Sewing machine dilemma

[PatriciaH]

I have a homedream sewing machine and i think ive thrown the lead out by accident! :( does anyone know where i can get a replacement from? ive googled and asked jeeves- no luck,i bought it from tesco... i might have to get in touch with them in the end , itl probably take ages though and i need it now.

[lady_p_gold]

Is it homedream .... that is not a make I know ... Was it sold under a Tesco name, what I am getting at is it might be a New Home or something with their label on it .. once you can find out the manufacturer you should be able to get one or I might know someone that could help you as I know someone in the trade ....

[Buenchico]

(2 part post):

The mains lead is probably a fairly standard product but, without a description, it's hard to work out exactly what you require.

The first question has to be this: Is it simply a mains lead or does it incorporate a transformer? If it incorporates a transformer then things can get very complicated (because you'll need to ensure that you've got the correct voltage with the correct type of current - AC or DC - with the correct power rating, correct polarity and the correct connector!). Otherwise, it should be easy to find a replacement lead.

Not sure? Basically, if the power goes into your sewing machine via a small connector (about the size of the plug attached to the headphones on a CD or MP3 player), then there must be a transformer involved (which, as I've indicated, complicates matters). If on the other hand, the power goes into your sewing machine via a relatively chunky connector, like the one on the end of a kettle lead or the power lead for your PC, then it's almost certain that there's no transformer involved. (i.e. your sewing machine runs directly from mains voltage).

[Buenchico]

OK, I'll assume that we've established that there's no transformer. In which case, the connector which goes into the sewing machine is likely to be one of three types:
Firstly, it could be a 'figure of eight' connector. This is probably unlikely because there are only 2 pins and it's likely that a sewing machine will have an earth pin as well. But if you can see that the hole which the lead plugs into represents a figure of 8, then this is the lead you require (�3.99):
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria =mains%20lead&ModuleNo=1168&doy=19m1

If, however, that hole is a 'cloverleaf' shape, then you require this lead (�3.99):
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria =mains%20lead&ModuleNo=29240&doy=19m1

If the shape of the hole is the same as the one in an electric kettle (or on the back of your PC) then you need an IEC lead (�3.99, �4.99 or �5.99 depending upon length):
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria =IEC%20mains%20lead&ModuleNo=1176&doy=20m1
(NB: If this is the correct type of lead, and you've got an urgent sewing job, you can simply borrow the lead from your PC or kettle).

Having got all of the transformer-less leads out of the way, I'll return to the possibility of a power supply using a transformer. If your sewing machine uses this type of lead then it should still be possible to get a replacement item from Maplin Electronics but I'd advise taking your sewing machine into one of their shops so

[Buenchico]

(I hate it when AB edits things!)

. . . .that their staff can look at the connector and the markings alongside it.

Chris

[PatriciaH]

What fantastic replys ive had on help! im astounded to say the least....il have a proper read when i get in from work, im so annoyed with myself , thick or what if ive thrown it away!! thanks a million to all replies x