Help with Rockateer (won't disengage handwheel)
 

Hello I have a really nice Singer 500 that I'm exploring and I notice when I try to wind a bobbin, the hand-wheel turns and turns but does not disengage so the needle continues to move but bobbin does not turn. I wonder if this is something i can fix or if it is the result of a larger ($$$) problem? Everything else works beautifully!

I believe it's an easy fix. Most likely the oil has solidified. Not sure about the best way of going about dissolving the solids and re-oiling that part. My advice is to join one of the vintage Singer sewing machine groups at groups.yahoo.com . They enjoy helping people make old machines sing! Or, post in the vintage area of the QB.

Are you turning the knob on the handwheel to disengage the needle before winding the bobbin?

Yes, I'm turning the hand-wheel per manual but it just turns and turns and nothing happens. I took the top off and can't see anything to "fix" in there. The rubber wheel wasn't turning but i did get that working however the clutch mechanism is not doing its job. Needle goes up and down so i now technically can wind a bobbin. The other problem is that there is no screw in the bobbin case to adjust the tension. That i know is an easy-fix...the other i'm not sure about. Thank you I will find the vintage machine thread to post this.

Mea

It's not the handwheel that you need to turn but the silver knob in the center of the handwheel. You should feel it disengage from the handwheel. If not, it's stuck and you'll likely need to unstick with a product that releases stuck screws, etc.

Thanks everyone. The inside knob that releases the clutch turns but is not doing what its supposed to do. Its frustrating....i feel someone could fix this in 5 minutes. i can't even see how to remove the handwheel! no visible screws there!

The Rocketeer doesn't have a silver knob. It has two handwheels. You hold one steady, while turning the other to disengage the clutch. I'll try to post a photo.

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If you don't have all day, then don't take the hand wheel off any machine. It's very difficult to get it back on in the proper configuration. At least it was for me. I will take any machine apart but I leave the clutch alone.

That's right, I forgot!!

I love your reply!