a used Thompson PW400 from Ebay and upon inspection I've noticed that I get a lot of resistance when I try to turn the handwheel. I went through and oiled all the moving parts but it did not make much of a difference. From my research, it seems that this machine very similar to Sailrite machines. Am I right to assume this resistance is not normal for these types of mini walking foot machines? My only other experience with sewing machines is a Singer 201 and it is very easy/smooth to turn. The seller described the machine as in "excellent condition" and I am contemplating contacting them and seeing if they would help pay for a tune up from a repair shop.

MattGrant Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Sailrite Employee - Expert Joined: 21 April 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3007	Post Options Post Reply Quote MattGrant Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 October 2016 at 8:52am
	Hi, The first thing to do is to try and sew with the machine. If it does not sew then you possibly have bigger shipping related damages to look at. That said it is normal to have some resistance in the rotation of a walking foot sewing machine (especially with the presser feet down). But it will be impossible for me to tell you if what you are experiencing is normal without seeing the machine. I would suggest that run the machine at full speed and see if the balance wheel is spinning true. If not, it is possible the upper shaft got bent in shipping - which could definiately cause resistance. Otherwise you may be fine. A trip to a good service center may be wise just to make sure things are right. These machines are heavy and if they are not packaged properly to ship damage can occur.
	Best Regards, Matt Grant Sailrite