I have a 1950 singer 201-2 and it's great other then the fact that it goes slow and then sometimes speeds up on it's own when I have the pedal all the way down. I asked the repair shop about it and he said it's just "showing it's age". I was just wondering if this happens to anyone else? It's annoying when I'm trying to sew and it's not consistent, it screws me up and startles me LOL

Are you sure the belt isn't slipping or is too tight. It sounds like the belt may need adjustment?

It may be the foot controller. If you have another one around, try that one on it. The foot controller will go bonkers before the motor will. And also when was the last time you put any motor grease in? It has to be motor grease, not machine oil.

Sounds like the foot controller to me. There are several Yahoo groups on vintage Singers that can be helpful with problems like this. Try joining vintagesingers, singer, and/or wefixit.

he gave me a new foot controller when he changed the electrical. do you think it's faulty? there is no belt it's a potted moter

I still think it's the foot controller. Might be a simple adjustment you could make yourself. The Yahoo groups can help you figure it out.

Are you sure the foot controller is brand new? This type of problem is typical of a used foot controller.

some of the foot controls have an actual reostat or "clutch" in them..bet it is that and NOT your motor!

hmmmm good to know! I will call him tomorrow and ask! thanks so much ladies!

Your machine isn't showing its age.
It sounds like your foot control. Is it a modern, electronic foot control or a vintage carbon pile one he had on hand?

Is the machine binding up? Un-thread it and remove the bobbin. Using the hand wheel, slowly turn it toward you, see if there is any place it catches or stutters as you make a full revolution. Do it a couple times to make sure every thing is OK or to make note of where in the needle stroke the binding occurs so you can repeat it for the repair man.

While you have your bobbin out, put a drop of oil in the very middle of your bobbin case. There may be a hole or a wick in the center of it, either way, the oil isn't going to hurt anything and your machine will thank you.

sew classic has some info on the 201s. I think a good cleaning would be in order. She shows how on her site.
Is it a knee controller or a foot control? I have some old Singer doing the same thing runs ok then goes flat. I think it is the motor brushes. http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/11/...ne-review.aspx